AboutOur PeopleSocrates Okong’o
headshot for Socrates Okong'o
Fellow, Class of 2028

Socrates Okong'o

Huntsman dual-degree program, French

Okong’o is a Kenyan student in the Huntsman dual-degree program, with French as his target language. Linguistically inclined, he is fluent in three languages and well on his way to acquiring a fourth. His interaction with the world is deeply rooted in words, shaping his perspective and engagement with others. 

His linguistic inclination is evident both on stage and on paper. He finds solace in front of an audience, whether delivering presentations, performing poetry, or giving speeches. During more reserved and introspective moments, he channels his thoughts into writing, crafting flash fiction blog posts that double as captions for his Instagram posts. Though far from being an influencer, he enjoys content creation as a means of self-expression and an avenue through which he makes sense of the intricate world we live in.  

The SNF Paideia Program appeals to him due to its core focus on the holistic development of the individual. For him, the program serves as an invitation not only to strengthen his memory but also to cultivate his mind. He has varied interests at the moment, but what he is certain of is that he possesses a deep passion for both education and business. His underlying inclination towards these fields is founded on his belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Education gives people a chance to identify and cultivate their talents, while business generates enough value to sustain and advance that talent.  

Socrates is excited about the evolution of education systems and financial architecture in emerging markets. He truly believes that if we can implement progressive policies in those two industries, then we can empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to drive lasting development and prosperity.