Jessica Hansen is the Global Engagement Manager for Kiva, the world’s first online microlending platform that connects people through lending to alleviate poverty. Jessica spearheaded and launched Kiva’s new innovative and international award winning program, Kiva U, which infuses experiential learning in all subject areas with global competency, leadership, and financial literacy. She currently helps affinity organizations and potential partners work with Kiva. Prior to joining Kiva, Jessica served as Nuru International’s Education Program Manager in remote southwestern Kenya, working with and training local staff to develop, implement, and scale effective literacy programming throughout rural primary schools. Jessica has also worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Rescue Committee/Women’s Refugee Commission, Medecins San Frontieres, Mercy Corps, the U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants, and the Centre for Refugee Research. Her specializations are in programming which supports refugee populations, protects and empowers women and children, improves educational infrastructure and offerings, or engages educators and students as change-makers locally and globally. She holds a BA of International Politics from the University of Central Oklahoma/University of Leicester and an MSW in International Social Development from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.