Male

27

In college, I had a defining moment that started me on my mission to bring the business world back into harmony with people and the planet. On one fateful day of class I found myself listening to a lecture in my "International Business Strategies" course touting the benefits of NAFTA and maquiladoras in particular. After class was finished, I walked across campus to my "Environmental Politics" course I was taking to fulfill the requirements of my Poli Sci Minor. Lo and behold the lecture was also on NAFTA and maquiladoras, but this time the picture being painted was not so rosy.

How can two courses in the same school teaching the same subject come to such different conclusions, and more importantly, how can the inconsistencies demonstrated on my school day be rectified on a systemwide level? Those questions, and the quest for answers has guided my work and study both in the traditional investment world and in the design of alternative economic models.

I have jumped on the "Localization" bandwagon, because it seems to be the strategy that will most effectively reign in our out of control economy and build a sense of community. For my part, I am working to develop monetary, credit, and investment alternatives that will support local businesses and allow communities to regain control of their economies. I am also working with Go Local Sonoma County to connect regional independently owned businesses with conscious consumers, and with the Livability Project to develop healthier communities.