From Data to Direction: A Journey in Impact
With over 20 years in microfinance, my path has been defined by the belief that financial systems are only as strong as the data and discipline behind them. I joined A Call to Business Savings and Loans (ACTB) in 2016, transitioning from a background in MIS and data analysis into the heart of operations. My deep dive into portfolio performance soon led me from managing vaults to managing branches, where I was honored with consecutive “Best Performing Branch” awards. This journey from the back office to the boardroom – joining the Board of Directors in 2022 – has culminated in my current role as Business Development Manager, where I design innovative, client-centered solutions for the unbanked.
Cultivating Loyalty Beyond the Transaction
I believe that sustainable growth is rooted in partnership, not just lending. One of my proudest achievements was launching the ACTB Client Awards. By recognizing our top borrowers, we shifted the institutional relationship from purely transactional to one based on mutual loyalty and pride. This initiative became a powerful retention tool, fostering a sense of belonging that kept clients anchored to us even in a competitive market. By combining this “human touch” with disciplined credit management, I have been able to scale a modest portfolio into a high-performing engine for financial inclusion without compromising quality.
Additionally, I have successfully driven client growth and financial inclusion, growing ACTB’s client base by transforming a small portfolio into a high-performing and significantly expanded one through disciplined credit management, strategic diversification, and strong risk control, advancing financial inclusion while maintaining excellent portfolio quality and repayment performance.
Agility in the Face of Adversity
The COVID-19 pandemic was a true litmus test for our resilience. As Credit Manager, I was faced with a portfolio stalled by movement restrictions. Alongside our CEO, I developed a “Plan B” strategy that pivoted our disbursements toward essential goods, reducing the need for client travel while keeping the wheels of the economy turning. We organized virtual conferences to address anxieties and restructured repayment paths. This proactive stance didn’t just protect our portfolio; it ensured our clients felt supported during their most vulnerable hour, leading to exceptional institutional performance during a global crisis.
A Global Vision for Local Growth
My leadership has been shaped by a blend of local grit and global insight, fueled by the support of the ACTB leadership – specifically our Founder, Paul Szkiler, and CEO, David Alpha Kamara – as well as the True Stone family in the UK, especially Benjamin Corley and Jack Ovens. Their investment in my potential allowed me to bring world-class best practices from the Boulder Microfinance School in Italy back to our local framework.
I want to ensure that this same level of mentorship and opportunity is available to every woman in leadership. It is about fostering an environment where talent, expertise, and potential are recognized and rewarded, regardless of gender. In practice, it means mentoring, advocating for equitable policies, and fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and lead with impact.
