Jean Guo

Jean grows up in California, in a multicultural environment. Her mother, who came to the United States with few connections and limited command of the language, passes on to her the importance of education and hard work. In high school, teachers encourage her to set her sights on Stanford. Classes are not the only source of learning: clubs, sports, and activities also teach her to collaborate, communicate, and find her place among others.

At Stanford, she pursues a double major in biology and economics. She then works as a consultant in several sectors, including healthcare and tech. This experience teaches her to analyze issues critically and draw on her quantitative background. But she wonders what purpose her skills serve if they mainly help companies that are already wealthy. This question leads her toward projects with a more direct social impact.

At the end of 2015, a Franco-American Fulbright fellowship brings her to France for two years of research on public policy and health policy concerning vulnerable groups. Her fieldwork shows her that people also need to be able to develop their skills, work, and participate fully in society. She chooses a practical path rather than pursuing a highly academic PhD. In summer 2016, she launches Konexio’s first workshops.

The early days are not easy. Jean still struggles to speak French and is mocked during some pitches because of her accent. She turns these moments into practice: she volunteers for interviews and speaking engagements to improve her speaking skills. In 2019, she presents Konexio at the Google Impact Challenge after working on her pitch with coaches; the project wins €600,000. Mistakes and partnerships that do not work out also become opportunities to start over and grow.

Today, Konexio operates in France, across a dozen cities, and in five countries in Africa: Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The organization provides basic digital skills, supports organizations, and guides young people toward the jobs of the future through “Exploite ton talent.” Its goal remains the same: to open doors to skills, networks, and employment, without confining anyone to a stereotype.