Team
LAMN Current Officers
Krishna Shah – Krishna first became interested in microfinance after reading Professor Yunus’ biography. She is interested in learning more about microfinance models and how they vary from traditional banking models. Krishna currently works as a Product Development Manager at Harris Freeman & Co, an international manufacturer and supplier of tea and spice. She is also the Director of the Harris Freeman Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping source farm communities in the United States, India, Vietnam, Mexico, and parts of Africa. She completed her undergraduate studies from the University of Southern California, where she majored in Business with a concentration in Corporate Finance. In her free time, Krishna enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and thinking up imaginary business plans with friends.
Rajesh Sharma – Rajesh completed his MBA at UCLA Anderson in June 2008 with emphasis on Strategy and International Business. While at Anderson he was an active Net Impact Club board member. Rajesh and his team members did comprehensive market research for Oracle to investigate the role of technology in Indian Microfinance as part of their final GAP project. This work was presented at the Chicago Microfinance Conference and forms the basis of a case study on Entrepreneurial Operations. Rajesh currently works as a Technology Manager at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Rajesh is an avid photographer, hiker and a cook.
Raheem Parpia – Raheem discovered Microfinance during his first week of classes with the undergraduate school of International Relations at USC from where he graduated last May with concentrations in Foreign Policy Analysis and Culture, Gender and Society. Upon this discovery, he went on to co-found and lead the first USC Kiva chapter which, after only three semesters in existence, recruited nearly 200 members and raised over $12,000 in the form of loans for entrepreneurs in the Third World. Raheem also graduated with a minor in Business Administration and currently resides in Venice, where he enjoys playing lacrosse, running and exploring new eats.
Ivana Darmawan – Ivana currently works in finance in the internet industry. Ivana is a graduate of UCLA Anderson School of Management, focusing on Entrepreneurship and Finance. Prior to UCLA Anderson, Ivana worked as a Structured Finance Analyst at Wilshire Associates, Inc and during the summer before her studies, she spent the summer in Indonesia, working as an intern in an acquisition deal of a microfinance bank. Ivana is inspired to help alleviate poverty in Indonesia through microfinance and thus has spent much time learning about how to carry it out in her home country. In her spare time, Ivana enjoys training her dog, practicing yoga as well as trying out good food.
Yimin Lai – Yimin first came across microfinance in Jeffrey Sachs’ book The End of Poverty and was drawn to its innovative approach to alleviate poverty. He currently runs a lifestyle brand start up with a focus on T-shirt and hoodies. Prior to the start up, Yimin worked in corporate strategy at Live Nation and as a valuations consultant at KPMG. His education background includes a Master’s in International Affairs from UCSD and a BA in anthropology and economics from Cornell, where he was heavily involved with nonprofits. When he’s not working on his business, Yimin enjoys spending time in martial arts gyms and browsing through the local bookstores.
Crystal Lee – Crystal got her first taste of microfinance while researching the field at UC Berkeley and is continually inspired to actively participate in social entrepreneurship and microfinance. She is currently working in the entertainment industry doing Global Business Development. Prior to this she was at the ad agency Ogilvy & Mather and received her BBA in Marketing and Global Management at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Crystal also enjoys adventure & cultural immersion traveling around the world, surfing, and discovering new music in her spare time.
Along with the help of various friends at UCLA, UCLA Anderson Net Impact, USC Microfinance Club and many others.
LAMN Founding Members
Ivana Darmawan
Andrew Lewis – Andrew is a technologist, writer, and analyst with 12+ years experience in the IT industry, from positions in software development and consulting with public firms to a variety of independent projects and causes. He co-founded the Los Angeles Microfinance Network in order to help build a local hub for students and other parties interested in the Microfinance community, a goal that was accomplished by attracting a group of active officers and providing them with an organization. Before that, Andrew was the grand champion of his 6th grade school district’s annual spelling bee.
Akbar Thobhani – Akbar Thobhani was a 2008 Summer Associate at Lehman Brothers’ Investment Banking Division covering Technology firms. He is a second-year MBA student at MIT Sloan School of Management and a member of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program. At MIT, Akbar serves as the president of the Finance club and has served as a VP of Venture Capital Conference. Prior to Sloan, Akbar worked as a Program Manager at Stamps.com where he focused on company’s turnaround initiatives. His efforts on company’s e-commerce systems and postage security systems contributed to six patents in on-line fraud detection and electronic postage printing. Previously, he was instrumental in launching Investment Technology Group’s Canadian operations. Akbar serves as a Chairperson of Microfinance for National Alliance of Financial Services, and has served on various leadership positions with Aga Khan Education Board. Akbar started his career as a software engineer at NASA where he pioneered a new reusable data processing system, which was published in IEEE. He is a recipient of NASA’s group achievement award. Akbar graduated magna cum laude with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science, with a minor in Mathematics from CSU Northridge.
Ian Kinard said
Hi guys, I am currently seeking employment in the microfinance sector and would like to know how I should send a cover letter and CV. Also would love to learn more about your organization! Thanks for your time and consideration.
Ian Kinard
Ivana Darmawan said
Hi,
I’m currently a Business School student at UCLA Anderson School of Management and I’m planning to role out a website to centralize the Microfinance Network in Los Angeles. I am hoping to speak with you about this opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Ivana Darmawan
Jennifer Chong said
I’m very interested in becoming involved in any microfinance development and opportunity in the LA area. Although I don’t have any direct experience in microfinance or wiht MFMIs, my work experience is relevant such that I have 3 years as an underwriter for commercial loans and I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from UCLA. My cousin is actively involved in the microfinance community on the East Coast, specifically with BRAC (founder is Muhammed Yunnus of the Grameen Bank), hence I have a solid understanding of microfinance. I’d love to transition into this field and could use some guidance on organizations in LA that I could contact for job opportunities.
Also, anything I can do to get involved in your organization of upkeeping the website or get my hands into would be great.
Diana de Castro said
Hello Ivana,
I am new to Orange County and am looking to engage in a microfinance network here. I have left a career in international private wealth management after 15years to pursue microfinance.
I would love to attend the next event you are hosting. Also, I will be visiting Los Angeles frequently and would love to have the opportunity to speak with you. I would like to invite you for lunch or coffee, which ever your schedule permits. Will you be available Jan 12 and 19th?
Kind Regards,
Diana
David said
Diana,
I am also a local in Orange County seeking to establish a MFI network. I would be more than happy to collaborate. I have raised funds but still need further development of the business model (a localized version) prior to launch. My background is in VC.
Let me know if you are available for a quick chat to discuss opportunities.
Thanks,
David
Pon Sagnanert said
Hello, I stumbled upon your group, Los Angeles Microfinance Network, by accident and became interested in finding a way to get involved. The concept of microfinance is somewhat new to me – but it seems to be quite promising for grassroots development. How can I help? Are there any part-time volunteer opportunity available? I am a finance professional with 3 years of experience in investment management in Los Angeles and an undergrad education in politics and economics from Berkeley. Please let me know how I can help. Thank you.
Ignacio Dettling said
Take care that you do not limit yourself. Many authors limit themselves to what they believe they are able to do. Be sure you can go as far as your mind will let you.
R. said
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/job_creation_for_poor_americans_through_microloans_2
We’re ranked 23rd – We need to get to the top 10 in 2 days. The top 10 ideas will be presented to the Obama Administration and will be supported by change.org to turn this idea into reality.
All we need is your vote before Friday, March 12th
Here’s how:
1.) Click on this link: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/job_creation_for_poor_americans_through_microloans_2
2.) You will be brought to our “Create Jobs. Alleviate Poverty. Support Domestic Microfinance” screen
3.) Click on “vote now” on the left of the page
4.) The log-in screen will pop. If you have already registered, please click on “click here” to use your existing account. If you have not yet registered, please enter your name, email address and password.
5.) After clicking “Submit”, you will see a message on the screen: “We’ve sent an email to you to verify your account. To complete your registration click on the link in your email and you’ll be off and running.”
6.) Log into your email account and you will see the following email: “Welcome to Change.org!”
7.) Click on the confirmation email
8.) You will be redirected to the change.org homepage where your info has been verified!
9.) Click on this link again: http://www.change.org/ideas/view/job_creation_for_poor_americans_through_microloans_2
10.) Log In using your email and password
11.) CLICK VOTE NOW!!
Thank you for your support!
The Grameen America Team
Mkrtich Asatryan said
Hello,
I have 13 years of real life experience in Microfinance in Armenia. From 1997 to current I worked as loan officer, accountant, MIS coordinator and finaly the head of IT unit in “Aregak” MFI. Back in 1997 there were 3 employees and one Branch office. Currently, “Aregak” has 200 employees and is the largest Credit organization in Armenia. I have gained the practical experience of all aspect of micro loan proccessing. The critical issue for successful MFI is effective scoring the micro loans. I have created and developed a software for easy, fast and relaible scoring of micro loan application (MSDBA).
I think the project can be further developed (ea. special web side which can be used by MFI’s) and can be shared amongst world wide MFI’s as powerfull tool in micro loans proccesing. If your organization is intersted in either in development of project or raising funds for the project then I am currently in LA and can be contacted any time.
Amy said
Hello, I’ve had an interest in microfinance for quite some time but haven’t really found any organization within my area (Orange County, CA) to connect with and learn more about this industry and how I might be able to become involved. I did just come across the LA Microfinance Network and would like to learn more. Who should I contact and are there any upcoming events or meetings that I may attend to learn more?
Please advise…thank you,
Amy