I grew up in the United States during the 1960s—a time when the baby boomer generation began to challenge authority, taking to the streets in massive protests and marches and raising its collective voice in opposition to social injustices and the Vietnam War. This was the source of my core belief in the power of grassroots movements. I learned that when individuals come together for a common purpose, they can find their voices, become empowered, and bring about change. 

I first discovered that I had my own voice in the eighth grade, at the age of 13. That feeling of empowerment would stay with me for the rest of my life. From that point on, I didn’t let anything get in my way.  

Fast-forward 33 years to shortly after 9/11, when President George W. Bush announced that United States military forces had begun bombing Afghanistan in retaliation for the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I thought to myself, There has to be a better way.

In the wake of these events, I started down a different path—a spiritual path. I began to wonder, How can I help create a more peaceful world?

From 2009 to 2010, I studied at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, a world-renowned Tufts University graduate school of international studies. I wanted to learn how I could help to reduce violent conflict in this world and prevent another 9/11-type event from ever happening again.

As I completed my studies at the Fletcher School, I met people through my research who were passionate about and committed to their peacebuilding work. Their organizations provided alternative solutions to violent conflict. They provided an antidote to hatred, fear, and violence toward the “scary other” by teaching youth to get to know each other as human beings despite ethnic, cultural, and religious differences. They sought to undo the terror and hostility that had passed from one generation to the next. 

I realized that I could contribute to these efforts by creating a charitable organization, a foundation that uses publicly collected funds to support its initiative. My thesis, “Impact of Grassroots Diplomacy on Peace Building,” became the cornerstone of the Global Peace Building Foundation (GPBF), which I founded six weeks after earning my master’s degree from the Fletcher School.

Many kind people have helped me on my journey as I became an altruist, peacebuilder, and philanthropist. I am grateful to all of them.

Today, I know that my life’s purpose is to leave the world a better place for my grandchildren and future generations.