In the cozy upstairs of Kelly Writers House, I sat down with Shreya Krishnan (W ’26), chosen as this year’s graduation speaker for the Wharton School. What distinguishes her from her peers is her skill and love for music, often seen as divorced from the business world. Shreya proves this is not the case. Having spent time both in the offices of Morgan Stanley and on the stage of Carnegie Hall, she reflects on how her experience with business has served to complement, not contradict, her passion for music. In the brief hour we spent together, she shares her past journey with music, her current inspirations, and her future goals. Recounting her last four years at Wharton, Shreya reflects on her growth with a bright smile on her face.
Name: Shreya Krishnan
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Field of Study: Economics
Activities: Wharton Council, Penn Counterparts, Seniors for the Penn Fund, Wharton Marketing Undergraduate Student Establishment, Wharton Research Scholars Program
When did you realize music was more than just a hobby for you?
Performing arts has always been a big part of my life. I started dancing and singing with my mom, who was my first teacher. I’m a singer, dancer, actress, choreographer; I play piano, violin, guitar. Singing has always been a big form of expression for—you’re so vulnerable because it’s your voice. It was probably in high school when I won my first voice competition, but it wasn’t even about winning, it was about how much fun I had in that moment and while preparing.
Where have you performed?
I’ve performed at Carnegie Hall four times. I performed at the Sydney Opera house; at the summit of Pikes Peak mountain at 14,115 feet; in Normandy, France; at the American Cemetery; and when I was an Olympic torchbearer, I performed in Greece.
It’s experiences like those where I’m just standing there on stage, thinking about all the greats that have performed here before. And I just get goosebumps—I feel like a thousand generations living within me. It’s those visceral responses that I receive that make me so happy—make me know I want to continue singing and sharing my passion with the world.
How has your relationship with music changed as you’ve grown up, and now gone through college?
When I was younger, I used to focus a lot more on multiple instruments, acting, and singing. As I’ve gotten older, and realized there’s only 24 hours in the day, I’ve decided to really focus on singing. Along with that, the type of music that I’ve also sung has changed a lot. I used to sing a lot of musical theater and operatic, classical music growing up. Because of Counterparts, now I sing pop and jazz, and love those art forms.
Especially as I’ve grown up, there’s so much going on in life, so I fall back on music, which is very therapeutic for me. I know so many people after graduation aren’t able to pursue music, but I know that music has to be a part of my life somehow or the other, because I think it’s physically a part of my blood.
What do you want people to feel through your music?
I think the best music evokes a visceral response, whether it’s anger or sadness or happiness or joy. When people hear my music, I want them to have that visceral response and connect with it. I want them to feel I wrote this song specifically for them, because I think that’s the music you remember for ages. Personally, that’s the music that sticks with me forever.
Has music influenced your experience in business school?
Definitely. They go hand–in–hand and don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Counterparts and Wharton Council being my two biggest communities on campus have taught me such different but valuable life skills. We spend so much time together in both communities; I know these people are going to be at my wedding. They’re lifelong friends. Counterparts has definitely taught me on the creative side of things how to lead a group, how to be empathetic, and how to make sure that all voices are heard. I could transfer skills learned in the classroom when I served as president and business manager. I was running our finances, I was planning our shows, and I was organizing tours. And then on the flip side with Wharton Council learning how to think strategically and expanding access when I was finance chair. Being able to see that impact and how it’s positively helped people is just so rewarding; I think they go hand–in–hand.
You were also selected for graduation speaker. How did you feel about being chosen and what did the writing process look like?
When I heard the news, I was so happy. Writing the speech has been one of my most meaningful experiences. At a place where we’re always thinking about what’s next, this was a time when I had to look back and reflect on the last four years.
I’ve been incredibly lucky to be part of very different communities here and met wonderful people along the way. Our shared journey represents the late nights that turned into early mornings, the friendships that turned into daily, and the moments both big and small that have shaped who we’ve become. I am truly honored and grateful for that opportunity.
Who are some of your mentors and how has their impact shaped you?
My biggest mentor in life, and first teacher, is my mom. She’s always been by my side, always pushing me to do better and better. But what I really appreciate about her is that she gives me the space to spread my wings and fly. I joke that whenever I go for every performance, I always see her coat marked in the seats first, I always hear her laugh first. Both my mom and my dad have been my biggest supporters in life and I wouldn’t be where I am today without both of them in my life. I’ve been so fortunate to have so many vocal teachers throughout my life that have always pushed me to be better. My friends, too. They’re always supporting and cheering me on. If I didn’t have this team surrounding me, I don’t know where I’d be.
What is some advice you would have given your freshman year self?
This is a silly one, but I would say eat as many chicken bowls as you can while you’re still on the dining plan. I miss them every day. But in all honesty, I would say, know when to say yes and know when to say no. Coming into college can be very overwhelming and you’re bombarded with so many opportunities, so knowing when to get involved and knowing when to try new things is so important. But also, know when to take care of yourself, invest in the people that matter to you, and don’t spread yourself so thin that you’re not able to enjoy the things that are really meaningful to you.
What has performing arts taught you?
One of the biggest lessons performing arts has taught me is that to fly, you must be willing to take a leap and take the risk. In my life, that lesson has afforded me many opportunities I’m so grateful for. For the things that genuinely excite you and that you’re passionate about, don’t be afraid to take the risk and leap, because you’ll never know what could come out of it.
Lightning Round Questions:
Favorite book? How to Change by Katy Milkman
Favorite TV show? Friends
Favorite Movie: The Devil Wears Prada
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? Kelly Clarkson
If you could perform at any venue you haven’t yet, where would it be? The Lincoln Center in New York
Describe your Wharton experience in three words: Growth, resilience, exploration
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be? Charlie Puth or John Legend
There are two types of people at Penn … People who check Penn Course Review and people who just ask their friends and go with it.
And you are? Both.
