Polly Kelekis: Global Microfinance: A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out

Microfinance — providing access to financial services for low-income people — enables poor, aspiring micro entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses and generate income to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. Microfinance is an effective and flexible strategy in the fight against poverty. Everyone deserves access to financial services so they can work their way to a better future.

As Chief Operating Officer of The MicroDreams Foundation, Polly’s ultimate goal is empowering poor micro entrepreneurs by providing them with meaningful economic opportunity so they can work their way permanently out of poverty. Polly is responsible for the day-to-day operations of MicroDreams, including new business development, stakeholder relationship management, marketing, outreach and fundraising. Her work in microfinance has taken her to diverse markets, including Tanzania, Honduras, Haiti, Armenia and the South Pacific (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and the Solomon Islands). Prior to MicroDreams, Polly worked at FINCA International and consulted for the Financial Inclusion Practice Area (FIPA) of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). Previously, Polly held posts at Accenture and Booz Allen Hamilton and also worked at the Office of Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the Corporate Executive Board.

Polly has an MBA from The Wharton School of Business, an MA in International Economics and International Relations from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of The Johns Hopkins University, and a BA from Yale University.
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