At the age of six, I came to the U.S. with my family because of a civil war in Cote D'Ivoire. The war stemmed from political and economic instability, which impeded my parent's business ventures leading us to flee. The juxtaposition of my childhood experiences in a war-torn country, and the U.S instilled in me an appreciation for democratic and economic freedoms. Over time, my family was able to establish a successful transportation company. Working alongside my parents enhanced my understanding of the economic and financial barriers that entrepreneurs face. I also gained an understanding of how entrepreneurs promote economic prosperity in their community. My childhood experiences living in Cote D'Ivoire and helping my family business has created in me a desire to return to Africa and work alongside entrepreneurs to promote economic growth. Sub-Saharan African countries such as the Cote D'Ivoire and North African countries such as Morocco share a complex economic history and colonial heritage. I am pursuing a Minor in Arabic because I am intrigued by the economic and cultural intersections between Sub-Saharan and North Africa. While I have explored this topic through coursework and independent research, advancing my Arabic skills through a local …show more content…
As a part of the Global Fellows in DC program, I am currently enrolled in a seminar titled, "Responses to Global Challenges", a course featuring on international development and humanitarian affairs issues in the MENA region and beyond. Following, I will complete a spring internship with the Department of State Bureau of Economics and Business Affairs, where I will learn about U.S economic policies and emerging economies. My ultimate career goal is to promote business growth and economic prosperity as a private equity investor connecting U.S investors to local African