Kongphanh Santivong A 1997 graduate of the University of Washington, Kongphanh Santivong earned his bachelor of arts degree in philosophy (1997) along with an informal concentration in Southeast Asia studies. His interest led him to work for the National Bureau of Asian Research as a project assistant, in which he edited various executive summaries and co-edited AccessAsia: A Guide to Specialists and Current Research. He continued his studies by earning a juris doctor degree from the Syracuse University College of Law in 2000. After graduation from Syracuse University College of Law, Kongphanh went on to work for Compliance Inc. as a contract attorney assisting law firms with complex litigation and substantial compliance for proposed merger and acquisition. Kongphanh saw the importance of public service and he went to work for the late chief judge of the Civil Division of D.C. Superior Court, the Honorable Steffen W. Graae. As Judge Graae’s law clerk, Kongphanh managed his docket and advised him on civil matters that were before him. Kongphanh returned to the private sector working for Ajilon Inc., in which he worked on a telecom merger and a complex insurance defense. Returning to government service, he then took a position at the D.C. Mayor’s Office as a Community Development Coordinator addressing policy issues related to capacity building within the Asian community. The private and public work was rewarding but it took him further from his real interest. So, Kongphanh decided to return to school to earn a master’s in international relations. Kongphanh is currently undertaking his first year of study at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and is working towards an M.A. in International Relations with a concentration in Southeast Asia Studies. With the Southeast Asia specialization, he intends to pursue a career in emerging markets and international trade. | 
