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Sessions
Opening Session: Conversation with Maria Shriver: 5/20, 10am
Conversation with Maria Shriver, Premal Shah, and U.S. microloan clients Amanda Keppert of Mandy's Korner and Erik Mantsch of Just Awesome-The Board Game Store
Premal Shah, President, Kiva
Maria Shriver, First Lady, California
Opening Address: Martin Eakes: 5/20, 11:15am
Opening Address: Martin Eakes
SpeakersMartin Eakes, CEO, Self-Help/Center for Responsible Lending
Careers Roundtable (Optional Lunchtime Session): 5/20 & 5/21, Lunchtime
Grab your lunch and grab a seat! Gather in a community of jobseekers to learn tools and practical tips for your job search; hear from successful industry professionals about their career paths; and engage in a Q&A dialogue to spur new ideas to expand your career potential. Boxed lunch will be provided.
Recruiters: Request your copy of the Microfinance USA 2010 Resume Book. The Resume Book includes the resumes of conference attendees searching for a career in microfinance. It’s a great place to begin recruiting for the next position you fill! Email: conference@opportunityfund.org, subject line “Resume Book”. Only available to Microfinance USA 2010 registrants.
More speakers coming soon.
Microentrepreneur Tour (Optional Lunchtime Session): 5/20 & 5/21, Lunchtime
Visit microfinance borrowers at their places of business throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Boxed lunch will be provided.
SpeakersMore speakers coming soon.
A Living History: U.S. Microfinance Past, Present and Future: 5/20, 1:15pm
Did you know that in some U.S. states, a woman couldn’t get a business loan in her own name until 1988? Microfinance is certainly ‘hot’, but what are its origins in the United States? Is microfinance new here? A Living History: U.S. Microfinance will convene a group of seasoned leaders who founded the industry up to thirty years ago, along with current practitioners who are leading microfinance organizations to scale today. In this “fireside chat”, panelists will discuss the changing policy, economic, and cultural landscape over the past decades, highlighting: when and how domestic microfinance got started; how it has grown, struggled, and succeeded; and where these microfinance leaders think the industry is heading and ought to be heading.
Gina Harman, President and CEO, ACCION New York/New Jersey and ACCION USA
Leslie Kane, Executive Vice President, Grameen America
Marco Lucioni, Founder and CEO, Confianza
Julia Vindasius, Founding Executive Director, Good Faith Fund
Eric Weaver, CEO, Opportunity Fund
Kim Wilson, Lecturer, International Business, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
Scaling Global Microfinance: Funder Perspectives: 5/20, 1:15pm
In emerging markets around the world, we have seen how microfinance can benefit individual lives and transform communities. Despite the promise of microfinance to serve the world's poorest people, only a fraction of this population has access to these financial services so far. This diverse panel of investors will speak to their investment strategy to accelerate the growth of microfinance, spark innovation in the sector, and extend the benefits of financial services to the people who need them most.
SpeakersMaya Chorengel, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Elevar Equity
Stephanie Cohn, Manager, Investments, Omidyar Network
Elizabeth Funk, Board Member and Co-Founder, Unitus Investment Group
Deepak Kamra, General Partner, Canaan Partners
Outsourcing: Improving underwriting and portfolio management: 5/20, 1:15pm
ACCION Texas Microloan Management Services (MMS) is the first service center tailored to microfinance in the United States. MMS offers web application, automatic prequalification, underwriting, closing documents and portfolio management services at a fraction of the cost of conducting similar activities in house. MMS clients have reported significant expansions of their programs with same or better portfolio quality. Through a great standardization of the loan approval process MMS allows a dramatic reduction in response time helping improve customer service and overall program outcomes. Web based and virtually paperless MMS has processed 5,000 applications since 2008 and is currently servicing 12 organizations in 4 time zones. ACCION Texas has a track record of 16 years in Micro-lending and the largest microfinance portfolio in the US with more than $26 million in loans under management. In this workshop, ACCION Texas will present MMS and answer questions for organizations interested in scaling up and increasing the efficiency of their micro-lending programs.
Gustavo Lasala, Chief Financial Officer, ACCION Texas-Louisiana
Growing Microlending in a Challenging Economy: 5/20, 2:45pm
For the last three years, leading microlenders engaged in the Scale Academy for Microenterprise Development have been working hard to transform their institutions to dramatically increase the number of entrepreneurs they serve. The Academy, sponsored by the Aspen Institute’s FIELD program and the Association for Enterprise Opportunity supports their efforts with grants, technical assistance and opportunities for peer learning. Grantees will discuss the strategies that have shown the greatest progress, and the challenges they have faced in pursuing growth during a time of economic and financial crisis.
SpeakersGrace Fricks, President and CEO, Appalachian Community Enterprises
Galen Gondolfi, Senior Loan Counselor, justinePETERSEN
Joyce Klein, Senior Consultant, Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program
Anne Haines Yatskowitz, Co-Founder, ACCION New Mexico-Arizona-Colorado
Where Does All That Loan Capital Come From Anyway?: 5/20, 2:45pm
As the leading contributor of net new jobs to the U.S. economy – 93.5% in the last 20 years -- small businesses truly are the engine of our economy. Access to capital is crucial to ensuring that small business owners can build the sustainable enterprises that will create jobs and strengthen communities. Learn what steps the government, private, and nonprofit sectors are taking to partner together and expand investment in micro- and small business lending.
Jonathan Brereton, Chief Executive and Lending Officer, ACCION Chicago
Jessica Falk, Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration
Dan Letendre, Chief Executive and Lending Officer, Bank of America
Elizabeth Makee, Executive Director, ACCION San Diego
Kat Taylor, Co-Founder, OneCalifornia
Leveraging Partnerships to Reach Millions: 5/20, 2:45pm
Bob A. Annibale, Global Director, Citi Microfinance and Community Relations
Janie Barrera, Founding President and CEO, ACCION Texas-Louisiana
Bhagwan Chowdhry, Professor, UCLA Anderson
Matt Lonner, Manager of Global Partnerships and Programs, Chevron
Marco Lucioni, Founder and CEO, Confianza
Kimberly Wright-Violich, President, Schwab Charitable
Inside the SBA Microenterprise Program: 5/20, 4:15pm
Hear straight from the experts in Washington D.C. how the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is supporting microlending and the new resources available through the current Obama administration. Learn how to apply for PRIME or to be a Microlender or a Women’s Business Center. At the same time, join a discussion with SBA representatives on how to improve the SBA Microenterprise program.
SpeakersAna Recio Harvey, Assistant Administrator/Office of Women's Business Ownership, U.S. Small Business Administration
Mark Quinn, SBA District Director, San Francisco, U.S. Small Business Administration
Jody Raskind, Director, Office of Capital Access, Microloan Program Branch, U.S. Small Business Administration
Jaunice Rufai, Program Analyst/Office of Capital Access, Microloan Program Branch, U.S. Small Business Administration
The Rise of P2P Lending: 5/20, 4:15pm
Peer Lending and microlending are rising alternatives and complements to traditional bank loans. Senior Managers at Lending Club, Kiva, and People Capital – three separate firms harnessing the power of P2P and online marketplaces – discuss how they are transforming the ways Americans lend to and borrow from each other. While their purposes and models differ, these growing firms demonstrate a burgeoning alternative to traditional notions of financing and philanthropy.
SpeakersAl Alper, President and Chief Operating Officer, People Capital
Rob Garcia, Senior Director, Product Strategy, Lending Club
Liz Hamburg, Founder and President, Upstart Ventures
Giovanna Masci, Regional Director, The Americas, Kiva
What is a Fair Price to Pay for Good Credit?: 5/20, 4:15pm
Emotions run very high around the issue of interest rates, and some MFI’s abroad have been criticized for their high rates. Why is it that the price charged for money is scrutinized so much more carefully than the price charged for other goods? Here in the
Sean Foote, Managing Director, Labrador Ventures
Elizabeth Funk, Board Member and Co-Founder, Unitus Investment Group
Paul A. Leonard, Director of Operations, California, Center for Responsible Lending
Jonathan C. Lewis, Founder, MicroCredit Enterprises
Elisabeth Rhyne, Managing Director, Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International
Lynn Trojahn, Vice President of Advancement, ACCION New Mexico-Arizona-Colorado
Luz Urrutia, CEO, El Banco de Nuestra Comunidad
Taste of Microentrepreneurship: 5/20, 5:30pm
Microentrepreneurs representing some of the Bay Area’s most popular and cutting-edge kitchens will delight guests with a “food festival” sampling of their culinary delights. Join Microfinance USA conference attendees from 5:30-7:30pm for an evening of networking. Live music, hors d'œuvres and open bar. $35 with registration/$45 at the door
More speakers coming soon.
Opening Remarks: Gavin Newsom, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco: 5:21, 9am
Opening Remarks: Gavin Newsom, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco
SpeakersGavin Newsom, Mayor, City and County of San Francisco
Opening Address: Andrea Levere: 5/21, 9:15am
Opening Address: Andrea Levere
SpeakersAndrea Levere, President, CFED
Plenary Session: Is Savings Even More Important than Credit?: 5/21, 9:45am
Providing tools and support to help families build small amounts of savings can empower them for generations. Join leaders of microfinance savings programs in a discussion on the increasingly important role of savings in poverty alleviation work in the U.S and around the world. Learn how incentive and education-based savings programs are designed and how commercial financial institutions are partnering with non-profits to provide matched savings accounts. Hear from individuals who are using savings to build assets and achieve their goals.
SpeakersJeffrey Ashe, Director of Community Finance, Oxfam America
Andrea Levere, President, CFED
Ben Mangan, President, CEO and Co-Founder, EARN
Lisa Mensah, Executive Director, Initiative on Financial Security, The Aspen Institute
Funding U.S. Microenterprise: Why Now? (for Donors and Funders only): 5/21, 11am
Given the ongoing recession, high unemployment, increasing needs, and shrinking resources—is this the right time to invest in microenterprise programs? This session will address the challenges and opportunities faced by microentrepreneurs and microlending programs in hard times, and how strategic philanthropic investments can advance this work. Corporate, philanthropic and individual donors who are currently funding or considering whether to fund domestic microenterprise programs – including those who fund microlending in developing countries and want to learn more about the why and how of investing in the United States -- are invited to join in this funders-only session. Sponsored by the Microenterprise Funders Group and Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
SpeakersAmanda Feinstein, Program Officer, Walter and Elise Haas Fund
Joyce Klein, Senior Consultant, Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program
Ash McNeely, Executive Director, Sand Hill Foundation
Innovations in Microfinance Worldwide: 5/21, 11am
Microfinance pioneers and practitioners will discuss various innovations that have directly led to the evolution of microfinance in the developing world such as micro-insurance, savings products, private education, and private health care services. Presented by the Silicon Valley Microfinance Network (SVMN)
SpeakersBill Abrams, President, Trickle Up
Sean Foote, Managing Director, Labrador Ventures
Sean Kline, Executive Director, Reach Global
James Magowan, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Housing MicroFinance, LLA ("HMF")
Chuck Slaughter, CEO, Living Goods
Kathleen E. Stack, Vice President, Program Development, Freedom from Hunger
Policy Efforts to Promote Responsible and Appropriate Financial Products: 5/21, 11am
The recent economic crisis laid bare the many financial pitfalls facing working families. Today, as the country emerges from the recession, there is renewed focus on creating policies that ensure the financial system is accessible, transparent and fair for all Americans. Join leading policy advocates for a timely and provocative discussion of the financial reforms needed to prevent predatory practices and support responsible and appropriate financial products. Learn what's on the table in Washington from the experts leading the way.
SpeakersEleni Constantine, Director, Financial Security Portfolio, Pew Charitable Trusts
Melissa Koide, Policy Director, Center for Financial Services Innovation
Paul A. Leonard, Director of Operations, California, Center for Responsible Lending
Andrea Levere, President, CFED
Claudia Viek, CEO, CAMEO
Student-Led Microfinance Clubs: 5/21, 11am
On college campuses nationwide, young leaders are exploring microfinance initiatives that are creative and making an impact. There are now more than 50 student-led microfinance clubs in the United States and they are quickly becoming thought-leaders and strong voices for the cause of domestic microfinance. These clubs raise awareness, fundraise and, often, serve as technical assistance and even loan providers. Join the various stakeholders in the student-led microfinance initiative. Student leaders, along with faculty and professional advisors, will converse about how they are leading this movement. Gain knowledge about how they operate, share best practices, and strategize about how to start or improve your campus microfinance club.
SpeakersAlex Dang, Founder and Director, US Microfinance Brigades
Erica Dorn, Volunteer Partnerships Manager, ACCION USA
Rohan Mathew, Executive Director and CEO, The Intersect Fund
Melissa A. Paulsen, Social/Micro Venturing Programs Manager, Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame
Paloma Pineda, Student, Yale University
Kiva Lender-Borrower Meet-Up: 5/21, 12:30pm
Come meet entrepreneurs whose microloans have been funded on Kiva! This Lender-Borrower Meet-Up is a chance to connect Kiva lenders with local borrowers offline – making the P2P connection even more personal. Hear from borrowers about how business is going, what they think of the investors who supported them on Kiva, and what challenges and opportunities these small business owners see around the corner. This is an informal lunchtime conversation. After borrowers introduce themselves and their businesses, the floor is open for learning and casual conversation.
More speakers coming soon.
Film Screening: To Catch a Dollar
The documentary To Catch a Dollar: Muhammad Yunus Banks On America, directed and produced by Gayle Ferraro had its World Premiere at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah this January. The film chronicles Grameen America, a not-for-profit microfinance organization founded by Yunus, during its first year of operations in Queens, New York.
SpeakersMore speakers coming soon.
Microfinance Miracle? | or | Microfinance Myth?
Does microfinance reduce poverty? Is that even its purpose? What does the latest research say about the impact of microfinance, and how definitive are the results? Elisabeth Rhyne, Managing Director of the Center for Financial Inclusion will lead participants in a guided discussion of this sizzling debate regarding the impact of microfinance. Hear an overview from Rhyne on the issues and then dive into small group discussions over lunch before coming back as a group to share your thoughts on whether the ‘microfinance buzz’ belies data that indicate a miracle, merely a myth, or something else. This is a chance to engage with the debate and form your own opinions about microfinance!
SpeakersElisabeth Rhyne, Managing Director, Center for Financial Inclusion at ACCION International
(Ir)Rational: Applying Behavioral Economics to Microfinance: 5/21, 2:30pm
Why do people consistently make financial decisions that aren’t in their best interests? Come learn about innovative microfinance products that build on the principles of behavioral economics to yield better outcomes for individuals and institutions.
Speakers
Alejandra Lopez-Fernandini, Senior Policy Analyst, New America Foundation
Margaret McConnell, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard's Center for Population and Development Studies
Genevieve Melford, Senior Program Manager for Applied Research, CFED
Adair Morse, Assistant Professor of Finance, University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
Connecting Retail Banking and Microfinance: 5/21, 2:30pm
This session will feature a group of retail bank executives who will discuss why partnering with microfinance institutions helps small businesses and makes good business sense. Hear from experts about the nuts and bolts about how banks are connecting small business customers to microfinance and the opportunities and challenges they face.
SpeakersMaria Lazzarini, Executive Vice President & Northern CA Division Executive, Bank of the West
J. Reymundo Ocañas, Senior Vice President, Director of Corporate Responsibility & Reputation, BBVA Compass
Robert Shoffner, SVP / Region Manager of Business Banking, Citibank, N.A
Proven Technology Trends for the Developing World: 5/21, 2:30pm
This panel will take a closer look at the effects of mobile technology on microfinance in the developing world. Within this session, panelists will discuss the forms of back-end technology systems that are critical to the development and expansion of microfinance institutions worldwide. Presented by the Silicon Valley Microfinance Network (SVMN)
SpeakersPeter Bladin, Executive Vice President of Programs and Regions, Grameen Foundation
Menekse Gencer, Founder, mPay Connect
Meyer Malka, Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Director, Bling Nation
Harold Solomon, COO, RentBureau
U.S. Innovations: Serving the Unbanked: 5/21, 2:30pm
Serving the unbanked in the U.S. means much more than microlending. Join innovative organizations who are broadening the definition of microfinance with unique retail products, marketing, and storefronts to reach individuals living outside the financial mainstream.
James Gutierrez, CEO, Progreso Financiero
Theodore P. Michaels, Executive Vice President, Banamex USA
Rick Parras, Founder, Apoyo Financiero
Leigh Phillips, Program Manager, Office of Financial Empowerment, Office of the Treasurer; City and County of San Francisco
Jennifer Tescher, Director, Center for Financial Services Innovation
Steve Zuckerman, Founder and Managing Director, CA branch, Self-Help
Microfinance Miracle? | or | Microfinance Myth?: 5/21, 1:30pm
Does microfinance reduce poverty? Is that even its purpose? What does the latest research say about the impact of microfinance, and how definitive are the results? Elisabeth Rhyne, Managing Director of the Center for Financial Inclusion will lead participants in a guided discussion of this sizzling debate regarding the impact of microfinance. Hear an overview from Rhyne on the issues and then dive into small group discussions over lunch before coming back as a group to share your thoughts on whether the ‘microfinance buzz’ belies data that indicate a miracle, merely a myth, or something else. This is a chance to engage with the debate and form your own opinions about microfinance! Enter session description here.
SpeakersMore speakers coming soon.
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