Eric Tai Dawson

Eric Tai Dawson is the CEO of Peace First, an organization he helped launch at 18 which now works in 105 countries preparing young people to lead positive social action through compassion and courage. A globally recognized expert on youth culture and movement-building, Mr. Dawson received his degrees from Harvard University: a specialized B.A. in economics, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, and political science; M.Ed in human development psychology; and M.Div. in pastoral care and counseling. He is an Ashoka, Echoing Green, and Pop!Tech Fellow. Besides the odd jobs of bartending, electron microscopy, TV commercials, and serving as the driver for the author of Curious George, Eric got his professional start directing a summer camp in Boston’s public housing complexes. His book for young readers, Putting Peace First: Seven Commitments to Change the World is being published this fall by Viking.