About Roger Kuperways
From Parisian couture to New York entrepreneurship, from NYU classrooms to philosophy, writing, and Argentine tango.
Different chapters. One enduring curiosity about people, ideas, and the possibilities of beginning again.
Professor Emeritus, keynote speaker, author, entrepreneur, and tango teacher. The titles tell part of the story. The experiences behind them tell the rest.
01A beginning in couture
Roger began his career as an apprentice in Parisian couture before immigrating to the United States at seventeen. He went on to build a multimillion-dollar fashion business, moving from the atelier to the boardroom.
EXPLORE FASHION →The courage to begin again
Across fashion, retail, publishing, technology, and consulting, Roger built and operated more than two dozen ventures. During the early microcomputer era, he founded Unicon Systems, working in software, systems analysis, and web development.
EXPLORE ENTREPRENEURSHIP →
03Experience becomes education
For more than twenty-five years, Roger taught entrepreneurship at New York University. His teaching connected real-world decision-making with the discipline of practical philosophy.
EXPLORE NYU →Ideas that move people
Roger has spoken to corporate audiences, associations, and universities on reinvention, leadership, and practical action. His talks have ranged from executive gatherings to a business-startup conference at New York’s Jacob Javits Center attended by more than 1,600 people.
EXPLORE SPEAKING →05The next chapter is written
Roger is the author of From Chocolate to Philosopher, a memoir of reinvention. His writing explores how clear thinking, curiosity, and lived experience can help us make sense of the choices that shape a life.
EXPLORE WRITING →
06Philosophy in motion
As an Argentine tango teacher and performer, Roger has found another language for connection, trust, listening, and partnership—this time without a lecture hall.
EXPLORE TANGO →Roger’s interests have also included a childhood scholarship to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a junior chess championship, a black belt in karate, skiing medals, international bridge competitions, and service as president of the American Photographic Historical Society. He speaks French, English, Spanish, Italian, and Yiddish.
DISCOVER MORE ACHIEVEMENTS →