Paths (and Potholes) Ahead

Sam Mendelson is Financial Inclusion Specialist at e-MFP overseeing various research, knowledge, communications and sector-building projects across e-MFP's different financial inclusion research streams. He supports coordination of the annual European Microfinance Award and is lead author both of the publication for the annual Award, as well as the annual Financial Inclusion Compass series. 

Dr. Asongo Abraham has over 15 years of experience in financial inclusion and economic development. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Standard Microfinance Bank, a leading microfinance bank in Nigeria. Dr. Asongo has spearheaded numerous projects that have empowered underserved communities across Nigeria, including free financial education for women and youths in northeast Nigeria, access to finance for smallholder farmers recovering from insurgency attacks in the Northeast region and green energy financing in Northeast Nigeria. 

Deborah has worked for Opportunity International for the past 22 years. In her current role as Executive Director, Deborah facilitates collaboration between key global offices and supports the leadership team to continually improve the network’s ability to serve clients and impact lives, both today and into the future. Deborah is passionate about finding innovative ways to reach those most excluded, particularly smallholder farmers, forcibly displaced populations and young people. 

Philippe Guichandut is the Secretary-General of Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation (GCAF). He has been with the organization since 2010 and previously served as head of investment and technical assistance. Prior to joining GCAF, he worked for various French international development NGOs and became the first Executive Director of the European Microfinance Network when it was created in 2004. He has been teaching development project management and microfinance for more than 20 years in France and abroad.