Bian Li

Primary responsibilities including conceiving, planning and coordinating the World Food Prize's annual events, including the annual Laureate Announcement Ceremony at the State Department in D.C., the Borlaug Dialogue and the Iowa Hunger Summit. Works closely with Ambassador Quinn and the Secretariat in the Laureate nomination and selection process and performs research, policy analysis, due diligence, outreach and speaking engagements. Heavily involved in the foundation's long-term planning, IT development and strategic initiatives and partnerships. Recipient of the 2001 World Food Prize John Crystal Award for her research as a Borlaug-Ruan intern at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Mbita Point, Kenya. Returned to Kenya during her university studies to continue her research on the impact of women’s microcredit cooperatives in fighting rural poverty. Previously was an investment banker - specialized in middle market mergers & acquisitions (transaction values from $50 mill - $1 bill) in Chicago and Hong Kong; oversaw US-China strategic partnerships; served as China Marketing Manager and transaction liaison for Asia-Pacific cross-border deals. Most recently, she served as editor-in-chief of a fashion and lifestyle magazine for women entrepreneurs. Worked with community-based organizations and women’s agricultural cooperatives in Ghana. She has taught English, Mandarin and Spanish; served as volunteer English teacher to Congolese refugees. Traveled extensively throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Oxfam Sister on the Planet Ambassador and member of the advisory committee for Plant a Dream Foundation. Spoke on food security issues at the 2011 TEDx Des Moines conference. University of Iowa Presidential Scholar, B.A. in International Studies; B.B.A in Economics and Int. Business. Undergraduate Writing Fellow of the University of Iowa’s Writer’s Workshop program and a fellow in the John Hawkinson Honors Finance Program.

University of Iowa

2001 – 2004

B.A. International Studies; B.B.A Economics

Concentration: International Business, International Development, Finance

Activities: Undergraduate Writing Fellow - University of Iowa Writer's Workshop Fellow, John Hawkinson Honors Finance Program, Tippie College of Business Founding member - Organization for the Active Support of International Students (OASIS) Organizing Committee - Asian American Film Festival

social innovation and entrepreneurship, disruptive technology, public speaking, international finance, international development, public health and epidemiology, gender rights, education, food security, poverty alleviation, scuba diving, mountain climbing, adventure travel, evolutionary biology, linguistic anthropology, design, fashion photography, art history, Latin dance, subculture, cooking