I began my career in finance, first at Lehman Brothers then Morgan Stanley, where I was deeply involved in emerging market equity IPOs, privatizations, and currencies. I left finance to pursue manufacturing at an architectural metal shop in Queens, and went on to spend a decade in high-end finishings for architects, designers, and artists – both as an owner and operator of various companies. I also has experience guiding non-profit institutions in both executive and board capacities. I graduated with honors from Vassar College, and has a Master's Degree in Cultural Anthropology from New York University.