About Dafan

Personal Background - The American Dream

Like many first generation immigrants, Dafan’s early years in America were marked by struggles. Although Dafan was initially blessed to have the opportunity to attend a prestigious high school program, because he lacked the support of nearby family and friends so many of us take for granted, he dropped out of the program just short of receiving his high school diploma, leaving him fending for himself, unable to land a steady job, and for a time, even homeless—issues that all too many in our community continue to face on a daily basis. But Dafan persevered. He continued to fight for his future until he realized his American Dream: a loving family, top-notch education, good career, and a home he could call his very own. Dafan believes that every single person should have the same opportunity to shine regardless of his or her background. He is passionate about helping everyone receive a fair chance at achieving their American Dream.

Education - From GED to the Ivy League

Setting himself back on the path toward achieving his American dream, Dafan first earned his GED certificate from the School District of Philadelphia in 1995. After a brief stint at Community College of Philadelphia, Dafan again had to put his education on hold to focus on earning a living. More than a decade when by before Dafan gathered enough courage to resume his college dream. In 2009, Dafan enrolled in Delaware County Community College, later transferring to West Chester University, where he graduated first in class with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Master of Public Administration from the Fels Institute of Government. Immediately after, Dafan entered the University of Pennsylvania Law School at the age of 34, making him among the oldest entering students to take up the study of law. Although Dafan is elated to have finally completed his formal studies, he looks forward to a lifetime of continued learning in ordered to better serve the needs of others.

Career - From Day Laborer to Professional

Dafan has held a variety of jobs, starting in the restaurant industry (perhaps you have seen him handing out free samples in the Gallery Mall food court!). After several years of working in the kitchen and delivering food, Dafan switched gears into the technology world, turning his computer hobby into a full-time career. First a PC technician and salesperson, Dafan soon reinvented himself as a web developer, spending over a decade as an expert on e-commerce and software development. Among other accomplishments, Dafan invented a nationally acclaimed mobile software system that evaluated teacher performance in the classroom.

But while Dafan’s successful technology career represented an important step toward achieving Dafan’s American dream, it did not fully satisfy his desire to make a positive impact on the world. He wanted to contribute more. Recognizing that law and policy influence our everyday lives, Dafan again reinvented himself by obtaining a policy degree and entering law school. Looking to the future, Dafan hopes to use his law degree as both a policymaker and an attorney—bringing justice and equality to all.

Community Service - From Lost to the Mentor

Dafan is passionately committed to community service. He was always willing to lend a helping hand even when he had so little to give. As a restaurant worker, he learned the joy of sharing when he took unsold, soon-to-be discarded food and shared it with the homeless community around Center City Philadelphia. The same sharing spirit continued through his career. After leaving the restaurant industry, Dafan ran after school programs throughout Philadelphia teaching children how to use technology. After returning to college, Dafan volunteered to help provide career and life advice to fellow students. Upon his graduation, Dafan became active in the alumni community as an alumni mentor and an alumni interviewer hoping to help the next generation of college students. Today, Dafan is dedicated to sharing the wealthy by continuing to run workshops, serve as a mentor, and give talks and presentations. Aspiring to inspire, motivate, and encourage youths in the community, Dafan also gives back by teaching courses at Delaware County Community College, in the same classroom he entered when he resumed his own studies. Most recently, Dafan founded Education4Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization aimed to help people achieve prosperity through education, by way of free programs and workshops in the community.