Charlotte Dunford
my story
My name is Charlotte. I immigrated alone to the United States from China at 16 years old. I came with no parents, very little English, two suitcases, and one American Dream. I went on to become a naturalized American citizen, graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology, start a real estate finance company, become a wife and mother, and sell my equity in the business to focus on my family In 2025.
I am interested in AI, and with my background in real estate finance, marketing, and investor relations, I hope to get an MBA in AI Track and to do enterprise level AI business development as a career.
I want to reach women from all backgrounds and inspire them to revive the American Dream - the mission of my platform. Today, many people believe the American dream is no longer possible because of the negative news they see. I want people to see me as a success story and a symbol of the American Dream.
platform
My platform, RISE, stands for Realize, Inspire, Strengthen, and Equip. Each challenge is unique, and no single challenge represents every woman’s experience. Mental health, cancer, and disability are all different challenges. They all have one thing in common: adversity. RISE has universal applicability as we help all people, especially women, overcome adversities.
RISE puts the challenges on the table, lays them out openly, encourages honest discussions, and pairs people with the resources they need to overcome them. Adversities often exist because of a lack of resources in one way or another. RISE is there to be the connector.
RISE is powered by my gift for people and relationships. When I came to the United States alone at 16, I did not know a single soul. I started building relationships, and one connection led to another. Over time, those relationships became a network that elevated me to heights I could previously have only dreamed of.
fun facts
I love spicy food, started piano training at three years old, and love my cat despite my allergies. I am trained in Mandarin-English simultaneous interpreting. Certificate of AI in business from Wharton Business School online & Coursera.