Vamos a Colombia!

Hello Friends, Family, Students and Colleagues!

This is the first of a series of blogs I will post over the next 8 days as I embark on a research trip to northern Colombia to study microfinance (or financial services for the poor).  Along with my friend/translator/research assistant/videographer Trevor, I will be spending the next week with the staff and clients at Fundacion Mario Santo Domingo (FMSD).  

First, a little background on my cohort-in-crime, Trevor Wallace.  Trevor is a sophomore at Sarah Lawrence University in New York.  He is an incredibly talented artist with ambitions to work in social and economic development.  This is his first foray into microfinance.  I've tried to give him a quick education on microfinance and he's picked it up very quickly.  Trevor is fluent in Spanish and his travels have brought him to Bolivia, Fiji, Antarctica and many other exciting places.  You will be amazed by what he produces on film. 

FMSD is a private non-profit organization founded in 1960 in Barranquilla, northern Colombia. FMSD is dedicated to developing programs for underprivileged sectors of Colombian society, and is currently active in Barranquilla, Cartagena, Bogotá and areas surrounding those cities.  As well as numerous social programs, FMSD also has a microfinance program to strengthen micro-businesses in the areas where FMSD works.  You'll learn a lot about FMSD and its amazing staff over the course of the week.


As for me, I'm now in my 2nd semester teaching Microfinance at Tufts University and find it to be an incredibly humbling experience.  My students are bright, ambitious and eager to make the world a better place.  It's an honor to be their instructor.  During the day, I have the honor of working at Fidelity Investments, where I'm entering my 8th year. 

Over the weekend, we'll be exploring Taganga and the ancient ruins of Tayrona National Park.  Stay tuned for daily updates from the field starting Sunday or Monday when we return to civilization.  I can't wait to share our experiences with you. 

Paze y abrazos (peace and hugs),
Adam