Melissa FurciIn our quest to put a face to the microfinance industry and organize it into local communities,, we’re profiling the individuals working to expand microfinance. Our third interview is with Melissa Furci. Here’s a little bit more about her…

1) What do you do?

I am working with Esperanza International in the Dominican Republic as a Resident Intern in the communications department.

2) Why do you do what you do?

After studying microfinance and seeing its unquestionable positive results on impoverished communities, I decided it was something I wanted to learn more about first hand. I go to Northeastern University and I am required to do internships in order to graduate. I heard about Esperanza International through my class in Social Entrepreneurship and decided to apply to their internship program.

3) What are you most excited about right now?

I am so excited to be here in the Dominican Republic working with Esperanza International. I arrived in February and every day has been a huge learning experience. I have been able to spend a ton of time in the field, speaking with associates and learning more about their lives and how their micro-loans have impacted them. I am excited to take all of this knowledge back with me and finish my undergraduate studies.

4) What’s next for you?

Unfortunately, my internship is over in July. I have to return to the states to finish my studies, but before I graduate I have to complete one more internship. I hope to work domestically in another organization similar to Esperanza.

5) What’s a cause you’re passionate about and why?

I am really passionate about development, social entrepreneurship, and education. I think all three work hand in hand and have a lot of power to transform the lives of the poor and have a long lasting impact.

You can find Melissa and other nearby microfinance supporters via Oh Hey World.

If you work or volunteer in the industry and would like to get profiled, please sign up for an Oh Hey World account – then send me an email at drew at ohheyworld dot com.

About Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is a travel addict and founder of Horizon. Social entrepreneurship & microfinance advocate.