Catalyst Program
2026 Catalyst Kick-off
Wharton Women Catalyst is a semester-long, small cohort program that introduces first year and new members into the WW community through weekly sessions, monthly workshops, and hands-on programming that builds confidence at Penn and sharpens career readiness. Members get close mentorship from upperclassmen and a tight peer network that lasts well beyond the semester.
What WW offers through Catalyst:
Weekly skill sessions on Penn navigation, academic planning, and professional basics
Community events that create friendships, belonging, and leadership opportunities
Small group circles for guidance and accountability
Career prep across resumes, networking, interviews, and internship search
Monthly workshops
Meet our Captains!
These lovely ladies will be leading weekly sessions and monthly workshops with Catalyst members. Read more about them below!
Addison Saad
Addison Saad (Class of 2028) is from Houston, TX and is concentrating in Finance and Marketing. She joined Wharton Women her freshman fall and has since served as a member of the Marketing Committee and the WW Catalyst program. Addison’s decision to join Wharton Women came from how immediately welcoming the community felt, giving her the chance to learn from inspiring women and find such a safe space at Penn. Now as a Catalyst Captain, she is excited to help provide that same supportive experience to new members. Outside of Wharton Women, Addison is involved in the Wharton Retail Club and the Wharton Undergraduate Finance Club. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, playing pickleball, exploring new foods, and trying different matcha spots. Please feel free to reach out with any questions at addisons@wharton.upenn.edu
Syona Gupta
Syona Gupta (Class of 2028) is from Northville, Michigan and is studying Finance and Business Analytics in Wharton. She joined Wharton Women her freshman spring on the Education & Engagement committee as well as the WW Catalyst program. She loves the inclusive environment of Wharton Women. Syona is also involved in the Wharton Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Club, Women in Consulting, Wharton Cohorts, and Music Business at Penn. In her free time, she likes to go on long walks, play piano, and go shopping. Feel free to reach out at syona@wharton.upenn.edu
Valeria Hernandez
Valeria Hernandez is a sophomore (Class of 2028) from Buckeye, Arizona and is planning to double concentrate in Finance and Accounting with a minor in Sociology. She Joined WW in her freshman spring as a catalyst member. Outside of WW: she is a part of Kayaking@Penn, the Women’s Network, Wharton STEP, and FBLA. Outside of Penn: Valeria loves to kayak and play badminton, walk through Philly, and try new cafes and restaurants.
Mackenzie Buckner
Mackenzie Buckner is a Sophomore in the College studying Mathematical Economics with minors in Consumer Psychology and Hispanic studies. She joined Wharton Women in the fall of her freshman year as a catalyst member and loves the inclusive environment of Wharton Women. Mackenzie is also president of the Society of Undergraduate Mathematicians @ Penn, on the marketing committee of Penn Climate Ventures, and involved in club and intramural sports. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys going for runs, trying new coffee shops, and baking.
Radhika Pant
Radhika is a Sophomore studying OIDD + Business Analytics through Wharton. She joined WW her freshman spring through the Catalyst Program as Co-Chair! On campus she is involved with Wharton STEP, Wharton Leadership Ventures, and Penn Thillana! She loves rom coms, Disney movies, walking around Philly, and crafting!