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In the least developed countries, not only do millions of people live on less than $2 a day, but more than 90 percent of the population is systematically denied access to the financial products and services that might allow individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty. Microfinance has become a successful means of using market mechanisms and entrepreneurism to help people lift themselves out of the low-income trap.
In this talk, sponsored by Stanford's Public Management Program and the Center for International Development, Garth Saloner, Stanford business professor, interviews actress Natalie Portman, a passionate spokesperson for FINCA's International Village Banking Campaign. Portman discusses her involvement and experience promoting microfinance.
An actress who brings a timeless beauty and grace with a disarming approach to each of her roles, Natalie Portman has established herself as one of Hollywood's most talented and sought-after young actresses, and is now using her celebrity to shine the spotlight on the impact that microloans can make in the lives of the severely poor in developing countries. Portman makes frequent appearances on behalf of FINCA International, and was named its first Ambassador of Hope. She currently co-chairs the Village Banking Campaign.
In 2004 and 2005, she traveled to Uganda, Guatemala, and Ecuador in her role as Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International, and currently serves as co-chair of FINCA’s Village Banking Campaign. She completed a documentary about FINCA Mexico in April 2007. Portman was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and grew up in New York. She attended Syosset High School, and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University. She also pursued graduate studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Portman was nominated in 2005 for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Mike Nichols-directed movie “Closer,” and won the Golden Globe Award for that role.
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