Staffer recognized with award
Long-time MEDA staffer Ruth Dueck-Mbeba recently was honored by the SEEP (Small Enterprise and Education Promotion) Network for her contributions to the microfinance industry.
Ruth was named SEEP’s 2008 Practitioner of the Year in recognition of her efforts in promoting learning and dissemination among the network's partners and peers. The senior consultant/project manager in MEDA's microfinance department received the award at the SEEP annual general meeting in Washington, D.C.
"We are so proud of Ruth and pleased that her hard work in developing learning tools and resources for the microfinance industry is being recognized," notes MEDA microfinance director Julie Redfern.
For several years now Ruth has been the facilitator of SEEP’s financial services group. Ruth also worked extensively with MicroSave India in the development of five microfinance toolkits.
Staff among founders of new Canadian MF association
Several current and former MEDA staff members are among the founders of a new Canadian microfinance association.
WAM (Women Advancing Microfinance) Canada was officially launched Nov. 18, joining an international network of WAM International chapters that support and promote the participation of women in microfinance and enterprise development. WAM Canada will also work to increase the visibility of Canada's contribution to these industries.
The launch was held in Gatineau, Quebec in conjunction with International Cooperation Days, an international forum organized by CIDA – the Canadian International Development Agency.
Both men and women are encouraged to participate in WAM Canada activities. Founding WAM Canada members include MEDA current and former staff Pauline Achola, Ruth Dueck-Mbeba, Linda Jones (WAM Canada chair), Nicole Pasricha, Julie Redfern, Scott Ruddick, Alex Snelgrove and Katie Turner.
The membership also includes individuals from other NGOs, government, independent consultancies, universities and foundations.
More information about WAM
Adil Sadoq appointed
MEDA is pleased to announce the appointment of Adil Sadoq to the position of field project manager, Egypt/Morocco. Adil will provide leadership and project management for Youth Invest – more formally known as the Financial and Non-Financial Innovations for Youth project.
The new project is designed to support innovative solutions to the youth unemployment crisis in Egypt and Morocco through a combination of financial and non-financial services. Adil is a microfinance practitioner with significant experience as a team leader designing and launching microfinance programs. He has worked in both Egypt and Morocco and speaks French, English, Moroccan and Egyptian Arabic.
Deepa Swaminathan appointed
Also new to MEDA is Deepa Swaminathan, program manager for cross cutting services. Deepa completed her Science Masters with specialization in Rural Extension Studies – Gender and Development at the University of Guelph.
She worked with the Aga Khan Foundation in Mozambique as project coordinator for a year and was program manager with SEWA (Self-Employed Women's Association) in Gujarat, India before returning to Guelph, where she resides.
Prior to her desire to contribute to economic development, Deepa was a classroom teacher in Mississauga, Ontario.
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