Lamar John-Harris

Army Green Beret - 9 years of service

University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business - MBA

Lamar's story begins in Milwaukee, where he grew up in a single-parent household, learning the value of service and resilience from a young age. His mother, a dedicated nurse, and his community instilled in him a commitment to excellence and community upliftment. These early lessons shaped Lamar's path to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he not only deepened his academic knowledge but also developed his leadership skills, first as a football team captain and later, on a broader scale, within the military. His first assignment was as a Fire Control Platoon Leader, then later on as an Executive Officer as an Infantry Officer. Both of these experiences groomed him to become a successful Special Forces Team Leader.

Throughout his military career, Lamar has faced numerous challenges that tested his resolve and honed his leadership abilities. His service took him across various continents, where he led diverse teams in complex operations that ranged from complex missions to humanitarian efforts. These experiences were pivotal in broadening his understanding of global issues, particularly those related to security, technology, and human rights.

As Lamar transitions to civilian life, his focus is on leveraging this rich blend of experiences to contribute to the field of strategic management. The MBA program at Wharton is a critical step for him to bridge his tactical knowledge with strategic business frameworks, enhancing his ability to lead organizations that make a tangible difference in the world.