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WAM-NY (Women Advancing Microfinance,New York)

Welcome to WAM-NY (Women Advancing Microfinance New York), a professional networking group in New York established to bring together the community of supporters, practitioners and leaders in microfinance. We are part of WAM International, a global network of professionals advancing women's participation and leadership in microfinance.

NY Chapter members benefit from an active (and free!) schedule of networking events, professional workshops, and connecting with others in the global microfinance community. Join today! Upcoming Events

Click here to read about some of our past events.

Save the date for these upcoming WAM-iga events (FREE for members - click here if you need to renew your membership)...

April 25, 2012 from 7-8pm

1-hour Networking Workshop - REGISTER HERE Learn how to master the 4 major stages of networking. It's not just about meeting people and getting things! Get practical suggestions on how to incorporate networking into your day-to-day. Learn to identify and attract the people who can support you. Our guest speaker is Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio, co-founder of SixFigureStart.

Recent Events

We kicked off this year to a roaring start with loads of networking, discussions, summits, and debate going on! Check out some of our recent events...

ACCION Site Visit with Brooklyn microfinance entrepreneurs

Our first stop was lunch with Cheryl of Cheryl's Global Soul Food. She talked about the evolution of her restaurant, and the role Accion played in funding part of it. We then spent the rest of the afternoon at Alicia Piller's studio. Alicia is a talented artist and unique jewelry maker, who took out an Accion loan to get her business started.

Sources & Consequences of Microfinance: Discussion with David Roodman & MF Experts

Standing room only at this event! It was a packed house with lively debate between our panelists. Roodman is the author of Due Diligence, which confronts bottom-line questions about the impacts of microfinance and how it should be supported.

Women in the World Summit

Several WAM-igas attended this amazing and world-class event at Lincoln Center in March. There were so many talented women involved, it's hard to pick any favorite speakers or panel discussions. Click here to read more.

Focus on Africa

A lovely evening of cocktails and conversation with Dr Akwasi Aidoo, CEO & President of TrustAfrica. When asked what the single most immediate solution was to improve the condition of women in Africa, without hesitation Dr Aidoo pointed to financial empowerment. With more economic independence, mothers can send children to school, provide better food and shelter, and propel them into a better life.

A Celebration of International Women's Day

Several WAM-igas attended the panel discussion hosted by Asia Society in collaboration with Women's Education Project (WEP) and BRAC USA. The event was organized to celebrate the 101st International Women's Day on March 8, 2012. This program was part of the Asia Society's larger Women Leaders of New Asia Initiative (WLNA). Please click here to learn more about the event.

Fundraising & Scholarship Update

WAM-NY Selects its first Scholarship Recipient! We are extremely proud to introduce Ms. Essi Digo from Togo who has been awarded a WAM-NY scholarship. Her scholarship is part of WAM-NY's ongoing initiative to create opportunities for women from disadvantaged backgrounds to receive specialized training to reach their leadership potential. Essi is a leader in PLAN's savings groups work in Togo and worked with SMDP to organize field visits to savings groups. She has been awarded a one week commuter scholarship of $1,550 to attend the Savings Groups Management Information System workshop (Groupes d'epargne: Systeme d'information et de gestion). We will continue to update you as other scholarships are awarded.

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting scholarship applications! We are looking for women microfinance practitioners at the mid-management level who would benefit from specialized training programs and workshops to enhance their skills and leadership opportunities. The deadline for applications is April 15. For any questions regarding please email us wamnyscholarships@gmail.com. Please spread the word and send this information on to your networks!

Fundraiser 2012 10-11-12

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OCTOBER 11, 2012. Planning for our 2012 fundraiser is already underway - and if you are a 2012 WAM NY member, you are already participating, as $10 of your $40 membership fee has gone to the 2012 Scholarship fund! Planning for our 2012 fundraiser is already underway - and if you are a 2012 WAM NY member, you are already participating, as $10 of your $40 membership fee has gone to the 2012 Scholarship fund!

We need your help on this year's Fundraiser Host Committee - it's a lot of fun! If you are interested in participating in this year's Fundraiser, please email us at wamnewyork@yahoo.com

WAM NY Leadership

Archana Shah (Co-Chair)

Praveen Prasad (Co-Chair)

Emily Allen (Secretary)

Denitza Andjelic (Scholarship)

Lara Cely (Marketing)

Rebecca Feinberg (Membership)

Sophie Forbes (Marketing)

Rosa Franco

Mugdha Gangopadhyay (Marketing)

Anna Kanze (Treasurer)

Sarah Leshner (Event Advisory)

Danielle LeBlanc

Renuka Nayani (Membership)

Rebecca Ruf (Event Advisory)

Susan Salerno