Partner Highlights

For many, SVP has been a launching pad for bigger and better things.

CREATING SOLUTIONS

Through his experience at SVP, Peter Bladin decided to make a dramatic change in his career and is now the founding Director of Grameen Technology Center. The Center leverages the power of microfinance and technology to create innovative and sustainable solutions that will enable microfinance institutions to empower their clients to escape poverty more rapidly. Peter was the Lead Partner for New Futures and joined SVP’s International Special Interest Group.

COLLABORATING FOR POSITIVE IMPACT

SVP partners Connie Ballmer, Laury Bryant and Julie Dunnington worked together to create Partners for Our Children, a public/private collaboration between the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, the University of Washington School of Social Work and the private sector, to make positive changes in the child welfare system. As SVP partners, the three women held positions including grant committee member, hands-on volunteer and member of the board of directors.

INSPIRED CHAMPION

Inspired by an SVP speaker from Talaris on early childhood brain development, Melissa Ahlers became champion for an early childhood education program called Look, Listen and Learn. The commercial-free, children’s television show would apply brain development research to help children ages 3–6 be ready for kindergarten. More than a television program, it could help children develop healthy habits and direct families to community resources. Melissa is now in the midst of fundraising and creating the program. “SVP helped me discover what I’m really passionate about and where I can make the biggest impact in our community,” she said.