As a junior studying Economics and International Relations with a minor in Social Entrepreneurship, I am always looking for opportunities to put to use all of the knowledge gained from my education at The University of Texas at Austin. I am fortunate enough to have been selected in this year’s Global Business and Microfinance Brigades. On this service trip I will have the chance to personally work with under-resourced communities in Ghana to create a community bank, increase financial literacy throughout the community, and give the community members access to things we take for granted- loans, savings accounts, bookkeeping and more.

Why Ghana? Nine out of ten Ghanaians have no access to financial borrowing services. No banks no loans, no savings. Because there has never been an opportunity to receive financial education at a village level, most Ghanaians lack a long-term financial mindset. Their crop-based economy traps them in a debt cycle, because they do not budget for the off-season or droughts. Additionally, 54% of people in Ghana live on under $2 US per day. With better savings and fiscal responsibility, there are marked improvements in education, hygiene, empowerment, political stability and overall morale.

On my upcoming brigade, I will be working hand-in-hand with our in-country brigade leaders, community chiefs, community members and the community youth. But I need your help. I am responsible for fundraising roughly $2,800, $880 of which provides seed capital for small businesses, basic necessities such as food and lodging for my time in Ghana, and the crucial support of in-country staff that provide guidance for communities as well as for my team during our stay. The rest of the $2,800 pays for airfare, allowing me to make a first hand impact. As a donor you are directly investing in the lives of the Ghanaians I will meet and your donation will markedly change the course of their lives.

Please join me in supporting the work that I will be doing in Ghana. As a donor you are helping me meet the cost of traveling to Ghana and various living expenses during the course of the trip, but more importantly you are contributing to the sustainability of Texas Global Business and Microfinance Brigades work in our service communities and the betterment of the local economy in a country in dire need of help.

I am challenging you to reevaluate the things we mindlessly spend money on every day (Starbucks, anyone?) and consider donating that money instead. Whatever you feel in your heart that you can give, please know that I am responsible for making sure that money goes to good use. To make a donation please press Donate.
This site is completely secure and all donations are tax-deductible; after you make a donation you will automatically be emailed a tax receipt. Please let me know if you have any questions about my trip. I appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and support.