The Wharton School kicked off Pride Month by announcing the first recipient of their new Prism Fellowship, which is designated for an outstanding MBA student who is both a member of and demonstrates leadership in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. The inaugural recipient of the Prism Fellowship is Colan Wang, who hails from Toronto and works as a business consultant at TD Wealth.
Wharton MBA Admissions Director Blair Mannix says:
“Colan is an exceptional student and one that we are so excited to be a member of the Class of 2022. He has spent considerable time in his life paying it forward by volunteering for a variety of LBGTQ organizations that not only have impacted him personally, but also those for whom he works tirelessly. He also intends to use the Wharton MBA for entrepreneurship to provide services to the LGBTQ community. Colan’s strong leadership, collaboration and analytical skills exemplify what the fellowship represents, and we are thrilled to welcome him into our vibrant, supportive and dynamic community this fall.”
At TD Wealth, Colan leads a gender inclusion project. Due to his efforts, the bank’s clients can ensure that their preferred name and pronoun appears across written, digital and in-person bank communications. Wang comments,
“I am honored to be named the first Prism Fellow at Wharton and excited to join the supportive culture that I experienced first-hand during Wharton’s LGBT Visit Day. This community is filled with LGBTQIA+ students and allies who are there for each other, and I look forward to making a positive impact and building valuable connections that will last throughout my career.”
Each year, the Prism Fellowship will cover the full cost of tuition for Wharton’s full-time MBA for a selected student. Prism Fellows are chosen by the Wharton Fellowship Committee based on leadership qualities, community impact and personal application essays.
Creator of the Prism Fellowship, Jeffery Schoenfeld, WG ’84, says,
“As one of very few ‘out’ MBA students entering Wharton in 1982, I truly marvel today at how far LGBTQ recognition and integration have become embraced by the broader business community. I am also mighty proud that Wharton has emerged as a leader in building the most diverse class among leading U.S. business schools, and feel privileged to support LGBTQ student leaders through their MBA journey.”
Mannix adds, “[Jeffery] made this dream a reality. The Wharton School is excited for this partnership as it is a strong example of our values as a University and our prioritization of diversity, inclusion and belonging.”
Congratulations, Colan!
Read Wharton’s full press release here.
