Meet Divya Behl

Phonetic Pronunciation of the Employee’s Name: DEE-v-ya bai-h-ul

Employee’s Formal Title: Senior ETAF Associate, Asia

Employee’s Department: ETAF

Employee’s Work Location: London, United Kingdom

Who is Divya Behl?

With a background in development work and academic training from the London School of Economics & Political Science, I thrive on unraveling the world's complexities through a social, political, and economic lens. Outside of pondering the critical questions, you'll often find me training for my next long-distance run, lost in the pages of the latest literary fiction, or passionately advocating for the power of giving. Originally from India, with experience working in East Africa and now living in London, I see the entire globe as my own home.

How do you live our Opportunities mission and values through your role?

My role involves supporting a wide range of financial institutions across diverse regions in Asia in building education financing solutions that are viable, sustainable, relevant for the borrowers, and, overall, socially impactful. This demands constant innovation and quick, resourceful execution to adapt to the diverse contexts I encounter daily. Furthermore, my role instills a dedicated commitment to overcoming obstacles in pursuit of Opportunity's overarching mission, no matter how small. Guided by our core values of commitment, stewardship, and transformation, I approach my daily tasks with integrity and a sense of responsibility, ensuring that every action contributes meaningfully to our collective goals.

What is your favorite thing about working at the organization?

My favorite aspect of working at Opportunity is collaborating with motivated colleagues who understand that addressing complex issues, such as enhancing education, demands a multifaceted, multidisciplinary approach that requires constant innovation. Being part of a team that embraces this dynamic nature of our work inspires and motivates me regularly.

Miriam Maina

Phonetic Pronunciation: MIR-ee-uhm MAY-nuh

Employee’s Formal Title: Education Specialist

Employee’s Department: EduFinance

Employee’s Work Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Who is Miriam Maina?

I am an Education Specialist deeply committed to empowering underserved communities through education. I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and I hold a bachelor's degree in Education. I am driven by my passion for equitable access to quality learning opportunities and am dedicated to positively impacting this field. I enjoy exploring Kenya's rich cultural heritage and volunteering at local schools and organizations in my spare time.

Incorporating Opportunities' Mission and Values into my Role:

As an Education Specialist at Opportunity International, I am committed to embodying our mission and values in all aspects of my work. I tirelessly advocate for educational equity and access for all, working hand in hand with low-cost private schools to develop sustainable solutions that uplift individuals and transform lives. My actions are guided by a deep commitment to serve with humility, respect, and integrity, ensuring that every initiative reflects our dedication to empowerment and positive change.

What is your favorite thing about working at the organization?

One of the things that I value most about working at Opportunity International is the profound sense of purpose and impact that permeates every aspect of our work. Our commitment to serving those in need with humility and respect inspires me to continue striving for positive change. I am deeply moved by the collective effort of our team to make a tangible difference in the world. Knowing that each day brings the opportunity to contribute to meaningful transformation and empowerment is incredibly fulfilling.

Vikas Patel

Phonetic Pronunciation: Vik-kaa-ss

Employee’s Formal Title: Tax Accountant

Employee’s Department: Finance Department

Employee’s Work Location: Chicago, IL

Who is Vikas Patel?

I came to the US when I was only nine years old, but I was born in a village called “Anklav” in India.  I earned my Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago and later pursued my Master’s in Taxation from Northern Illinois University. I enjoy spending time with my family, and we like traveling, playing soccer with my two boys, chess,  and running around at the park.

What is your favorite thing about working at the organization?

I live Opportunity’s mission and values by impacting millions of people around the world by providing education services to children, financial solutions and training to individuals who are hard workers, and most of all, ending extreme poverty to build their livelihood development. Our work makes me feel very proud of our organization. I visited client sites in Uganda and Malawi, which was an incredible and unforgettable experience; their success stories and smiles give me hope to continue and strengthen our work to reach more and more communities worldwide.