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News Blog

Governor Spotlight: Julie Wade

by Kelli Walker

Julie Wade is a connector—one of those rare human beings who not only sees the potential of connecting one opportunity with another, but takes action to bring ideas and people together, creating a multiplying power that leads to something meaningful, effective, and exciting. Julie has worked and volunteered for nonprofit organizations throughout her life. When she and her family lived in Hinsdale, IL, Opportunity International’s headquarters were close to home. Almost twenty years ago, one of…

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This is one memoir that will stick with you

by Allison Kooser

Here at our headquarters in Chicago, the winter cold has us longing to curl up in a comfy chair with a hot beverage and a great book. So, this month, we’re picking up one of the most celebrated books of the season. In his powerful new memoir, Solito, Javier Zamora takes us along as he looks back on the life-altering 3,000-mile journey from El Salvador to the U.S. that he made at just nine years old. To reunite with his parents in the U.S., Zamora left behind his beloved grandparents in his small…

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Staff Spotlight: Dr. William Derban

by Kelli Walker

When you hear Dr. William Derban speak about the transformative power of technology for our clients, you cannot help but ask “how?” He promises that by listening to the needs of people living in extreme poverty, there you will find your answer. Leading by example, Dr. Derban is laser-focused on providing human-centered solutions that keep the people we serve at the center of our work—solutions that can be scaled at an ultra-low cost and make lasting change in communities facing incredible obstacles.…

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Today is a day of celebration

by Atul Tandon

“A waymaker looks out and envisions where a road could be cleared, where opportunities can be created. They see a chance to go where no one else is going to help their brothers and sisters—to help clear the way, so they can make their way.” Three years ago, we began a bold journey to go where others can’t or won’t. To reach out to those who have been left out or left behind. To help families build sustainable livelihoods, send their children to school, and create opportunities for themselves…

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5 Books We Loved in 2022

by Allison Kooser

There’s nothing quite like exploring the world through the pages of great novels, memoirs, and stories. Every month, the Opportunity International Book Club expands our minds, perspectives, and understanding as we dive into a new book—and we are so grateful to read alongside friends around the globe. As author Jhumpa Lahiri famously said, “That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” We couldn’t agree more. As we step into a new year, we’re looking back…

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Waymaker Wednesday: Blanca

by Opportunity International

I met the father of my children. When I started a life with him, he began abusing me. He would hit, kick, and beat me. He would always say, “You will need me. You cannot live without me because a woman cannot live alone.” All those ideas had taken over in my head. I used to say, “It’s true. A woman needs a partner.” Today I feel completely different. Women can survive on their own. As long as you keep your eye on the goal that you have decided to fight for, you will get there. I am the…

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Listening and Learning: Community Economic Development in Nicaragua

by Allison Kooser

In the late 1980s, professors at Northwestern University proposed a new method of economic development. The premise was simple: What if we started with what a community had, instead of what it lacked? What if we leveraged a neighborhood’s existing skills, resources, institutions, partnerships, and people to advance the greater good? What might be possible if we centered our strategies on communities’ assets? Historically, economic development programs relied upon outside factors and third-party…

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End the year with a memoir

by Allison Kooser

When the weather gets colder and the sun sets earlier and earlier each evening, we find ourselves reaching for enthralling stories—novels and epics that we can cozy up with and get lost in. This month’s Opportunity Book Club selection transports us through time and place, charting decades throughout history and across countries. This December, join us as we read The Country Under My Skin: A Memoir of Love and War by Gioconda Belli. Belli grew up as part of Nicaragua’s upper class, living…

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Empowering the Next Generation

by Andrina Schwartz

With over half its people under the age of 18, Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world. According to UNICEF, the number of children, adolescents, and youth is expected to increase to over 75 million by 2080. Harnessing the potential, drive, and energy of these young generations presents an incredible opportunity. It also promises to strain the education system and intensify the need for quality jobs. How can we help ensure that young people have access to the resources and the financial…

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Planting Seeds of Hope: Supporting Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda

by Allison Kooser

In agricultural communities, every seed planted is a symbol of possibility. This harvest could be the one that helps my family grow our savings. I might earn enough to send all of my children to school this year. These vegetables will keep my family nourished and healthy—and maybe now we won’t have to worry about going hungry. At the same time, farming is inherently risky. Crops are fragile and environmental disruptions can impact a harvest in a moment. A storm can knock out months of work, and…

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