NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

LauraSampathis NCIIA’s Global Training Programs manager, overseeing the planning and development of global venture development workshops. From 2007 – 2012, Laura ran the MIT International Development Initiative (IDI) where she worked with students, faculty and alumni to develop and deploy appropriate technologies and models of engagement to address the needs of the world’s poorest people. Previously, Laura worked with USAID’s Regional Conflict Management and Governance office in Nairobi, and she has been a Fulbright Scholar as well as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Her areas of technical skill and expertise include strategic planning, program and project management, participatory approaches to community development and analytical writing. Her international experiences have spanned several countries in East Africa, as well as Morocco, India, and Peru.