Microlending impacts families, communities and the economy. This panel features an economic impact study and success stories of microlending.

Speakers:
Jon Hockenyos, Economist, TXP, Inc.
Elvira Valles, Regional Director, ACCION Texas - El Paso
Anne Haines Yaskowitz, President & CEO, ACCION New Mexico
Moderator:
Victor Azios, Senior Fellow, Annie E. Casey Foundation

This panel features emerging leaders in the field of wealth and asset building and offers suggestions for introducing college students to the field of community economic development, entrepreneurship, and microfinance.

Speakers:
Henrietta Muñoz, UTSA Latino Financial Issues Program Scholar
Lisa Montoya, PhD, Latino Financial Issues Faculty Director, UTSA
Raul Lomeli, Director, Diverse Growth Segments, Wells Fargo Bank
Moderator:
Madge Vasquez, Community Development Officer, Wachovia

Microfinance is an ivestment in people in order to build more financially secure families and communities. Panelists discuss the significant social return on ivestment for domestic microfinance. They also discuss strategies for foundations and microlenders to work more closely, achieve greater transparency and bring greater attention to this important area.

Speakers:
Jack Litzenberg, Senior Program Officer, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Terry Bell, President & CEO, Rockwell Fund
Tracy Kartye, Social Investments Analyst, Annie E. Casey Foundation
Moderator:
Jordana Barton, VP Development & Communications, ACCION Texas

What are the state and federal outlooks for microenterprise? What are the stakes? Join the discussion with leaders in the field.

Speakers:
Mark Pinsky, President & CEO, Opportunity Finance Network
Dan Betancourt, Board Chair, Association for Enterprise Opportunity
Moderator and Presenter:
Hon. Mike Villarreal, Texas State Representative

Microfinance has proven to be an effective instrument domestically; however, the industry has yet to attract investors like its counterpart internationally. With demand for microfinance services increasing, microfinance organizations are exploring creative partnerships involving government agencies, foundations, and financial institutions in order to meet the need for affordable capital while increasing capacity and reducing costs to the end borrower.

Speakers:
Paul Quintero, CFO & Interim CEO, ACCION New York
Janie Barrera, President & CEO, ACCION Texas
John Herrera, Vice President, Self-Help, Latino Community Credit Union
Moderator:
Gary Lindner, COO, ACCION Texas

Master of Cermonies:
Reymundo Ocañas, Community relations Executive, Wachovia - Western Region

Guest Speaker:
Ted Terrazas, Owner, Terrahealth
Mr. Terrazas is a former ACCION Texas entrepreneur and current member of the Board of Directors. His business - Terrahealth - was named by Hispanic Business Magazine as the #1 Fastest Growing Hispanic Company in the country.