Zoë Spence

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“World-ranked athlete, brand builder, and leader passionate about using business as a tool to create positive change.”

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Fun Fact About Yourself: As a former top 20 U.S. junior tennis player and world-ranked player (#226), I became the first African-American scholarship women’s tennis player, MVP, and captain at the University of Notre Dame.

Undergraduate School and Major:  

• University of Notre Dame — BA., Honors (double major) in Political Science; Film Television and Theatre, May 2020
• Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University — Master of Science in Management Studies, June 2021

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The Kraft Heinz Company — Associate Brand Manager, Powdered Beverages

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Wharton School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? With Wharton’s extensive resources dedicated to innovation, including its Venture Lab, and the strength of its global alumni network, I knew it was the ideal place to turn ideas into impactful solutions and develop lifelong relationships.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? I am excited to contribute to the Consulting Club, the African American MBA Association (AAMBAA) and its Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference, and the Wharton Tennis Club, as they offer opportunities to advance professionally, build meaningful connections, and pursue my passions.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Catalyst is the first word that comes to mind because Wharton helps to transform ambition into action through unmatched resources, mentorship, and community.

What makes Philadelphia a great place to earn an MBA? Philadelphia’s dynamic business landscape and vibrant entrepreneurial scene makes it an ideal place for MBA students to grow professionally.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I founded FreshSuspence, a video-sharing campaign showcasing collegiate student-athlete life. It allowed me to combine entrepreneurship and impact by encouraging athletes to share stories and to connect with and support one another.

What is your biggest passion – and how has it helped you make an impact? I’m passionate about building platforms that spotlight untold stories. I founded FreshSuspence, a video-sharing campaign sharing collegiate student-athletes’ experiences and serving as a precursor to NIL, by sparking early conversations about personal brand value.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I hope to pursue opportunities that allow me to lead innovative initiatives that drive growth and deliver value.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program? Show your genuine self while highlighting the impact you aim to have on the Wharton community.

DON’T MISS: MEET WHARTON’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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