Alpha Kiflu ('05)

Armed with economics and finance degrees, Alpha Kiflu headed to New York and Goldman Sachs. After eight years and being promoted to vice president, however, he found a job with more personal meaning. This first generation Ethiopian-American entrepreneur has committed his talents to a country on the cusp of new economic development. As CFO of ALLE, a commercial, for-profit wholesale business partnering with Ethiopia's government, he wants to "lower the cost of living for Ethiopians by increasing the supply of quality food and other consumer products," he explains. Alpha hopes ALLE will raise the standard of living in Ethiopia, increase investment in the country, and provide private sector opportunities for the developing nation.