Vicky Pinpin-Feinstein was born in the Philippines. She left for the US shortly after finishing her bachelor's degree to work as a member of an international team for a research project on the role of women as portrayed in the media across five countries. She holds graduate degrees in communication and political science. She has worked for public television, the East-West Center, and the Smithsonian Institute. She consults on the applications, policy, and impact of communication technologies in society and strategic communications for international and nonprofit organizations. She also writes regularly on social giving and crowdfunding and international development. She is married and has two children. She describes herself as an avid traveler and a lover of books and music.