Birthright Citizenship: Celebrating First-Generation American Stories

Business & Innovation: “Building Platforms, Building Change”

When Alexis Ohanian co-founded Reddit in 2005, he helped create one of the most influential online platforms in the world.  His journey as a first-generation American illustrates the power of ideas, opportunity, and the unique perspectives children of immigrants bring to the U.S. story.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1983, Ohanian is the son of an Armenian immigrant father whose family fled to the United States after the Armenian genocide.  Growing up, he witnessed both the struggles and the resilience of immigrant life.  Those experiences shaped his vision of technology as a tool not only for connection but also for change.

Ohanian attended the University of Virginia, where he met Steve Huffman.  Together, they launched Reddit, which has since become a cornerstone of online discussion, with hundreds of millions of users worldwide.  Beyond Reddit, Ohanian has invested in and mentored startups through his firm, Initialized Capital, championing innovation that empowers people.
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But Ohanian’s impact goes beyond entrepreneurship.  As the husband of tennis champion Serena Williams and the father of two young daughters, he has become a leading national advocate for paid family leave in the United States.  He has testified before Congress and worked with organizations to expand family-friendly workplace policies, connecting his personal journey with broader social change.

No matter where you’re from, your ideas can change the world. – Alexis Ohanian

As a first-generation American, Ohanian represents the role of immigrant families in shaping the modern economy—not just by building companies, but by pushing for policies that strengthen families and communities.  His story underscores the lasting impact of birthright citizenship:  when children of immigrants are free to dream, they often build something that transforms the future.

Did You Know?​
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• Children of immigrants represent about 1 in 4 young adults in the U.S.
• First- and second-generation Americans have founded over 40% of Fortune 500 companies, fueling jobs and economic growth.
• In the tech sector alone, immigrant-origin entrepreneurs have created millions of U.S. jobs through startups and innovation.