Nearly 500 supporters and staff from across FINCA’s global network – including the Regional Directors and the CEOs from each of our 21 affiliates – convened in New York on November 18th to celebrate our quarter century of providing small loans and financial services to the world’s poor. Ambassador of Hope Natalie Portman and long-time FINCA supporter Soledad Hurst (a member of FINCA’s Board of Directors and Chair of FINCA’s Advisory Board) were honored for their tireless efforts to raise funds and generate awareness about village banking and the power of microfinance.
During the days surrounding the 25th Anniversary celebration, FINCA’s global management team took part in a series of workshops on strategic planning, communications, team building and other topics. They also participated in “Investor Day,” an exclusive event hosted by FINCA and Deutsche Bank, also attended by FINCA’s Board of Directors, investors, lenders and donors.
Guests at the 25th Anniversary celebration were treated to testimonials from two FINCA clients – Margarette Nivose from Haiti and Tamara Shekimbaeva from Kyrgyzstan – who moved the crowd to a standing ovation with their stories of how FINCA loans have changed their lives and improved life for their children.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared through a specially-recorded video message to congratulate FINCA for its quarter-century of success, and to acknowledge the honorees for their dedication to creating a world without poverty.