Wharton Return on Equality - #OneWharton

WHAT IS AN ASSUMPTION PEOPLE MAKE ABOUT YOU?

Male 1: That because I’m an Army brat who worked on Wall St. I’ve had it good from the start. In reality my family lost everything in Katrina…we were homeless.

Male 2: That things have always come easy because of my education, career & amazing partner/family. My reality is I worked four jobs throughout college & qualified for food stamps till 25.

Female 1: I grew up poor… My dad is a proud janitor…Education gave me freedom! I’m a first-generation college student!!!

Female 2: That I am Chinese because I look Asian. Actually, I am Korean. That I don’t speak English because I look Asian. Actually, we can start with “Hello.”

Female 3: That it’s ok to point to me because you can’t pronounce my name. Next time just ask. Smiling face emoticon.

Male 3: I am…comfortable drinking alcohol because I am an MBA student. Conscious of my family history of alcoholism I am guarded about drinking.

Male 4: That I want to be your “Gay Best Friend”

Female 4: That I am young & unsophisticated at work. I always wear make-up and think carefully about how I speak.

Female 5: That I’m not a natural leader b/c I’m reserved. You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to lead.

Female 6: That I don’t take work seriously b/c I wear ripped jeans. I don’t need to wear a suit to make an impact.

Female 7: As a Nigerian International my accent should sound “African.” But English is my native language…and it is flawless!!

Female 8: That I don’t have moments of anxiety because I am tough!!! Next time just ask, “Buki, how are you doing?” (smiling emoticon.)

Male 5: That I am naturally happy and positive. I go to therapy weekly…it is what helped me get my MBA.

Female 9: That I had a carefree and easy childhood. Reality is that I have personally witnessed how domestic violence & drug abuse destroy families.

Male 6: After leaving the NFL, I could not transition to Wall Street. You’re looking at the newest VP at Goldman Sachs!!

WHAT DOES THE WORD ‘PRIVELEGE’ MEAN TO YOU?

Female 10: Accepting that it is neither good nor bad. That it does not mitigate my hard work or success. Instead, it allows me to -Understand other’s circumstances -Engage in deep conversations -Accelerate my learning.

Male 7: My private school education which has created easier access to opportunity

Female 11: I am the granddaughter of illiterate Tobagonian farmers. Their sacrifices give me the freedom to forge my own path.

Male 8: Feeling confident b/c I have such a strong support network.

Female 12: My parents have high expectations of me. It pushed me to be the best version of myself.

Female 13: Not having had to work as hard as others to get to the same place.

Female 14: Being able to express emotion without being perceived as “weak” because I’m a woman.

Female 15: I can choose when to reveal my Irish or my hispanic identity, & still I am one of ~10 Hispanic American women in WG19. My privilege will improve representation of women like me in business.

Male 9: Being able to throw away food b/c I don’t feel like eating it.

Male 10: As a straight, white, American male…privilege, getting the benefit of the doubt, even when I don’t deserve it.

WHEN DID SOMEONE CHANGE YOUR MIND?

Female 15: I used to think that I was too quiet to make a difference, until I was told that people value my opinions.

Female 16: A white guy from Texas showed me that you don’t have to look the same, to have a similar story.

Female 17: I’ve never had a desire to learn about religion. My best friend–an observant Christian—has shown me the strength faith provides so many.

Male 11: I thought: Vulnerability=Weakness. Now, I believe: Vulnerability=Courage. Being vulnerable opens up the opportunity to understand each other on a more meaningful level.

Male 12: A year ago, being a man meant always being right. Now I listen to understand before I respond.

Female 18: I did not believe in true selflessness until…a complete stranger paid for my flight home when I was stranded with no money.

#OneWharton

Return on Equality

This video was produced by Return on Equality with the time and support from Wharton students. ROE is a student-led coalition at Wharton whose vision is to make Wharton a pioneering institution that deliberately equips students to be leaders and advocates of inclusive, organizational practices enabling individuals to be recognized and valued as their whole selves.

In addition to Wharton Communications and the MBA Program Administration, Return on Equality would like to thank:

Chris Lyle
Jismy Raju
Eric Morin
Deivanai Chidambaram
Sera Koo
Greg Berger
Davis Filippell
Tina Chen
Michie Adachi
Ashley Carew
Amy Duffuor
Amani Emeson
Buki Samuel
Kristen Auch
Dhruve Vasishtha
Justin Tuck
Sara Leitner
Sara Micelsen
Anant BAhl
Atasha Jordan
Ryan Coleman
Hridya Ravimohan
Dan Vincent
Pramatha Nair
Rob Millock
Kerianne Fernandez
Charnice Barbour
Wesley Pritchett
Jock Payten
Jessie Spellman
Lucy Hong
Simone Thomas
Kristina Sowah
Prathama K Nabi