Talking to Fara Novin
October
27
Today we’re talking to Fara Novin!
My name is Fara Novin (It’s Persian). I am a divorced mother of two adult sons. I live in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado.
An Immigrant- I was born in Iran and moved to the US as a teenager many moons ago to finish high school and pursue my education at an American university. During the first two years being away from my homeland there was a revolution and regime change in Iran which changed the lives of many forever- including mine and that of my family who all ended up making this country our home for good. We later became naturalized citizens. I call myself American by Choice.
I am a psychology major graduate of University of Colorado and in my 2nd career as a full time real estate broker for the last 27 years. I enjoy it very much and love helping people realize their dream of home ownership, invest in real estate and especially guiding young people to get on the path of owning their own home and watching their equity grow as well as upgrade their lifestyle.
A good friend of mine Rusty who was a lender told me about Kiva and all the wonderful things they do. That was about 8 years ago and I in turn have managed to get many people interested in becoming Kiva lenders and supporters.
I tend to favor women as well as young men trying to better their lives. Mostly in developing and under served countries. I do read the bios and see who’s story resonates with me. My borrowers include young students, mothers trying to raise funds to pay for their children’s weddings or medical bills. Women trying to start or run a small business. Seamstresses, small retail shops, etc.
I often start by searching for loans based on time left or amount left. I feel I can make the best impact by helping raise what’s left and also jumping in at the last minute before time runs out on the borrower. From there I view photos and read bios of the applicants. Some will jump out at me, Some stories resonate for one reason or another.
No. I have been on my own as a single lender.
Quite soon. Within days or a couple of weeks.
Not often or on a regular basis. Only when I see a borrower that I really want to help and there’s not sufficient Kiva credit in my account.
I have had two over the years and No. It really does not concern me.
It is truly one of the best ways I have been able to help people help themselves. Of all the various causes, charities and fundraising efforts I have been a part of, Kiva is my top favorite organization to recommend.
My mother, my son, about 4 friends as well as a poetry club I attended once or twice. One of the members asked me to go make a presentation at their meeting about Kiva. They were impressed, raised some money and had me get them signed up to start lending.
I often give Kiva gift cards to graduates to get them familiar with the organization and also started on becoming a part of this amazing group. I look for and find many opportunities to do this- for weddings or other occasions when they request No presents. A Kiva gift card is perfect. Sometimes in addition to a gift, I enclose the gift card.
I certainly hope so. It is ambitious but a great concept.
I have been working on preparing a similar proposal to my ReMax Referral network and am hoping for participation from 1000 members with a $25 investment each.
Thank you for doing this and getting the word out.
I would suggest allowing people to invest whatever amount they are inclined to, and perhaps offer them the opportunity to cash out. There is a tiny bit of concern in the back of my mind that some may see this as some sort of a scheme. Raising such a high amount possibly without any input or control on their part in managing the funds. Just something I am mindful of while getting ready to approach my group with the proposal. [Actually, when you are part of a Kiva team like the Bring Hope to the World team, the team has zero access to your funds and Kiva always allows you to invest whatever amount you want as long as your first investment is at least $25. As part of a team you are simply associating your loan with a particular team, you still control your own account 100% by yourself and can cash out your money any time you want as long as your loans have all been repaid.]
Don’t sit on the sidelines. Get in the game! Join our team TODAY and start making a difference in the world. Be the change you want to see. Okay… that’s maybe one too many clichés!!! But, you get the message. It’s just $25 to make your first loan and it gets paid back! So, where’s the risk?!
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