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Opportunity EduFinance
Level 18, 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 1GT

Telephone: +44 (0) 7768599834

© 2025 Opportunity International Education Finance functions under its US and UK affiliates. Opportunity International United Kingdom is registered as a charity in England and Wales (1107713) and in Scotland (SCO39692). Opportunity International United Statesis a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Unstoppable together: Building a Better Future, One Opportunity at a Time

By Sakshi Sodhi

Women of Opportunity Empowerment Series

In late October 2024, Opportunity International’s ‘UNSTOPPABLE 2024 Women of Opportunity Empowerment Series’ traversed the U.S., uniting philanthropists, community leaders, and advocates to celebrate the transformative power of collective action. This roadshow took the form of a series of events to highlight Opportunity International’s mission to empower women and underserved communities worldwide, demonstrating how access to education, financial resources, and community support can create generational change.

Spanning the iconic cities of Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, and San Francisco, the roadshow addressed critical global challenges, particularly the cultural barriers and systemic struggles faced by women in underserved regions of the world. It also illustrated how women’s economic empowerment can spark change that uplifts families and communities.

At Opportunity International, we are dedicated to empowering women and girls through programs focused on education, financial inclusion, and innovative solutions that break the cycle of poverty. The roadshow brought together four dynamic women leaders from Uganda, Ghana, India, and Malawi to share their inspiring stories and personal experiences. As part of this extraordinary group, I had the privilege of meeting remarkable individuals championing gender equality and financial independence in their respective fields. 

Women of Opportunity

The speakers, all female employees of Opportunity International, represented diverse areas of expertise, yet each shared a common goal: to empower women and girls to break barriers and unlock their potential.

  • Ama Akuamoah (Ghana): Director of Market Engagement for Digital Innovation. Ama pioneers digital solutions that make financial services accessible to underserved women. Her work leverages AI and human-centered design to create scalable innovations that transform lives.
  • Alice Norah Lajwa (Uganda): Project Manager for the Women Empowerment Project. Alice focuses on expanding financial services for women entrepreneurs in rural areas. Her interventions build partnerships and provide tailored support to help women achieve financial independence.
  • Bhahati Zimba (Malawi): Agriculture Finance Project Officer. Bhahati champions sustainable agricultural practices by training women farmers and building their financial literacy. Her work uplifts entire communities by strengthening women's roles in agriculture.
  • Sakshi Sodhi (India) (myself): Senior Technical Assistance Advisor for Education Finance. I work to expand financial access for low-cost private schools and parents, ensuring more girls have access to quality education.

Women of Opportunity Empowerment Series

Amplifying Women's Voices

The roadshow's theme of women's empowerment came to life in every city we visited. Alongside my fellow women leaders, I had the privilege of sharing my story with an audience of remarkable individuals, including entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and business leaders. These were not only donors but also active champions of our mission, engaging in meaningful conversations and inspiring others to join our cause.

The Opportunity International Chicago office assembled us with a clear mission: to showcase the real-life impact of Opportunity International's work. Through our stories and experiences, we aimed to:

  • Highlight the challenges women and girls face in education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
  • Demonstrate how Opportunity International's interventions are creating tangible change.
  • Inspire donors by illustrating the power of investing in women's empowerment.

What Did I Learn?

The UNSTOPPABLE roadshow was also a celebration of collective action, bringing together philanthropists, community leaders, and advocates. Each of us brought unique perspectives from our regions, but the questions from donors and fellow panelists prompted deep introspection. Some of the most thought-provoking questions included:

  • How are you leveraging technology to make education more accessible and engaging?
  • What strategies ensure that girls from marginalized communities are included in your programs?
  • What motivates you to continue this work, and how do you stay focused despite challenges?

For me, these questions reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation. I learned from Ama's work in digital innovation, which inspired me to think about integrating AI tools in education finance. Bhahati's approach to empowering women farmers highlighted the critical role of community-driven solutions, and Alice's efforts in financial inclusion underscored the need for tailored interventions to meet women's unique needs.

My Story

I spoke about my work in India, where I collaborate with financial institutions to encourage lending to affordable private schools and parents. Many of these schools serve low-income communities, and our goal is to design financial products that meet their specific needs. I also shared my personal motivation: having experienced the transformative power of education, I am committed to ensuring more girls have the same opportunity to learn and thrive.

A donor in San Francisco remarked that through my words and passion, they could see this work was more than a job for me—it was my calling. This deeply resonated with me and reaffirmed my alignment with Opportunity International's mission.

Looking ahead, this roadshow reaffirmed the power of storytelling and the importance of bringing ground-level perspectives to global audiences. Together, we showcased how investing in women and girls creates a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and entire economies.

The passion and curiosity of donors shone through thoughtful questions like:

  • How do we ensure every dollar we give creates a tangible, measurable impact?
  • What interventions truly uplift marginalized communities?
  • How can we sustain progress long after philanthropic funding runs out?

Their commitment reminded me that giving is not just about generosity; it is about responsibility and ensuring that contributions create generational change. This dedication to sustainable impact embodies the heart of Opportunity International's work.

Three women presenting

Focused on the Future, Grounded in the Mission

Through this roadshow, we were reminded that while technology and innovation are vital tools, our mission must always remain centered on the people we serve. For millions of families in the communities we support, basic needs—like daily meals, education for their children, and a safe environment—remain out of reach. Women, as the cornerstone of families and communities, are key to this mission and the people we need to reach.

The Torchbearers of Opportunity International

Across cities, I met long-standing supporters of Opportunity International, many of whom have been with us for decades. These are more than donors—they are the guardians of our vision. Many shared stories of how they have inspired their networks to support Opportunity International, sparking a ripple effect of collective action.

Importantly, these leaders also recognize that philanthropy is more than just charity—it is a strategic tool to drive systemic change in all the regions we work in. This strategic tool involves leveraging not just monetary contributions but also expertise, networks, and influence to address root causes of inequity and create long-term, sustainable solutions. By identifying systemic barriers and focusing on scalable, evidence-based interventions, philanthropy can empower communities with transformative progress. One conversation in particular stayed with me. A donor shared: "Philanthropy starts with caring enough to understand others' needs. It's not just about giving money—it's about using your resources, time, and influence to create opportunities for future generations."

Resonating across the diverse types of donors we met, this sentiment beautifully encapsulates the core of philanthropy—it's about human connection, listening, and committing to shared dreams of equity and opportunity.

UNSTOPPABLE ROADSHOW sat on sofa

Gratitude and Purpose: Reflections on the Road Ahead

As I reflect on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and purpose. The UNSTOPPABLE roadshow was more than a celebration of Opportunity International's work—it was a call to action. Every handshake, every story, and every pledge reaffirmed the extraordinary potential of collective action.

Through the passion and commitment of our supporters, we see that philanthropy is a bridge to opportunity, a promise of equity, and a driver of systemic change. Together, we are empowering individuals—especially women—to rise above barriers and take charge of their futures.

For Opportunity International, the road ahead is clear. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest in solutions that transform lives. From expanding access to education to fostering financial resilience for women entrepreneurs, our mission remains unwavering: to empower communities and unlock the potential of those who need it most.

I invite you to join us in building a future where every girl has the opportunity to realize her potential. Let's continue to be UNSTOPPABLE.

 

Read our recent blog from taking part in the HundrED Innovations Summit.

 

 

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