CURRENT MISSION

Solving Poverty

ABOUT ME

I run a nonprofit called The Ayllu Initiative. We're just starting up, and our goal is to spread businesses in poor communities that tackle root causes of poverty like healthcare, energy, and agriculture. I'm currently in Brazil to launch Ayllu and am working with some amazing organizations here doing things such as microcredit, education, and small business development.

PHILOSOPHY

Balance - I try to keep everything in perspective. I try to learn as much about others as I can, and to put myself in situations that are unfamiliar to gain new perspectives.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've just joined, and am staying on couches while I travel around the world to research market-based approaches to solving poverty. Once I have a home and am no longer on the road, I will also host travelers!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've been living on couches for a few years while I try and launch Ayllu. One time I woke up and the couch I was on was on the balcony. Apparently my friend wanted to invite guests for breakfast, and didn't want to disturb me. Actually, I was jetlagged so I was dead to the world anyway.

Interests

Music, photography, cooking, reading, writing, living, working on Ayllu.

• writing
• photography
• causes
• education
• cooking
• breakfast
• running
• reading
• traveling
• music
• agriculture
• business
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite book of all time is War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I think my second favorite is The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. For work, my favorite book is definitely Microfranchising: Creating Wealth at the Base of the Pyramid.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was in a circus when I was 11. I learned how to do tricks on someone's shoulders while they rode a unicycle. I really have no idea how I did this but there is a video to prove it!

Teach, Learn, Share

Stories about my work exploring world changing solutions to poverty, stories of my travel to many interesting places and people, stories of my friends and family who are an eclectic lot.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Germany, Israel, Jordan, Netherlands, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Brazil, United States