Ari Patinkin, an Economics major at George Washington University, studies and conducts research under Professor Joseph Pelzman's guidance. Understanding the world through the mindset of an economist became both a mission and passion after living and studying in the complex and contrasting cultures/economies of the Middle East (Israel) and China (Shanghai).
Deeply inspired by his mentor Professor Joseph Pelzman, his late cousin the renowned economist Don Patinkin (University of Chicago & Hebrew University), and Professor Akiva Offenbacher of Hebrew University, Ari strives to become part of the next generation of influential economists.
While in Washington DC, he worked as a congressional intern for Rep. Alex Mooney (2nd District West Virginia) and is currently an Economics Research Intern at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. In addition, Ari is the student President of Chabad GW and Director of Resources at GW Startup Shell.
Don Hepburn was born in Bahrain and has spent significant parts of both his childhood and adult life living and working in the GCC region. Serving as President of Boanerges Solutions, his previous private sector work includes in-depth advisory services for domestic and international clients in the areas of crisis management, due-diligence, and disruptive technologies.
Mr. Hepburn served for nearly 30 years in the US government working as a diplomat in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. He has held executive positions both overseas and in Washington D.C. He has also served as a Senior Advisor to the United States Institute of Peace, and is a certified member of InfraGard.
"Helping to create economical solutions with the ability to impact sustainable peace and prosperity for the MENA region is my highest goal and purpose."