How a Pepperdine Online MBA Student Helped Homeboy Electronics Recycling Build for Impact
Kuljit Sidhu, a student in Pepperdine Graziadio’s Online MBA program, never imagined her first consulting client would inspire a lifelong commitment to
purpose-driven business. As part of the Pepperdine E2B™ program—a signature experiential learning initiative that connects students with real-world
companies—Kuljit collaborated with a team of MBA students on a class project in partnership
with Homeboy Electronics Recycling (HBR). This social enterprise provides second chances for individuals who are often excluded
from the workforce. As an EMT and passionate advocate for underserved communities,
Kuljit felt connected to HBR’s mission of inclusive employment, particularly for those
reentering society after incarceration.
Supportive Faculty, Real-World Experience
That mission became the foundation for her first consulting role—an opportunity she credits to the support and mentorship of Professor Dave McMahon. “His passion for marketing made the course engaging and meaningful,” Kuljit said. “He created an environment where applying real-world concepts felt exciting rather than intimidating.” Weekly check-ins, case studies, and team collaboration gave Kuljit and her classmates the tools and confidence to work with real clients—HBR being her first.
Balancing Growth With Mission
Kuljit joined a student team tasked with helping HBR identify strategic growth opportunities. The challenge? Balancing the company's ambitious growth goals with its deep-rooted commitment to social impact. “It would have been easy to recommend traditional strategies, but many risked compromising their inclusive hiring model,” Kuljit explained. “We had to be intentional about researching companies and partners that shared their values, especially around diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Insight-Driven Strategy
The team began by conducting market research to analyze trends in IT asset disposition and the resale of refurbished electronics. Their goal was to uncover opportunities that would support HBR’s growth without compromising its mission or values. This included identifying B2B partnerships and customer segments that aligned with the company’s purpose.
One of their key recommendations involved refining the brand identity. While they didn’t suggest removing the Homeboy name entirely, Kuljit and her team proposed positioning HBR as a subsidiary with a name that would better reflect its work in the tech and sustainability sectors. The idea sparked some discussion among leadership, but overall, the response was open and thoughtful.
The Human Side of Business
A defining moment for Kuljit came during a conversation with a formerly incarcerated individual who shared how difficult it was to reenter the workforce due to his record. His story left a lasting impression, reinforcing for Kuljit just how vital organizations like HBR are—not only for providing employment, but also for restoring dignity and offering a true second chance.
She also gained a clearer understanding of the environmental side of HBR’s mission. Through the project, she uncovered the scale of the e-waste crisis and how few companies genuinely uphold ethical and environmentally sound recycling practices. This realization strengthened her appreciation for HBR’s transparency and third-party certifications, which distinguish the organization in a crowded and often inconsistent industry.
A Defining Experience
For Kuljit, the experience was transformative. “This project made everything feel real,” she said. “It showed me how business can be a force for good. Moving forward, I want my career to be about more than profit—I want it to be about purpose.”
About Pepperdine University’s Online MBA
Pepperdine University’s Online MBA program equips driven professionals with the business acumen, ethical leadership, and real-world experience needed to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace. With a curriculum grounded in experiential learning and personalized faculty mentorship, students are empowered to apply insights immediately in their careers.