WWB LEADers

The WWB LEADers are a group of individuals who believe in WWB’s vision and mission and seek to support the organization as both advocates and ambassadors. The LEADers support WWB by fundraising and introducing WWB to individuals, foundations and corporations that are interested in a funding partnership.

The LEADers also work together to plan and organize WWB’s Annual Benefit Dinner. In return for their support, WWB provides the LEADers with opportunities to learn more about microfinance through a variety of events and lectures with leaders in the industry and by engaging the LEADers in the microfinance community.

In addition, the LEADers visit WWB network members abroad to witness firsthand how microfinance has empowered poor women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and, in turn, lift their families and communities out of poverty.

Our Trips

Each year the LEADers visit WWB network members abroad to gain firsthand knowledge of microfinance, meet clients and learn about challenges and opportunities facing the microfinance industry.

In April 2008, the first year of the group’s inception, the LEADers traveled to the Dominican Republic to visit Banco ADOPEM, the largest microfinance institution in the Dominican Republic. The trip included extensive time spent with the Founder and CEO of Banco ADOPEM and meetings with senior staff to learn about the institution’s operations and about the state of the microfinance sector in the Dominican Republic. The group also visited rural branches and was able to meet several clients to hear how microfinance has impacted their lives. The LEADers who participated in this trip believe that it enhanced their commitment to serve as WWB ambassadors by giving them a better understanding of WWB’s work.

In May 2009, the LEADers visited WWB Colombia, one of the most efficient and well-run microfinance institutions in the world.

Get Involved

The WWB LEADers seek new members who are committed to the following:

• Engage in learning about WWB and microfinance;
• Attend events, lectures and conferences with leaders in the industry;
• Visit WWB members abroad and meet with program staff;
• Fundraise and introduce WWB to individuals, foundations and corporations that might be interested in a funding partnership (annual fundraising target per LEADer of $5,000);
• Plan and organize WWB’s Annual Benefit Dinner; and
• Be an ambassador for WWB.

To learn how to join the WWB LEADers, please e-mail Communications.