Shai Hamu

Shai Hamu is an accounting student with previous experience as a financial analyst and a strong personal interest in anthropology, history, and health. He is currently living in California and working toward completing his degree in accounting. After graduation, he plans to open a financial practice aimed at helping small businesses, particularly those in areas where financial services may be limited or difficult to access.

Shai was born in Israel and grew up in the United States, giving him a bicultural background that continues to influence his worldview. This perspective, shaped further by his experiences abroad and involvement in volunteer work, plays a vital role in his academic and career goals. He is focused on making financial literacy more approachable and meaningful for small business owners who may not have access to traditional support systems.

Since 2020, Hamu has been enrolled in college, with graduation expected within the next six months. His studies focus on applying accounting concepts in practical business contexts. His long-term objective is to run an independent practice that not only delivers financial services but also provides guidance that empowers clients to understand and manage their finances with greater clarity.

Alongside his academic work, Shai is employed as a garage door technician and previously held a position as a financial analyst at a fintech company. In 2022, he joined the company, which offers tools for financial advisors managing workplace retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s. The platform is designed to integrate with other systems and help advisors provide better service to their clients. His role involved supporting data analysis and contributing to the firm’s overall mission of improving retirement outcomes.

Hamu spent six months traveling through Southeast Asia, visiting countries including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia. During this time, he participated in volunteer efforts such as assisting at an elephant shelter, supporting farming projects, and helping in rural health clinics. These experiences offered firsthand insight into issues like healthcare access and food security in underserved communities and deepened his interest in global health and anthropology.

His early exposure to community service began with family participation in food drives. Shai continues to support charitable initiatives in small but consistent ways, such as making donations at local stores.