Growing up in a third-generation refugee family, I developed a deep awareness on how wealth inequality limits opportunities. In Thailand, societal biases equate personal disadvantages with innate incompetence, a notion I challenged by co-leading a DEI initiative at Gensler. We proposed creating spaces for dialogue and networking across diverse groups. Presenting at a global conference of over 5,000 employees sparked cross-border conversations, including with colleagues from India who saw parallels in their society. This reinforced my belief that even small ripples can inspire waves of progress.
The pandemic paused my career, as it did for 340,000 others in Thailand. In response, I partnered with local authorities to initiate subsisting markets, managing venue layouts and marketing strategies. Through engagement with locals, we balanced rental affordability and revitalized three provincial urban centers. Later, I assisted Chulalongkorn University in hosting its virtual architectural review, leading a team to structure participation guidelines and troubleshoot for over 300 attendees. These experiences taught me to adapt under adversity, shifting logistical challenges into opportunities for collaboration—a perspective I hope to bring to the GSD.
My experiences—from challenging systemic biases to reviving struggling communities—shaped my vision to contribute to the GSD. As a Harvard Real Estate Club (HREC) member, I will collaborate with non-profit organizations, such as the Champlain Housing Trust, to explore roles of housing cooperatives and community facilities. Discussing their financial, managerial and social impacts can inspire future real estate participants to embrace inclusive practices. Drawing on my background, I also aim to enhance the accessibility of school events, broadening their reach and impact through innovative platforms. As capital increasingly shapes built environments, I hope to facilitate dialogues and initiatives that uplift community well-being—turning silver linings into lasting changes.