When it comes to flowing more capital to historically underfunded communities in Canada, microfinance has been a long-term channel to address the lack of access to financial resources for underfunded groups left behind by traditional financial institutions. How does microfinance help to address the access gap, and what are the barriers to advancing these solutions?
In this New Power Talk, our Partnership Manager, Merette Mathieu, joins a conversation with Alterna Savings’ Susan Henry and Windmill Microlending’s Oumar Dicko to delve into the nuances of microfinance solutions, discussing both the obstacles and the transformative impact of their initiatives.
REGISTER HERE for the webinar.
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 29, 2023
9-10AM PST • 12-1PM EST • 1-2PM AST
About the speakers
Susan Henry
Director, Community Impact and Financial Inclusion, Alterna Savings
Susan Henry has over 25 years’ experience working with underserved and underrepresented individuals, organizations, and communities with a focus on the foundation of “Financial Inclusion for all.” She was instrumental in leading the launch of Alterna Savings’ award-winning Community Microfinance Program and the Community Loan Funds Partnership Programs, where since its inception in 2000, over $8.6M in loans have been disbursed. Susan is now responsible for the strategic direction of Alterna’s Community Impact Department, including oversight of the portfolio in affordable housing, non-profits, the charitable sector, the Community Microfinance Program, Community Financial Education Program, and Granting Programs.
Oumar Dicko
National Director of Stakeholder Relations & Quebec, Windmill Microlending
Oumar is the National Director of Stakeholder Relations & Quebec at Windmill Microlending. He is a seasoned government relations and public affairs professional, who brings years of experience helping organizations across the country build associations with all levels of government. He has a deep understanding of the Canadian political landscape and public policy topped with a track record of helping organizations access government funding, run successful campaigns and achieve their advocacy goals.
Oumar is well known in Ottawa, having served in senior positions with the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and the Minister of National Revenue. In both roles, he dealt with complex issues that impacted a variety of public policy areas. He has also played a key role as a researcher for a leading think tank and has been involved in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Oumar is a frequent media contributor on economic and public policy issues and has appeared on programs such as CBC – The National, BNN Bloomberg, CTV News and Global News, as well as provided commentary for many radio shows, Financial Post, the Globe and Mail, iPolitics, The Hill Times, and industry magazines.
About New Power Labs
New Power Labs is a “think-and-do tank” dedicated to building a more transparent, inclusive, and equitable financial future. We work towards a society in which everyone in Canada has equitable access to capital. New Power Labs works in partnership across the capital spectrum, from philanthropy to impact investing, to venture capital/private equity and bank and credit union financing. Our co-founding partners are DUCA Impact Labs, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, Coast Capital Savings, and WES Mariam Assefa Fund. Learn more about us here.
