Since 1927, gifts to The Penn Fund—from undergraduate alumni and parents like you—have made a profound and immediate impact on all aspects of student life and learning at the University by providing grant-based financial aid packages to undergraduates, supporting enhancements to academic programs and campus technology, and fostering community through student clubs and organizations. This longstanding tradition of loyal generosity allows donors to support the University’s greatest needs and highest priorities through the general fund, long-term scholarship support, and special reunion class projects.
The Penn Fund, in partnership with Makuu: The Black Cultural Center, is hosting a virtual panel event featuring young Black alumni discussing philanthropy. Highlighting their philanthropic giving to Penn and their respective communities, panelists will engage in conversation about how they are creating change and where they see the future of Black philanthropy at the University and beyond.
Scroll down to learn about the panelists.
Chad Payne is a joint MBA/MA Candidate at the Wharton School and the Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on French and Africa.
Prior to grad school, Chad was an Engagement Manager at Kearney Inc., a global management consulting firm, based out of New York. At Kearney, Chad’s project experiences focused on growth and organizational strategy for domestic and international Fortune 500 companies across retail, financial payments, healthcare, private equity, and telecommunications industries.
Chad is also a proud Penn Alum – completing his undergrad at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in Strategic Management, and Business Economics and Public Policy. At Penn, Chad was a sprinter on the NCAA Division I Track and Field Team, held leadership roles in organizations promoting diversity in business and Wharton student life, and received the Vice Dean’s Award for Service to the Wharton School as well as the Cane Award, a senior honor awards presented by Penn’s President to 1 of 4 students at graduation in recognition of their positive impact on campus.
Benedict was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Penn with a B.A. in Economics. He then joined Morgan Stanley’s Equity Research Department in New York City, where he worked for close to 7 years. In March of 2019, Benedict left Morgan Stanley to lead research efforts at the firm he currently works at, Dorilton Capital, a private investment firm also based in New York City. Benedict is a BFS Chair for the Class of 2012 10th Reunion Gift Committee, a member of the Alumni Council for his secondary school, and a member of the Advocacy Council for the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York.
Kelsey Slaughter is the Senior Global Supply Planner for Jordan Brand Footwear at Nike Inc., currently positioned at their World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
Prior to this, Kelsey spent seven years at Macy’s Inc. having roles covering Business Strategy, Inventory Planning, Merchandise Planning, Financial Planning, Assortment Strategy, and Product Development. She was tasked with driving the sales, profitability, and productivity of various men’s apparel and accessories businesses and was responsible for around $100M in annual business.
Kelsey is also a proud Penn Alum. She graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences, magma cum laude, with a B.A. in Urban Studies with Honors, with a focus in legal studies in 2014. While at Penn she was a member of the NCAA Division I Women’s Rowing Team, an executive board member of the Black Student League and the Women’s Political League, a writing contributor to the College Cognoscenti, and a member of the Onyx Senior Honor Society. She also received the Raymond Alexander Pace Senior Award, presented by Penn’s MAKUU Black Cultural Center, to a senior in recognition of all-around outstanding achievement in leadership, peer relationships, relationships with faculty and administrators, and academic performance.
As a woman and proud Washington, DC native, Kelsey’s community focuses center around mentorship of young women of color, as well as elections and voting rights—and of course giving back to Penn.
Grace Speights is a partner at Morgan Lewis and a resident in the Firm’s Washington, D.C. Office. Grace serves as the Global Leader of Morgan Lewis’ Labor and Employment Practice. In that role, she is responsible for managing more than 300 lawyers in 27 of the Firm’s 31 offices and for setting the group’s strategic focus. Prior to this position, Grace served as the Managing Partner of the Firm’s Washington Office, Chair of the Systemic Employment Litigation Practice Group, and a member of the Firm’s Partner Compensation Committee. Grace also serves on the Firm’s Advisory Board. Grace’s practice focuses on counseling and defending clients in employment discrimination litigation, primarily class action litigation, and counseling clients on corporate diversity best practices. She is often called upon by clients for assistance in crisis management. She also leads a cross-office and cross-disciplinary group of 30 Morgan Lewis female lawyers who are advising companies in addressing the myriad issues arising from the #metoo movement, including investigating and developing strategies for providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace. Grace’s clientele includes large companies, high profile individuals, and entertainment and sports organizations.
In 2018, Grace was recognized by American Lawyer as the Attorney of the Year for being a “change agent” and ally of the #metoo movement and by Employment Law 360 as an MVP for her work in the #metoo space.
Grace is currently the Chair of the Board of Trustees of The George Washington University. Grace has served on the University’s board of trustees since 2013, including as secretary and as Chair of the Committee of Governance and Nominations.
