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Lev Plaves
Senior Investment Manager for Refugees and Displaced Populations at Kiva
Professional Background
Lev Plaves is a dedicated international development professional who has made significant contributions to the empowerment of individuals worldwide, focusing particularly on refugees and forcibly displaced people. With over 68 million individuals currently facing displacement, Lev aims to provide access to opportunities that can help them improve their lives. His extensive career in the non-profit sector underscores a commitment to transformative social impact, especially within the Middle East region, where he has lived and worked extensively.
Lev currently serves as a Senior Investment Manager at Kiva, a leading non-profit organization that connects people through lending to alleviate poverty. In this role, he leverages his extensive background in managing portfolios and developing strategies to facilitate micro-loans that empower disadvantaged individuals across the globe. His expertise is not limited to financial management; Lev's formative experiences with Kiva include serving as a Portfolio Manager for the Middle East, where he developed targeted initiatives to address the unique needs of the region's populations.
Before his tenure at Kiva, Lev held various significant positions that have deepened his understanding of communication and evaluation within educational and developmental contexts. As a Communications and Monitoring & Evaluation Officer at the Education Development Center, he was responsible for ensuring that educational programs delivered the intended outcomes and had a measurable impact on participants' lives. Lev has also worked as a Communications Coordinator within the same organization, where he played a critical role in crafting effective messaging and delivering programs that resonated with diverse audiences. His skills in communication and evaluation were further honed during his earlier role as a Communications Specialist.
In addition to his formal roles, Lev has also contributed significantly outside traditional office environments. He has shared his expertise as an English Teacher at AMIDEAST, facilitating language acquisition that empowers students with significant skills for their future endeavors. Moreover, he enriched the creative community as a Pottery Instructor at Kids N Clay, demonstrating his ability not only to teach but also to inspire through arts and crafts, revealing another dimension to his compassionate approach to development work.
Education and Achievements
Lev holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wesleyan University, an educational background that has equipped him with a solid understanding of global politics, policies, and developmental frameworks. His academic journey laid the groundwork for his future roles in international development, allowing him to blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications in complex societal contexts.
At Wesleyan, Lev engaged with methodologies and frameworks that critically analyze power structures and facilitate social change, which he has implemented throughout his professional journey. As someone deeply invested in the intersections of society and economic disparities, he has built a career aimed at fostering opportunities for those most in need. His ability to integrate political theories into actionable programs has proven instrumental in his work with displaced populations and other marginalized communities.
Lev’s remarkable career is marked by a strong commitment to continuous learning, community engagement, and advocacy for impactful change. He stays informed about the latest trends in international development and is consistently seeking innovative solutions to address global challenges. His work ethics and ongoing projects highlight his belief in the power of collaborative efforts to create sustainable development initiatives that elevate communities globally.
Achievements
Lev Plaves has contributed immensely to the field of international development through his various roles in respected organizations. His expertise has been instrumental in Kiva's ability to connect lenders with borrowers, thus providing crucial financial resources to those who need them the most. His efforts have directly impacted countless lives, enabling individuals to pursue their dreams, start businesses, and build more sustainable futures.
As a Portfolio Manager, Lev successfully managed diverse initiatives that have not only promoted financial inclusion but have also tackled immigrant and refugee issues head-on. His strategic insights allow him to assess the needs of displaced populations effectively, ensuring that Kiva's programs remain relevant and impactful.
Lev's previous roles in educational development have helped bridge gaps between teaching methodologies and community needs. His work at Kiva and the Education Development Center highlight his capability to implement comprehensive solutions that fuse education with economic empowerment, impacting educational outcomes and improving life chances for many.
Lev’s contributions to education and community development highlight an impressive blend of compassion, professionalism, and strategic foresight, qualities that make him a valuable asset in any initiative focused on sustainable social change. Through his dedication to empowering individuals and communities, Lev continues to be a guiding light in the international development sector.
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Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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