Centers & Institutes

Exciting things are happening within our centers, institutes, and special program initiatives. Here’s a collection of recent stories and updates.

A person inserts a green Visa debit card into a black point-of-sale terminal on a granite countertop.

Why fintechs are winning in Nigeria while telcos dominate elsewhere

African telecom companies have built thriving fintechs in East Africa. But they are struggling to grow in more competitive markets like Nigeria

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How the state-owned electrical utility in Mexico won over global capital markets

Fibra E established a benchmark for how state-owned enterprises (SOEs) can mobilize global capital toward national development objectives.

Four women dressed in business professional attire in front of an “MBA Women in Investing Conference” banner. From networking to knowledge at the MBA Women in Investing Conference

From networking to knowledge at the MBA Women in Investing Conference

Rebecca Liu MBA ’27 reflects on her experience attending and presenting at the 2025 MBA Women in Investing Conference

Katelynn Wiseman and Miya Deng, seniors in the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, present their startup, ALK.
SC Johnson College

Wellness bar proposal wins hospitality pitch deck competition

The winning team’s reimagining of the traditional hotel bar features kava- and CBD-infused cocktails.

A view of Manhattan from Roosevelt Island, New York City

How the Undergraduate Women in Investing Conference Makes Investment Research Field Feel Accessible and Collaborative

Sophia Thompson ’28 reflects on her experience at the 2025 Undergraduate Women in Investing Conference hosted by the Parker Center for Investment Research

Two people hold a big cake while three others hold the knife, poised to cut.
Johnson School

Emerging Markets Institute renamed in honor of Gail and Rob Cañizares ’71, MBA ’74

The Cañizares Center for Emerging Markets educates MBAs, engages leaders, funds research, and recognizes alumni excellence.

Jason Woolf standing in the Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) office in front of banner walls

Driving impact through data at Special Olympics Pennsylvania

Jason Woolf MBA ’26 used business analytics to attract more athletes, promote good health, and make a greater difference.

Rob Collier MBA ’14
SC Johnson College

Leading the clean energy transition: Rob Collier’s path toward a sustainable future

The Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise celebrates 20 for 20 honoree Rob Collier MBA ’14, senior vice president of marketplaces at LevelTen Energy

Five students work at a table with a large screen on the back wall of the room.
Nolan School

Hospitality Hackathon winners propose app to cut billing complaints by 25%

At Cornell’s 2025 Hilton Hospitality Hackathon, more than 100 students tackled hospitality business challenges.