News
Cracking the Code on Food Security: YAO Leader Samantha Snabes Uses Technology to End Hunger
“The Opportunity International Conference changed my life,” says Young Ambassador Samantha Snabes. The fall 2011 conference, says the NASA “social entrepreneur in residence,” was the moment when she became inspired to take action to do her part to end global poverty. Shortly thereafter, she became part of Young Ambassadors for Opportunity (YAO) and is currently working…
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What We’re Watching: Change Makers and Great Videos at the Global Citizen Festival in New York
In late September, 60,000 people, including Opportunity supporters from the NYC chapter of Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, descended on Central Park for the largest syndicated charity concert in online and broadcast TV history. The Global Poverty Project‘s Global Citizen Festival brought together change makers with artists such as Neil Young, Crazy Horse, Foo Fighters, The…
Read More It’s More Exciting than Landing a Movie with Tom Cruise
The following post was written by actress and Young Ambassador, Malin Akerman. A couple weeks ago in L.A., I had the pleasure of reuniting with two incredible women, Geralyn Sheehan, Program Director at Opportunity Nicaragua, and Debbie Levin, President of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). I met Debbie when I got involved with EMA’s School…
Read More Young Ambassador Malin Akerman at EMA Event on Opportunity Nicaragua at the Microsoft Experience
Environmentalists, Opportunity staff, and some of Hollywood’s finest came together to support entrepreneurship, microfinance and education at last week’s benefit hosted by Malin Akerman and the Environmental Media Association (EMA). The benefit raised funds for Opportunity Nicaragua’s Emprendedora School, located near Granada. Microsoft generously hosted the event at its new venue, The Microsoft Experience, and…
Read More Congrats to 3 Young Ambassador Recruitment Champions
Over the past few months, Young Ambassadors from around the country have been telling their friends about Opportunity International. Through creative events like a rooftop bags tournament, a BBQ overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, and a mountain hike, new leaders have joined Young Ambassadors for Opportunity to fight global poverty through microfinance. We are so…
Read More Christy Turlington Burns Visits Tanzania with Every Mother Counts
At the end of August, Christy Turlington Burns, Opportunity International partner, model and philanthropist, took a day out from her family vacation in Tanzania to see our Arusha branch. Christy is the founder of Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign that increases education and support for maternal mortality worldwide, and the director/producer of…
Read More What We’re Reading: A Microfinance, Poverty, Empowerment Reading List
Looking for your next big read? We’ve put together a list of compelling books we’re reading, running the gamut from microfinance and international development, to global aid and putting your faith into action. Check out our list and let us know what you think in the comment field below. What would you add, and what…
Read More Meet Our Staff: How World Travel Brought Me Home to YAO
For the past month, when people have asked me how I am doing, I have answered, “I’m living the dream!” As the new manager of Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, I spend my days interacting with smart, motivated, and fascinating individuals, travelling around the country strengthening communities of like-minded people in YAO chapters, and developing plans…
Read More Announcing Leadership Changes at YAO
Thank you to everyone who helped us spread the word about the opening for a YAO manager. After reviewing hundreds of qualified applicants and meeting many amazing, passionate candidates for the position, we’re excited to share big news with you… First, we’re announcing that Young Ambassadors for Opportunity will now be led by a director…
Read More Our Cover Star: Meet the Annual Report’s Annie Nyangomba of the DRC
Annie Nyangomba is a 38-year-old mother of two who lives in Kinshasa, DR Congo. The smiling face of this client graces the cover of our 2011 Annual Report as she holds out her finger to be read at the Kinshasa branch of ‘s newest operations, Opportunity DRC. With support from the UNCDF, it’s one of…
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