Explain what you do in 7 words.
Support startup ecosystem stakeholders to create DPGs.
Where are you from and where are you now?
Originally from Toronto, Canada, now living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Always looking for different cities I can call home.
What you were doing before joining UNICEF?
I was working at Microsoft managing student and community developer programs. Most recently, I was the Incubation Manager at UNDP Cambodia, where we designed, and launched the first incubation program targeted towards young entrepreneurs. Since then, I'm still closely supporting the startup ecosystem primarily in South East Asia and particularly Cambodia.
What has been your biggest success in your role at UNICEF?
Putting together the Digital Public Goods (DPG)Accelerator Guide (which is open source, has been a great tool and resource that can be used for many organizations and startup accelerators that support startups in creating Digital Public Goods. It has been an incredible experience putting together the various pieces of information and learning first hand from the various team members and DPGs themselves, on their journey of becoming recognized as a Digital Public Good. Now, I'm excited to utilize the guide in my everyday conversations with startup ecosystem stakeholders on what DPGs are, how to support them.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
I dreamt of becoming a singer, until I heard my own voice recording.
What is your hidden skill / talent?
I've been trained and received my diploma in ARCT Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, but I haven't put this skill to much use lately unfortunately.