ACCION USA in Action: Meet Elizabeth, Financial Education Coordinator
This is the second in a series of posts that examine “a day in the life” of an ACCION USA employee from each department. In this post, we meet Elizabeth Garlow, a Financial Education Coordinator based in Boston, MA.
Elise Tosun: How did you find out about AUSA and when did you first get involved?
Elizabeth Garlow: I first learned about the field of microfinance in an international development class in college, and upon participating in a microfinance workshop, I heard about ACCION USA. Looking to get some hands-on experience in the field, I found out about an opportunity to work for ACCION USA in the area of financial education as an Americorps VISTA volunteer. Before I knew it, I was hopping on a plane to move from Detroit to Boston!
ET: What is a typical day like for you?
EG: One thing I love so much about my job is that there really is no typical day! My role involves actively engaging with current and potential clients, providing technical assistance and teaching online or community workshops on credit, money management and small business fundamentals. In one day, I may speak one-on-one with clients seeking advice on managing their credit or wanting to learn more about online marketing strategies for their businesses. As part of ACCION USA’s effort to constantly be responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs, I also work on new product development initiatives. This involves exploring potential partnership opportunities with student-run microfinance clubs, community organizations, and corporate partners, to name a few.
ET: What do you love most about working with AUSA?
EG: The entrepreneurs fascinate me, because they can find a way around any obstacle. I love interacting directly with entrepreneurs on a daily basis and being ‘in the field,’ witnessing first-hand their passion and creativity. ACCION USA has a partnership with The Boston Beer Company called Brewing the American Dream®, which focuses on providing access to capital, training and mentors to food, beverage and hospitality entrepreneurs. I’ve been organizing one-on-one coaching events for them, and it’s very rewarding to help them along the path to growing and strengthening their businesses and the communities around them. Cheers to that!
ET: Are there any challenges to your job?
EG: Microfinance is both an exciting and a challenging field to be a part of today. It’s challenging because our clients are constantly trying to stay afloat in today’s economy. It’s exciting because, while times are tough, there is a huge demand to find creative solutions to respond to today’s challenges. At ACCION USA, we’re working hard to be a leader in identifying those creative solutions.
ET: Any final words of wisdom?
EG: Shop locally this holiday season! We hear again and again how small businesses are the backbone of our economy; let’s make sure we’re doing our part to support them.
Tags: Elizabeth Garlow, Financial Education
November 10th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I didn’t realize that ACCION USA had such a robust Financial Education series. Where can I access these Webinars?
November 13th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Hi Erica – our Webinar schedule and archive is located at http://www.accionusa.org/home/small-business-loans/financial-education-resources/workshops.aspx
We hope to meet you at one soon!
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:58 pm
I’m interested in finding out more about what you do. I’m currently working as a financial educator but I’m interested in microfinance. Any ideas or networking opportunities that you are aware of?
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Hi Kelli,
Yes, for any ideas check out our site at http://www.accionusa.org/home/support-u.s.-microfinance.aspx
Also you can find teaching tools at our Slide Share Website
http://www.slideshare.net/edorn
Good Luck! Any more questions please let me know!