(Last Updated: June 02, 2009)

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

Since middle-school, I developed an interest in international issues and began working, staying and studying in various countries to satisfy my curiosity. I have a long-term passion for understanding and contributing to development. I also enjoy photography, studying cultures and visiting supermarkets (in different cities).

I believe in my ability to make a positive impact on society. My greatest regret is the inability to spend enough time with my friends. My friends add so much to my life while asking for so little in return. Oikono.com helps me stay in touch with them.

Disappointed with my impact on a development project in China, I chose to study at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School as serving the inner-city West Philadelphia community could teach me how to make an impact on development. I also served in the Navy and Army, researched with the World Economic Forum, served business overlords at two consultancies, and founded two non-profits that gave me the opportunity to present ideas at the World Business Dialogue and the World Bank. I graduated from Penn in 2.5 years and pursued a generous Fellowship (and Masters) at Yale University’s  East Asian Studies program.

Although my family is neither rich nor well-connected, I have made full use of the opportunities I had to fill my live with rich travel, work and intellectual experiences. I hope to continue learning from the vast opportunities that life has given me and resolve to continue living an interesting and unique life.

What is Oikono?

Oikono is derived from Oikonomikos, a philosophical treatise written by Greek Philosopher Xenophon purported to be the first economics text written. The original Oikono site was dedicated to exploring how social enterprises and private-public sectors partnerships can achieve social objectives in an economically sustainable manner. I started Oikono in high school and published an e-newsletter, The Oikono Review, which was well received. As part of Oikono’s content strategy, I negotiated partnerships with many distinguished academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and corporations. However, I failed to plan for Oikono’s future when I entered military service. Being unable to manage it, The Oikono Review died.