By Zoe Linko, BS in Chemical Engineering and Kyleen Hall, BS in Microbiology

As a collegiate organization based out of the US, one might wonder how Spartan Global Development Fund makes connections with our potential loan candidates. The answer is simple: Vilma Garcia.

We met Vilma roughly two years ago through an alum of SGDF and MSU. Vilma lives in the city of Antigua; it is located in southern Guatemala and is surrounded by volcanoes. Vilma spends her time in Guatemala seeking out potential candidates for SGDF. She visits the local community in Antigua, and surrounding areas, talking to business owners and entrepreneurs. After speaking with the potential candidates, she uses her judgment to determine who would be a good choice to grant a loan to. She bases her choices off of potential risks, potential mitigation routes, and the borrower’s background. Vilma then submits her recommendations to our board for consideration, after which follows a series of meetings and voting, to determine if Spartan Global Development Fund will move forward with the candidate. During these meetings, Vilma is present to support the candidate and listen as the board weighs in about potential concerns. This puts the potential loanee at ease and provides the board with a better understanding of the situation.

Though Vilma’s role on paper seems to be pretty important for SGDF, it is even more significant than just this. She also serves as the bridge between SGDF and our loan recipients, helping us foster our relationship. She brings skills to the table, such as being bilingual, that alleviate the language barrier and serve to make the process easier and more comfortable.

Vilma traveled to Michigan last month to meet new members of Spartan Global Development Fund, get acquainted with the US side of the operation, and review the progress of the organization. We enjoyed providing Vilma with a warm, Spartan welcome, and hope she was just as impressed with us as we are with her.