Meet Ronnie Hafez, ’25

Ronnie Hafez is graduating with a degree in political science and economics with a minor in global studies. "Global Studies has opened my eyes to how local events and decisions ripple outward into interconnected global systems,” he said. "Instead of seeing issues in isolation, I learned to analyze them through multiple lenses—economic, political, environmental, and socio‑cultural."

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Ronnie's experience at Stanford.

What was your area of specialization within the global studies minor?

Islamic Studies

Tell us your favorite major/minor-related story or experience! Any adventures abroad or fascinating guest lectures?

In BUSGEN 105, a class session brought in the actual founders of ProjectSHED—four GSB students who spent six months living on ramen, drilling down on a gap in wireless backhaul before any guarantee of funding. Sitting face‑to‑face with people who’d once been in my shoes, hearing how they balanced personal risk (no income, debt, relationship pressures) with unwavering commitment to a shared vision, made the leap from “thinking about startups” to “I could actually do this” feel immediate and real. Their journey—from candidly admitting failures early on to celebrating small research wins—gave me a blueprint for how disciplined teamwork and genuine grit can turn an idea into a venture, and that spark of possibility is why it remains my favorite Stanford experience.

As you reflect on your time at Stanford, what are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the friendships that grew from simple moments—grabbing coffee at Verve before class, wandering the quad between fun courses, and late‑night chats in the dorm. Those casual shared experiences—celebrating small victories, offering support after a hard day, or just laughing together—showed me what it means to belong. Leaving Stanford with friends who’ve been there through it all is what matters most.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m building an AI company with two Stanford peers. I’m energized by founding a company at the start of my career and confident that the lessons I’ve learned at Stanford will guide me on this journey.

How has your minor in global studies changed your understanding of the world and prepared you for your next steps?

Global Studies has opened my eyes to how local events and decisions ripple outward into interconnected global systems. Instead of seeing issues in isolation, I learned to analyze them through multiple lenses—economic, political, environmental, and socio‑cultural—by working through historical and contemporary case studies from regions as diverse as Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. That interdisciplinary training taught me to ask questions like: How do trade policies in one country affect labor practices elsewhere? What do migration patterns reveal about governance or resource distribution? By combining quantitative data (for example, migration statistics or trade flows) with qualitative approaches (oral histories, cultural narratives), I gained a toolkit for understanding complexity instead of defaulting to simplistic explanations. 

Engaging with theories of globalism and globalization also made me rethink assumptions about the “universal” human experience—recognizing that values, norms, and expectations can vary dramatically across contexts. As I look ahead to founding a company, I feel prepared to approach business challenges with that same mindset: to trace connections across borders, honor local perspectives, and anticipate how a decision in one market might reshape opportunities elsewhere.