Opportunity International's global team has grown to over 11,500 staff members supporting clients in more than 20 countries. The majority of our staff grew up in the same place where they work, so the local dialects and business customs come naturally.

By providing exceptional training, opportunity for advancement and competitive pay and benefits, Opportunity is equipping local staff to become leaders in building the economies of their own communities.

At the heart of our operations are 6,515 locally-based loan officers who are the 'foot soldiers in the war against poverty' – visiting dozens of clients every day and making it possible for them to flourish in their businesses and lives. Many of our loan officers owned businesses in the same communities in which they serve, giving them a seasoned perspective on the local business climate.

Nohemy Vivas Ocana, Branch Manager in Nicaragua

"I grew up in a very poor family. We had a small house, with a dirt floor and one bedroom for my six siblings, my mother and my father. ... When I was eight years old I started my first business. I would go to the beach, collect seashells and make necklaces to sell to the tourists. With this money I would buy my school books and pay for all my school supplies. I always prayed as a little girl that God would give me an important job one day so that I could help people.

I graduated from high school with an accounting specialization. For the next 12 years, I had a steady job with the government. Then suddenly, because of circumstances beyond my control, I lost my job.

For three years I struggled to provide for the family and then I decided to launch a business selling cooked fish to the tourists. Shortly thereafter, I heard about Opportunity International. It was not long before I joined a Trust Group and received my first loan of $100.

After two years, Opportunity International asked me to become a loans officer. I became responsible for 15 Trust Groups. Soon I was promoted to supervisor, and in that same year I was promoted to branch manager. Now 1,300 families and 18 employees depend upon my good administration.

As a little girl I dreamt that I would have an important job, but I never imagined that I would be able to help others realize their potential in business. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and now I get to share that with others—what could be better?"