Born and raised right outside of Detroit, MI, Kathryn earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Community Action and Social Change from the University of Michigan. During her time in college, she discovered the power of microfinance and social entrepreneurship in one of her business school classes. Desperate to learn more, Kathryn walked straight to the library, read as many books as possible on microfinance, and was officially hooked! In an effort to join the front lines and gain first-hand experience, Kathryn traveled to Honduras and completed a microfinance internship with Aldea Development. Her experiences inside and outside the classroom helped her identify and pursue her passion to empower developing communities with the education and access necessary to create a sustainable transformation. Upon graduation, Kathryn joined a consulting firm and continued to chase her passion by creating an international skills-based volunteer program. Expanding her reach into the local community, Kathryn also served on the Chicago+Acumen leadership board, supporting Acumen’s mission to tackle poverty by offering consulting services to local social entrepreneurs. Kathryn is thrilled to continue the journey and join the Kiva Fellows 27th Class to work with Urwego Opportunity Bank in Kigali, Rwanda!