Founder’s Story

In 1982, Dr. Kwon received his Ph.D. in Food Biochemistry from Ohio State University. Working as a research scientist with Nestlé R&D, he obtained 13 international patents in medical nutrition products and bio-ingredients. Dr. Kwon continued with Nestlé as a Principal Nutrition Scientist and Director of Technical Services where he was responsible for the innovation and development of medical nutrition products. In 2003, Dr. Kwon was invited to give a lecture for Balkh University's School of Medicine faculty. During his visit, professors and other community leaders requested Dr. Kwon's assistance to develop a health and nutrition program that would address the widespread malnutrition afflicting Afghan women and children. Dr. Kwon decided to take an early retirement in order to help the people of Afghanistan. He registered NEI as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in California with the mission of ending protein deficiency in Afghanistan.

Recognizing that malnutrition was linked with protein deficiency, NEI stepped forward to help women and children suffering from malnutrition. NEI identified soybeans as the quickest and most affordable solution to the most basic health concern for Afghanistan women and children. In 2003, soybean cultivation took place in a land that had never heard of the protein-filled plant. Today the government and the people of Afghanistan fully support the progress and hope brought by NEI.

As the founder and president of Nutrition & Education International, Dr. Kwon leads the overall direction of the organization in Afghanistan, Korea, and the United States and advocates for the empowerment of local staff and beneficiaries. Dr. Kwon volunteers his time, resources, and talents to ending malnutrition in Afghanistan. Dr. Kwon is dedicated to helping the people of Afghanistan overcome the devastating effects of war and rebuild the country by helping Afghans obtain physical health with proper nutrition. Dr. Kwon enjoys interacting with farmers and working with them to eradicate malnutrition in Afghanistan. He lives in California with his wife of over 40 years. They have two adult children.