Through generous support from the Templeton Foundation, FINCA International's Microfinance Research Symposium recognizes graduate students and young professionals for their outstanding contributions to research and analysis in the field of microfinance. The Symposium features presentations by winners of FINCA’s research monograph competition and commentary by leading microfinance experts.  

2009 From Information to Innovation: Harnessing Social Data to Empower Change

FINCA International's fourth Annual Microfinance Research Symposium, From Information to Innovation: Harnessing Social Data to Empower Change, was a resounding success. The event, cosponsored by the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies International Development Program, was held at the SAIS campus in Washington, D.C. on April 17, 2009. Over 250 members of the academic community, microfinance practitioners and development professionals shared a day of inspired dialogue that aimed to further the academic and practical application of microfinance assessment information.

The universities' business and/or international studies graduate school departments sponsored the events; Ms. Portman was joined by their leading authorities on microfinance. Read about her visits to Columbia, UC Berkeley, USC, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton,UCLA, and New York University. Her visit to Stanford was covered by  E! Entertainment Online - The Hum Blog. At left, FINCA's Ambassador of Hope Natalie Portman addresses students at USC.

FINCA actively engages student and university involvement in microfinance through several programs and initiatives. Find out how your school can become involved in FINCA’s mission to provide financial services to poor entrepreneurs throughout the world. For more information, please contact Lisette Planken. At right: Natalie Portman with the clients of a FINCA Uganda Village Bank