Meet Our Interns

Lauren Espejo

"Queens, NY native, Fil-Am graphic designer who loves art, culture, music and dance, sharing a good laugh in good company" 

Undergraduate School: St. John's University

Major: Graphic Design

Why Grameen America: I believe in designing to make a difference

Summer Projects: Develop "Branch in a Box" - design materials for all new branches

Random Fact: I've been dancing since I was 4 years old

Hobbies and Passions: Finding new music, dancing, running, checking out galleries & shows in Chelsea

Changemaker You Admire: Rachel Carson, for her incomparable contributions to saving the environment

Kim Rai
"Practice corporate law, while making time to provide legal services to those that cannot afford it"

Graduate School: Fordham School of Law

Undergraduate School: New York University

Major: Politics

Why Grameen America: Growing up in the South Bronx I am passionate about any effective initiative to eradicate poverty

Summer Projects: Work with pro-bono legal staff on contracts, leases, insurance

Random Fact: I know American Sign Language

Hobbies and Passions: Reading, Boxing, and Yoga

Changemaker You Admire: President Bill Clinton, I appreciate his story of coming from a single parent home and making something of himself, while constantly reinventing new ways to give back and help others who are less fortunate

Shereef Zaki
"Do-gooder rock-climbing math nerd who wants to be successful by helping other people be successful"

Graduate School: Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs

Undergraduate School: Bucknell University

Major: International Finance

Why Grameen America: I believe in Grameen America’s mission, model, the necessity of urban micro-business development and it’s a great team to be part of

Summer Projects: Research US microfinance landscape 

Random Fact about yourself: I love Vietnamese food

Hobbies and Passions: Rock climbing, running, visiting museums, hiding in coffee shops and reading dorky science books

Changemaker You Admire: Controversially, Mayor Bloomberg. He’s willing to take risks on programs to improve quality of life in the City

Yanyan Gai

"Beijing born, @Cornell edu, passionate changemaker soaking in NYC for the 1st time!"

Graduate School: Cornell University

Undergraduate School: Renmin University of China

Major: Nonprofit Organization Management/ Social Policy

Why Grameen America: It perfectly fits my career goal.

Summer Projects: Grant writing and market evaluation

Random Fact: Favorite discipline is cultural anthropology

Hobbies and Passions: Yoga

Changemaker You Admire: Ela Bhatt. Founder of SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) which has changed the lives of thousands of Indian women