Margie Brand is the Executive Director of EcoVentures International, a Washington DC-based non-profit researching and implementing innovative environmental, natural resource management and market development programs in the US and internationally.  Margie is also Project Director for the USAID/DCOF STRIVE program, managed through AED, exploring economic strengthening initiatives for the benefit of vulnerable children and youth in Africa and Asia. Margie has worked on economic, market development, youth, and sustainable development projects in over 25 countries through organizations including SEEP, AED, QED, Save the Children, Banyan Global, and ACDI/ VOCA.

Btissam Derdari is the Project Coordinator of the USAID funded, “Extending Financial Services to Vulnerable Youth in Morocco” project.  Btissam oversees the design and delivery of both non-financial and financial services on the project.  Her work includes curriculum development, training of credit officers, engagement with savings partner La Poste and linking with Zakoura’s operation team to develop appropriate credit products for young people.  Btissam will share learning about the project’s progress along with key challenges and future vision.

 

Jesse Nansungu has several years of experience in the formation of Village Savings and Lending groups in Malawi.  She is currently testing this financial service model in the rural area of the Dedza district with young people.  She is exploring ways to make the recurring VSL meetings with young people more engaging and inclusive of content that can support young people in the running of their economic activities.  With nine groups formed, SC is working with both males and females in the same group.  Jesse will share both differences and similarities of working with young people and adults in group formation and strengthening.

 

Elena Reilly is an educator and youth livelihoods program designer. She works in Bolivia with a team that draws on the expertise of partners such as the Center of Alternative Education in Bolivia and PROMUJER.  Working with these partners in urban and rural areas, SC is learning what it takes to support young people to take informed risks to grow or change an economic activity.  Elena will share experiences from a rural youth project which culminated in a youth farmers’ market.