Introducing 2012 ProInspire Fellow: Lina Feng
Name: Lina Feng
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Previous Employer: Boston Consulting Group
Current Organization: D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
What inspired you to make the switch into the public/nonprofit sector?
While studying public policy at Duke I discovered social entrepreneurship and became really interested in the field as the natural intersection of business, policy, and social impact. I learned that social innovation can channel sound business practices to help solve the economic and social challenges that policies may inadequately address. This blended perspective on the symbiotic relationship between policy and business has captivated me for a long time. I wanted to make the switch to explore this passion by applying my business skill set in the public sector and work on issues that have a direct impact on the community.
What is your current position, and a typical day like?
I am currently a Strategy Associate at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in the District of Columbia. I have been working on the city’s five-year economic development strategy and will be taking on a lead role in its implementation.
What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
My professional background is in management consulting. As an Associate at Boston Consulting Group I worked on businesses challenges for clients in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, consumer, travel and tourism, and nonprofit.
What are you involved in outside of work?
Outside of work I am currently involved with the Duke alumni community in the DC metropolitan area.
Tell us about your past leadership experiences and how they are helping you in your current role.
My leadership experiences at Duke (mainly in various social entrepreneurship organizations/programs) as well as in my previous job have enabled me to develop better communication, collaboration, and consensus-building skills. My experience with leading organizations and my professional background in management consulting have fine-tuned my ability to think strategically. All of these skills have been critical in my current role.
If your friends and enemies had to describe you in three words, what would they be?
What is your dream career if money was not an option?
I would love to take Anthony Bourdain’s place on No Reservations.
Where else have you lived?
I was born in Beijing and lived there until I was eight years old. I have also lived in Durham, NC and Dallas, TX.