2nd Annual Microfinance Summit In San Diego
2010 San Diego Microfinance Summit
April 28th, 2010
8:30am-4:30pm
The San Diego Microfinance Summit will bring together students, business owners, members of the community, microlenders, bankers, and many others to learn, network, and become more involved in microfinance. The summit will highlight both international microfinance issues as well as teach about the local micro-lending climate. Participants will get to hear from both microfinance professionals and clients in addition to enjoying lunch and a marketplace that is provided by local clients, all financed by local microfinance organizations. The afternoon mixer will provide an opportunity for to network with students, microfinance professionals, microfinance clients and more.
The Keynote address will be given by Yeardley Smith, Emmy award-winning actor, novelist and playwright who is best known as the voice of Lisa Simpson on the Emmy award winning television series The Simpsons. She is passionate about microfinance. As a donor and volunteer, she is partnering with Grameen Foundation on a special initiative geared toward expanding microcredit and related services to those living on less than a dollar a day. Yeardley will share her perspectives and experiences visiting with women in Haiti, both pre- and post-earthquake and address the impact of microfinance.
Attendees will also spend the latter part of the morning hearing from a panel of professionals that work in international microfinance organizations. Afternoon break-out sessions will provide the opportunity to learn about various aspects of microfinance in a bit more depth. Two different hour-long sessions will allow for attendees to choose from the following break-out sessions.
1. Students In Microfinance - Learn about opportunities to become more involved in microfinance from students and alumni of San Diego Univervisities. Learn about potential internships, job opportunities, and University Microfinance Clubs.
2. Microfinance In Academia - Hear from professors and center directors from University of San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, and San Diego State University about how the microfinance is making its way into the academic landscape. Each year new curriculum, courses, and research continues to raise awareness and recognize microfinance as a key tool in poverty alleviation
3. Group Lending Model - While many are familiar with Grameen Bank’s village banking model, rarely has it been successfully replicated in the United States. Learn more about USD’s partnership with La Maestra and how $250 loans are changing the lives of women in San Diego.
4. San Diego Microlenders - The San Diego Microfinance Alliance is composed of many different microlenders that work collaboratively to help entrepreneurs get the capital they need. Learn more about each of these organizations and how they are working together to bring financing to underserved markets.
A final networking hour will give all attendees a chance to enjoy drinks, light appetizers, and interact with other students, business owners, microlenders, and members of the community.
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