About Ari
The son of Mexican-Jewish immigrants, I grew up traveling to Mexico often, visiting my mother’s rug factory in Ensenada. I was fascinated by the border: by the stark economic and cultural differences it created. This led me to a nine-year career in international development in Peru and South Asia.
I write about characters wrestling with identity: crossing worlds, navigating dysfunctional families and corrupt organizations, struggling to choose between position or purpose.
I am a National Chess Master, a former professional poker player, and a surfing and rock climbing enthusiast. I have a BA in Economics from Stanford, an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona, and a Master’s in Public Policy from UC Berkeley.