Military Service
U.S. Army First Lieutenant
Experience
14 years served
Future
Seeking a career in small business
Location
Saint Paul, MN
About Fabien W.
My name is Fabien W. Edjou. I am a U.S. Army Veteran with 14 years of service. I am 49 years old. I am currently bootstrapping the development of similrz. Similrz is a social networking platform for communities of shared values where individuals connect based on similar values. The platform focuses on meaningful human connections and the promotion of trustworthy relationships. My vision is to eradicate loneliness by providing a space where human can strengthen their personal qualities, achieve fulfillment, and grow positively and intentionally together inside communities of shared values. In a world that seems to divide us further, similrz will connect humans strongly so they can be, feel, and enjoy being human again.
“Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.”
Loneliness affects 33% of adults globally. In the U.S. alone, 63% of men and 58% of women are experiencing loneliness. The most intriguing research finding is that Social Media use was tied to loneliness, with 73% of heavy social media users considered lonely, compared to 52% of light users.
I was born in Cameroon-Africa and a winner of the US Green Card lottery; I have been in the US since October 2000. I joined the military in 2001 and was medically retired in 2015. I was deployed three times to support OIF/OIF and am a Purple Heart recipient.
In my last Military duty, I served as the Brigade Senior HR Officer for the 97th TNG BDE CGSOC. I also served as a Federal Employee and a State of Wisconsin Employee. As a State employee, I managed and coordinated two programs within Milwaukee County: Business Services (State Program) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA-Federal Program).
Entrepreneurship is my genuine passion!