Emily Hao

Community Bursary Award Holder

MBA (2024)

I am incredibly honoured to be selected as a Community Bursary Award Holder at St. Cross College. This award not only provides financial support but also reaffirms my belief in the power of community and social responsibility. Before Oxford, I dedicated my career to technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. For my family business, I led strategic initiatives in real estate and startup investments. I also founded Investing at Home, a blockchain-powered real estate platform selected for the USA Massachusetts Social Impact Program, with the mission of making investment opportunities more transparent and accessible. Alongside these ventures, I launched small businesses such as ice cream shops and press-on nail vending machine startup, embracing innovation and creative problem-solving. Beyond business, my passion lies in fostering inclusivity and wellbeing. I created a mental health awareness organisation that provides safe spaces and free therapy sessions. As the co-founder of Women in Engineering North America in my corporate organisation, I championed mentorship and leadership opportunities for female engineers. In addition, my commitment to conservation led me to volunteer with Grupo Lobo in Portugal, rehabilitating wolves and supporting wildlife preservation. The Community Bursary allows me to further these pursuits while engaging with the diverse academic and social landscape of Oxford. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and inspired to continue making a meaningful impact through leadership, innovation, and community-driven initiatives.