DCBA grad Jason Duff and panel to discuss: Microfinance: Giving the Poor a Working Chance

Date and Time:

Thursday, February 4, 2010 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Event Contact Name:

Dr. James Fenton

Event Location:

Dicke Hall Forum

Over the past two years, Jason Duff, a graduate of our program and a member of the College’s Advisory Board, has been involved with microfinance overseas. He asked for an opportunity to address the topic, with the help of two visiting colleagues, who are making a trip into Ohio to visit Jason. On February 4, he and his colleagues will make their presentation in the Dicke Forum. See details below.

Microfinance: Giving the Poor a Working Chance

Presented by Alex Kerr, A.J. Renold, & Jason Duff

Ohio Northern University

James F. Dicke College of Business

Thursday, Feb. 4^th - 7:00-8:00PM

James F. Dicke Forum Room

ONU Promotional Video for Event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPNS8goQ-Ko

Speaker bios:

Alex Kerr is a 2006 graduate from Kenyon College where he obtained his Economics degree. He is applying his education and passion for helping others by working for Opportunity International in Chicago, Illinois. In September 2009, Alex traveled to Tanzania and Rwanda participating in an insight trip to gain more knowledge and information about microfinance operations and potential opportunities to expand helpful prdocuts and services. Alex is an advocate and leader for Young Ambassadors for Opportunity (YAO) http://www.opportunity.org/yao , and is active in posting and creating content for YAO’s social media channels on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.

A.J. Renold is a born native of Chicago, Illinois, and a 2009 graduate, Magna Cum Laude, of the Loyola University Chicago Undergraduate School of Business with Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Economics and International Business. Through a semester studying in China and a summer studying in Ireland, A.J. developed a strong interest in the business of international development. After graduating, A.J. joined the Opportunity International team and began to build a passion and expertise in microfinance. In 2010, A.J. will be moving to Tanzania to work with Opportunity Tanzania Limited in its transition into a commercial microfinance institution. During this time, A.J. will also leverage his social media expertise to engage Opportunity International's Young Ambassadors for Opportunity (YAO) and other donor communities.

Jason Duff is an acclaimed speaker, real estate developer and award winning Entrepreneur. Jason graduated Ohio Northern University in 2005 and received a degree in Business Management from the Dicke College of Business. He is the Founder & CEO of Community Storage & Properties, Ltd. and COMSTOR Outdoor, Ltd. and also serves in executive capacities to several other businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Jason has been recognized for his contributions as a real estate developer and his role in spearheading revitalization efforts contributing to millions of dollars in new growth, appreciation, and community investment. In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious Global Student Entrepreneurship Social Impact Award and has been featured in numerous magazines, television and radio programs. Jason is an active keynote speaker for The Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour, sponsored by INC Magazine and is a visiting lecturer in Entrepreneurship to universities and colleges throughout the country. He currently resides in Columbus Ohio and is working on writing a book and creating a foundation to benefit global causes and initiatives.

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About Opportunity International: Opportunity International provides small business loans, savings, insurance and training to people living in poverty in the developing world. Clients in over 25 countries use these financial services to start or expand a business, develop a steady income, provide for their families and create jobs for their neighbors. Motivated by Jesus Christ's call to serve the poor, Opportunity serves all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender. To learn more: http://www.opportunity.org/Page.aspx?pid=780

What is Microfinance: Microfinance is the provision of financial services such as loans, savings, insurance, and training to people living in poverty. It is one of the great success stories in the developing world in the last 30 years and is widely recognized as a just and sustainable solution in alleviating global poverty. To learn more: http://www.opportunity.org/Page.aspx?pid=208