Spartan Global.
Small loans, Big Impact
4,441+ loans | $240,464+ | 88+ countries
*As of June 4th, 2026
Since 2009, the Spartan Global Development Fund has operated as an MSU-registered student organization (RSO) on a mission to create permanent solutions to global poverty, officially becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2011. By raising funds, our students, alumni, and faculty provide interest-free microloans to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. We are using the power of microfinance to inspire change, educate leaders, and build lasting global partnerships.
Our Story
Meet The Board
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Nikolai E. Wasielewski
Chairman - 501(c)3
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Kien Nguyen
President (RSO)
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Paulette L. Stenzel
Professor - Faculty Advisor - 501(c)3
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Ivanka Tasevski
Finance Director (RSO)
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Nicole Whaley
Board of Directors - Member - 501(c)3
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Gabriela Alves Mayer
Marketing Director (RSO)
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Kyleen Hall
Board of Directors - Member - 501(c)3
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Shaheer Rehmani
New Member & Sponsors Relation Director (RSO)
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Zoe Linko
Board of Directors - Member - 501(c)3
Recent Loans
A loan of $3,025 helped Space Girls Group purchase seasonal clothing inventory in Mexico, allowing members to increase sales and create greater economic opportunity for their families.
Marta
A loan of $1,075 helped Samitu purchase more thread for her textile production business in Ghana, allowing her to grow her business while mentoring local women entrepreneurs.
Samitu
Blog Highlight
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BROAD BUSINESS GALA 2026
April 2026: The Spartan Global Development Fund was honored to be recognized at the annual Broad Student Senate Business Gala, celebrating leadership and impact within the Broad community. This recognition reflects SGDF’s continued commitment to global development, student leadership, and creating meaningful opportunities for impact through microfinance.
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SGDF WELCOME HUMPHREY FELLOW - LUIS MONTALVAN
March 2026: The Spartan Global Development Fund was pleased to welcome Luis Montalvan, a Humphrey Fellow, as a guest speaker at a recent meeting. Luis shared insights from his professional journey and discussed impactful international development projects, giving members valuable perspective on global leadership, collaboration, and creating meaningful change in communities around the world.
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MEET THE 2026-27 STUDENT BOARD
April 2026: The Spartan Global Development Fund is excited to introduce its 2026–27 student board, a team dedicated to advancing SGDF’s mission through leadership, innovation, and global impact. With a shared commitment to microfinance and sustainable development, the board looks forward to expanding opportunities for student engagement and strengthening SGDF’s work in the year ahead.
