Wharton Women’s Circles

Wharton Women’s Circles

About the Program

Wharton Women’s Circles is a groundbreaking program designed to facilitate personal and professional connections among Wharton alumnae. The School thoughtfully matches small groups of diverse Wharton women that meet once a month, virtually, over the course of six months.

Circles are open to alumnae from Wharton’s full-time MBA, Executive MBA, and Undergraduate programs and are currently offered on the East and West Coasts of the United States.

Hear from Wharton alumnae who have participated in Circles to learn more about the program and their experience!

About the Program

Wharton Women’s Circles is a groundbreaking program designed to facilitate personal and professional connections among Wharton alumnae. The School thoughtfully matches small groups of diverse Wharton women that meet once a month, virtually or in-person, over the course of a year.

Circles are open to alumnae from Wharton’s full-time MBA, Executive MBA, and Undergraduate programs and are currently offered on the East and West Coasts of the United States.

Hear from Wharton alumnae who have participated in Circles to learn more about the program and their experience!

Wharton Women’s Circles

By the Numbers

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Alumnae Engaged Since Program’s Launch in 2019

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Trained Circle Leaders

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Total Circles

Wharton Women’s Circles

By the Numbers

0

Alumnae Engaged Since Program’s Launch in 2019

0

Trained Circle Leaders

0

Active Circle Members

“Whether we are blazing trails in fields where we were once absent, or using our influence to alter an industry altogether – women are shifting workplace dynamics in new and important ways.”

Dean Erika H. James 

Image of Dean Erika H. James
Image of Dean Erika H. James

“Expand your network and build friendships with other women who invest their time, energy, and wisdom into supporting one another. “

Dean Erika H. James 

About Joining a Circle

Circles create opportunities to make new friends from different backgrounds; provide a sounding board for ideas; form safe spaces to talk about personal and professional issues; and exist as peer groups of smart, high-achieving, generous Wharton women who help each other succeed.

Who can apply?

  • Circles are open to alumnae from Wharton’s full-time MBA, Executive MBA, and Undergraduate programs who primarily reside on the East and West Coasts of the United States.

How are Circles formed?

  • Circles are comprised of 6-10 women with 1-2 leaders with region and time zone considered.
  • We aim to make each Circle as diverse as possible. These are not industry-focused Circles.

What are the expectations for Circle members?

  • Commitment
    • Attend monthly meetings over the course of six months virtually.
    • Circle meetings are scheduled by each individual group. Typically, most Circles meet during weeknight evenings.
    • Stay in touch with Circle members between meetings.
  • Vulnerability
    • Share your personal and professional experiences.
    • Communicate about positive and challenging experiences.
  • Engagement
    • Listen to others’ stories/experiences.
    • Give advice to group members when asked.

What is the cost for participating?

There are no costs or fees to participate in Circles, just your time and engagement.

How can I sign up for a Circle?

Applications for new Circles occur every Fall. Interested alumnae in regions where Circles are offered must attend a virtual Open House to learn more about the program and how to apply.

Who can I contact with questions?

Contact us by email:  womens-circles@wharton.upenn.edu

Be a Circle Member

Participant role active contributor to the Circle

Circle participants commit to being fully present and engaged in monthly circle meetings, following the group’s norms and behaviors, and contributing to the group in a meaningful and authentic way. Commitment to the group and processes is a key component and regular attendance is critical to a group’s success.

Be a Circle Leader

Leadership role ensure Circle meets monthly, set the tone, and guide the group

Circle leaders are referred to as facilitators and are participating members of the Circle. Facilitators are responsible for setting group norms, ensuring that the group meets regularly, and guiding conversations to meaningful outcomes. Facilitators receive training from Wharton and attend meetings throughout the year to be successful in the role.

Be a Circle Member

Participant role active contributor to the Circle

Circle participants commit to being fully present and engaged in monthly circle meetings, following the group’s norms and behaviors, and contributing to the group in a meaningful and authentic way. Commitment to the group and processes is a key component and regular attendance is critical to a group’s success.

Be a Circle Leader

Leadership role ensure Circle meets monthly, set the tone, and guide the group

Circle leaders are referred to as facilitators and are participating members of the Circle. Facilitators are responsible for setting group norms, ensuring that the group meets regularly, and guiding conversations to meaningful outcomes. Facilitators receive training from Wharton and attend meetings throughout the year to be successful in the role.

Circle Program Timeline

Attend an Open House – These one-hour, virtual events are the introduction to Wharton Women’s Circles. You will learn important details about the structure of Circles, the application process, and the matching process. Alumnae must attend one virtual open house event to be eligible to participate in the program.

Complete the Application – On the application, you will select whether you want to be a Circle member or facilitator. Please note that Circles are organized by geographic region and intended to reflect demographic diversity, especially age and industry. However, these are not industry-specific Circles.

Attend a Training or Orientation Session – These virtual sessions are designed to introduce you to your role in your Circle. Links to join these sessions are shared with those who complete an application.

Training Session: Circle facilitators are required to attend a 90-minute training session covering best practices for leading the group and guiding Circle discussions.

Orientation Session: Circle members are required to attend a 60-minute orientation session focused on how to optimize the Circle experience and best contribute to the group.

Participate in Monthly Circle Meetings – Circles launch and meet monthly for six months as determined by your Circle. Circle facilitators are invited to join three additional virtual meetings between February and May to collaborate and to receive additional support from the Women’s Circles team.

Circle Regions

As of Fall 2022, Circles are offered to alumnae residing on the East and West Coasts of the United States in these following locations:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington

Circle Regions

As of Fall 2022, Circles are offered to alumnae residing on the East and West Coasts of the United States in these following locations:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington