Adam Braun

Adam Braun is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author, best known for founding Pencils of Promise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building schools and increasing access to education in developing countries. Born on October 31, 1983, in New York City, Braun graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with degrees in economics, sociology, and public & private sector organizations. After working at Bain & Company, he left his corporate career to pursue a mission-driven path. In 2008, inspired by a young boy in India who asked for a pencil, Braun founded Pencils of Promise with just $25. The organization has since built over 500 schools worldwide, impacting the lives of more than 250,000 students .

In addition to his philanthropic work, Adam Braun is a New York Times bestselling author. His memoir, The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change, debuted at #2 on the New York Times Bestseller list and went on to become a #1 national bestseller. The book chronicles his journey from Wall Street to founding Pencils of Promise, offering insights into leadership, purpose, and the power of small actions to create significant change .

Braun's quotes reflect his commitment to social impact and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of taking small actions to initiate change, stating, "For any movement to gain momentum, it must start with a small action." He also advocates for living a life of purpose, saying, "Your life should be a story you are excited to tell." These insights underscore his belief in the power of individual actions to drive collective transformation .