Hi, I'm Emily, co-chair of YAO-DC!

I serve as Memberships Manager for Meridian International Center, a 50 year-old, non-partisan internationally-focused non-profit organization that bridges and brokers relationships between public, private, and diplomatic sector leaders, including Ambassadors posted in DC. Specifically, I facilitate Meridian's Corporate Council and Council on Women's Leadership programs, through which we help members connect with Meridian's network of emerging leaders who represent regions and countries where their affiliate has global operations and CSR initiatives.

I support Opportunity's mission and its YAO program, because I believe that change most effectively happens at the grassroots level. Micro-finance initiatives may not work in every country, but I do believe it is one of the most effective methods of equipping emerging entrepreneurs with the resources they need to locally thrive. By doing what we can to boost their livelihood, we in turn impact their lives -- and, that is a worthy cause. I look forward to continuing to work with YAO DC in 2014 to grow our investment of and involvement in Opportunity International.