The importance of diversity in US-Based International Development Organizations

In recent years I have become more and more curious about what US-based NGOs, MFIs, non- profit organizations and foundations that work to alleviate poverty globally are doing to increase diversity and other inclusive practices into their organizations. As an American of Latino and African descent working in microfinance, I'm concerned about the lack of people and women of color in the field. As we work towards shaping the policies and practices of economic development, poverty alleviation, social enterprise and impact investing, it's critical that our organizations internally reflect the societies and cultures that we aim to serve abroad.

If we truly believe in the equitable transformation of developing economies, we need to “practice what we preach” and integrate the voice, work, personal history and vision of the diaspora whenever and wherever possible to promote more inclusive and culturally sensitive organizational governance and policy initiatives. If we fail to do so, we run the risk of replicating failed practices of the past that were bias, out of touch with the needs of local communities, and entrenched in partenalistic methodology.

As practitioners, activists, students and academics, it’s time to raise awareness about this issue and think through some possible solutions.