Field Officer Appreciation Awards

Every year, the Foundation invites partner organizations to participate in the Field Officer Appreciation Awards to honor their front line field staff who are working directly with entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers. Field officers often travel daily to villages and homes of their clients as a key part of building a bond with the entrepreneurs helping to ensure their success.

This means long days in the field, unexpected dangers or obstacles and putting in overtime to help a client that may need some extra mentorship or support to succeed. We extend our appreciation to all our stakeholders, partners, and especially the field officers for supporting entrepreneurs around the world. All winners will receive certificates and cash prizes.

Asia & Pacific Region Winners

  • Asril Pandi is a field officer who manages 227 clients in Bener Meriah Branch, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Pandi, his nickname, has worked in KOMIDA since 2019. He initiated to approach clients with inadequate sanitation to access the sanitation loan in KOMIDA. He analyses his clients' needs about sanitation through his visit to their home. Pandi also support his clients who wants to send their children to school. He's glad that his clients can have a private bathroom in their home and their children can have access to education.

    In his 6 years work-journeys at KOMIDA, Pandi also testifies that one of his clients improved their economic life, from fisherman’s wife who needed to borrow their fishing gear before joining KOMIDA and now she can have her own fishing gear, she even has a motorcycle.

    In his own words: “When I visited my clients’ home in Bener Meriah Branch, I found many clients to have inadequate sanitation, such as did not have a septic tank. I decide to prioritize the socialization about sanitation loan in KOMIDA. I know that the sanitation is important and this loan can help my clients to have their own toilet with septic tank. I think that It’s useless to have money but cannot access the adequate sanitation.”

  • Since 2019, Lo Thi Thao has been a Credit Community Officer at the Muong Ang branch in Dien Bien province — a region known for its rugged area and persistent challenges. In 2024, due to the rotation policy of Anh Chi Em (ACE), Thao has changed to a much more remote commune, with a poverty rate of 29.41% (data as of December 2024 from authorities) and many dirt roads. Despite the hardships and the initial discouragement from locals who had lost hope in agriculture due to diseases, Thao refused to yield by going door-to-door, bringing compassion and persistence into every conversation.

    Her unwavering efforts have convinced about 50% of inactive and new beneficiaries whom she promoted to believe again and join ACE. Her key is never giving up, even when faced with repeated rejections. Her discipline is one of her characteristics that contribute to ACE’s success, particularly in delinquency management. To avoid using a loan for the wrong purposes that leads to delinquency, Thao is always stringent in the loan application (LA) appraisal process. Hence, her managers usually approve the LA without asking or requesting additional documents. When she first took charge of her new commune, the PAR 30 rate stood at 0.21% but she brought it down to 0% just within 6 months - and it has remained there ever since. To do that, she has made a good plan to follow up partners (ACE calls beneficiaries partners, as we respect their role in the development) who have the possibility of delinquency to identify their problems and support them timely.

    Currently, she supports 275 partners with a 100% repayment rate, a testament to her effort. Having once managed 435 partners, and her managers believe that she can do even more in this commune. After being evaluated across 12 rigorous criteria by ACE’s management committee, Thao earned the highest score, proving why she is being re-nominated for this award.

    In her own words: “In charge of this new commune, I found many difficulties in both increasing partners and the tough conditions. However, I receive much support from my colleagues and my family so I can concentrate on my work. From the rice project in my previous commune, I learnt some agricultural knowledge about making compost from ACE’s agricultural worker. I saw that compost is very effective in the field so I share it with my partners in this commune who raise cattle and pigs. About 20% of partners have applied and shared with me that they can make use of agricultural waste, save input cost and see better quality in their lands and crops. It is enough to make me feel happy. Partner’s smile helps me overcome all difficulties. Every challenge I face now feels manageable, knowing that even small efforts can lead to a big, meaningful impact. Receiving this award from Whole Food in2023 has helped me remain my endurance and motivated me to work better to deserve this award”

  • Saraswati joined Kalpavriksha Greater Goods in 2023, and in just two years, she has grown into a vital pillar of the field team and Suryamukhi (Women Entrepreneur). She manages a women entrepreneurs' network by providing support to keep their accounting, manage cash flow, help collect outstanding credit, deliver financial literacy training, maintain financial records, and support customers through after-sales services. ​

    Through her dedication, Saraswati has directly and indirectly supported over 200 women entrepreneurs and reached over 1,000 customers during her time with Kalpavriksha.

    In her own words:  “For the past two years, I’ve been dedicated to empowering women in remote regions of Nepal. I help them build confidence and independence through skills like financial literacy, bookkeeping, cash and credit management, and business operations. I also assist them in providing after-sales services to their customers. These skills not only strengthen their businesses but also enhance their self-worth and influence in their homes and communities. It’s truly an amazing opportunity, and I’m deeply grateful to be a part of it.”

  • Mrs. Tempa Zangmo joined RMF in 2017 and is currently serving as a loan officer at the Thimphu Branch. She manages a total of 2,538 clients and 370 borrowers, with a loan portfolio valued at Nu. 37,614,931.78 (USD 447,796.80). Despite serving a diverse client base from both rural and urban backgrounds, her strong work ethic, dedication, and innovative approach have effectively kept the Portfolio at Risk (PAR) under control. The branch currently maintains a healthy repayment rate, with PAR 30 at just 1.38%. ​

    Before her current role, Mrs. Zangmo served as a loan officer in various branches across the country. Her client-focused approach not only earned the trust of farmers but also played a significant role in improving their financial literacy. During the monsoon season, when roads were often blocked and travel became difficult, she consistently ensured uninterrupted service delivery by collaborating with center leaders and traveling to the nearest access points. Her efforts provided immense relief to clients facing financial uncertainties. Her commitment to going above and beyond to reach remote communities has played a vital role in upholding RMF’s mission to improve the quality of life for vulnerable women and their families in rural areas.

    In her own words:  “When I first joined RENEW Microfinance in 2017 as a Field Officer, I never imagined how deeply fulfilling this journey would become. Now serving as a Loan Officer and having worked across various branches throughout the country, I find great joy and satisfaction in delivering our products and services to clients. Being able to support their growth, especially through financial literacy, gives real meaning to my work. Traveling to some of the most remote villages, learning from the people, and interacting with them has not only enriched my knowledge but also strengthened my commitment to making a difference in their lives.”

  • Dipendra is with Nirdhan for over 10 years now, who joined on December 31, 2014 and serving at Sripur Branch, Parsa since January 24, 2023. He has taken the challenge in serving the border district characterized with decades-old superstition. ​

    Convincing the down-trodden and deprived women in grouping together towards envisioning and realizing their economically sound future entails persistent effort that Dipendra has achieved over these years. He is outgoing, extrovert and passionate on clients’ business, clients’ economic development and also serious in achieving the targets. Continuous education of the member/clients including financial literacy, business literacy and periodic counselling and guidance to them is the hall-mark of his success in the field. His working strategy is an examples for our organizations.

    In his own words: “Nirdhan Utthan – uplifting poor economically and socially – is the best institution in the industry contributing significantly towards poverty reduction and women empowerment through reaching-out to far-flung locations not ventured out by other institutions. The institution regular effort to development of its poor clients as well as staffs. It has ensured efficient operation with modest office setting including at its head office. This modesty and simplicity is binding me in serving the Nirdhan clients morally in the rural field.”

  • Mithun Kumar joined SUPPORT’s Khidirpur branch in Rajshahi district on September 1, 2024, and has quickly proven himself to be an exceptional field officer. In a short time, he has built strong relationships with Char-based entrepreneurs, consistently providing microfinance services that support livestock rearing, fishing, and agriculture—the backbone of the local economy. ​

    His dedication is evident in his daily 12 to 15-kilometer journeys by boat and foot to reach remote areas and meet with clients and new borrowers. Despite being new to the field, Mithun has gone above and beyond in understanding the unique challenges of Char communities. His commitment has led to the successful introduction of seasonal loan products that address specific financial needs, promoting food security and financial resilience. ​

    Mithun also plays a proactive role in raising awareness on key social issues such as health, education, sanitation, and disaster preparedness. His energy, compassion, and drive have made a visible impact in a remarkably short period.

    In his own words: “I am honored to serve the Char communities through SUPPORT and Whole Planet. Their resilience inspires me daily, and it’s deeply fulfilling to help turn their hopes into real opportunities. Every step I take feels worthwhile when I see their progress.”

  • Saw Paing Khant Oo has been with "SONT OO TEHTWIN Microfinance Co., Ltd." since 2017. He works as a "Senior Field Officer" responsible for the Twantay (Twantay township, Yangon) branch. He has managed to establish good communication with beneficiaries and has been able to achieve the best portfolio quality simultaneously. Currently he is handling around 240 active borrowers, and the loan portfolio is MMK 137,420,000 (approx. $65,438 USD). He does comply with the company policies and procedures. He is a helpful member of his team and enjoys a great deal of mutual respect.

    In his own words: “One of my beneficiaries had a business that focused solely on growing betel. I advise him to grow seasonal vegetables in order to diversify business and increase revenue. After that he began using his profits to raise a single pig, proving that my suggestion was effective. His pig farm is currently expanding to include six piglets. Additionally, I assist agri-worker so that she can provide trainings and demonstrations smoothly to our beneficiaries, especially farmers who have experienced crop disease issues.”

  • Yamone Nwe, Credit Officer at the Thazi Branch of BRAC Myanmar Microfinance Company Limited, has exemplified dedication and resilience since her inception time joining the organization in 2022. Yamone has maintained an excellent portfolio at 0% PAR while managing over 600 clients, including 24 PWDs, with a loan portfolio totaling over 219 million MMK.  This is proof of her mindful work ethic and commitment to client success. Yamone was raised in a family where she shared responsibilities with her mother from a young age, Yamone developed a deep sense of empathy and accountability. These values continue to guide her professional journey. Through her role, she has come to appreciate the critical role women play in managing household finances, and she actively supports their empowerment in both her daily work and broader community engagement. ​

    One of Yamone’s most impactful contributions has been through her involvement with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Project. Recognizing the untapped potential within this marginalized group, she proactively identified and nurtured income-generating opportunities for persons with disabilities. Her efforts didn’t stop at the individual level. Yamone’s inclusive approach fostered broader community support, transforming mindsets and encouraging others to see ability beyond disability. Her compassionate leadership extended to organizing capacity-building trainings, enabling participants to gain financial independence and self-confidence.

    As a result, new pathways for meaningful employment and social inclusion emerged , touching not only the lives of PWDs but also their families and the community at large.

    In her own words:  “As a proud representative of BRAC, Yamone believes that building inclusive societies begins with recognizing and nurturing the potential of every individual. She views microfinance institutions like BRAC Myanmar MFCL as crucial agents of this change, bridging opportunity gaps and empowering marginalized groups. Yamone takes deep pride in her role, working for an organization that champions diversity and actively promotes inclusive community development.”

  • Karunainathan Vinoth joined BMIC in 2019 as a Micro Investment Facilitator. He got two promotions and currently working as a Micro Investment Adviser at the Chenkalady branch in Batticaloa District, where he manages 837 borrowers with a loan portfolio of LKR 78,617,258 (approximately USD 262,693), maintaining a PAR of 0%. All 837 clients are enrolled in a savings scheme, with a total savings amount of LKR 5,045,639 (approximately USD 17,039.35).

    He is a mission-focused individual, closely connected to the members of his groups, and works relentlessly to improve the lives of the community he serves. Going beyond his role, he has supported a financial grant of LKR 5,000 (per family) provided by BMIC for 34 flood affected client families during 2024 to assist the difficult time of his client’s needs. His supervisor praises his transparent, dedicated, and respectful conduct.

    In his own words: “It gives me immense happiness to see my clients succeed and lead happy lives through microfinance solutions. For instance, Mrs. Mehala Ahastin Dimal, who lives in Thanamunai village and earns a modest income by making and selling mixer products, came to me for her first loan of LKR 30,000. She also received Financial Literacy training, IYB (Record Keeping) training, and participated in exposure visits, all of which have helped improve her business.​

    Currently, she is in her fifth loan cycle, with a loan amount of LKR 350,000. She now employs four women in her business. From her monthly income, she fully supports the educational needs of her children, who are in Grades 12 and 7, as well as other family expenses.​

    Being in a position to provide such microfinance support and witnessing my clients transform their lives—like Mrs. Mehala—brings me great joy.”

  • Ms. Pham Thi Hien joined TYM in 2018 and currently serves as a Technical Officer at TYM’s Thai Binh Branch, managing 699 clients with a loan portfolio exceeding VND 12.9 billion and maintaining a 0% PAR. Despite commuting 30 kilometers daily through all weather conditions, she demonstrates unwavering resilience and a strong commitment to supporting women in remote areas. Hien has played a key role in promoting cashless transactions, surpassing targets by converting 68% of her clients to digital payments and assisting over 53% in installing the TYM mobile app. Beyond her official duties, she empowers vulnerable clients through personalized support—such as helping Ms. Ngo Thi Nghia, a single mother with a disabled child, recover after Typhoon Yagi by donating chickens, co-funding an electric bicycle, and providing ongoing guidance in poultry farming and budgeting. These efforts enabled the family to regain stability and hope. ​

    Hien has also led impactful community initiatives. Together with her colleagues, she distributed 15 gifts to families of revolutionary contributors on War Invalids and Martyrs Day, 50 Tet gift packages to disadvantaged clients, and 30 relief packages to typhoon victims. Furthermore, she and her fellow staff members donated funds to provide school supplies for four orphans under the “Godmother” program. These initiatives reflect TYM’s deep spirit of compassion and service.

    In her own words: “As a TYM officer, I believe our role is not only to offer loans, but to deliver hope, trust, and a better future for vulnerable women. Every success story of a client overcoming hardship is a real, lasting value—and a joy that fuels my commitment.”

  • Ms. Sing Inthavong has been a dedicated Field Officer at WFDF’s Borlikhan Branch since 2017. She manages 393 deposit clients and 221 loan clients, maintaining an outstanding portfolio with a 0% PaR30. Her strong performance, deep community knowledge, and effective outreach have made her an invaluable asset to the organization, significantly contributing to WFDF’s success.​

    Earlier this year, amidst staffing challenges in a newly expanded area, Sing voluntarily took on the responsibility of managing the location. Despite the geographical distance from her family, she skillfully balanced client services with her regular duties, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment. Sing has built strong trust with clients and has guided new field officers in outreach efforts, ensuring they quickly adapted to their roles and responsibilities. ​

    Additionally, she has consistently dedicated her personal time to assist clients facing repayment difficulties, going above and beyond her formal duties. Her actions have significantly contributed to WFDF’s success and the well-being of the communities we serve.

    In her own words: “I’m deeply honored to be part of WFDF, where my commitment to hard work and responsibility allows me to help women in my community access financial services and improve their lives. Their strength and determination inspire me daily. I’m also grateful to the management team for supporting my growth and providing opportunities for personal and professional development, even in the face of challenges."“As a TYM officer, I believe our role is not only to offer loans, but to deliver hope, trust, and a better future for vulnerable women. Every success story of a client overcoming hardship is a real, lasting value—and a joy that fuels my commitment.”

Latin America & Caribbean Region Winners

  • Ferney joined the Acceso Colombia team in September 2024 as an agricultural technician working with producers in the Department of Córdoba. Since joining, he has shown great commitment to his work, standing out for his ability to work with communities.​

    He has provided constant technical assistance and training to women in economically and climatically vulnerable situations. As a key member of the team, he has played a fundamental role in implementing the credit program in Colombia funded by Whole Planet. Thanks to his support, around 40 female producers have ventured into sweet potato cultivation, a crop with great potential both locally and internationally, diversifying their traditional crops and achieving yields that have allowed them to significantly improve their quality of life.

    In his own words: "Working with small producers gives me satisfaction when I see their crops achieve good yields, which guarantees their food security in the short and medium term. I always encourage them to continue with their agricultural activities, as I believe that humanity's future is in the hands of those who work in the fields. As an extension worker, I value the social aspect of my work, since it is crucial to support producers so they can trust in their work. An experience that filled me with satisfaction was seeing the happiness of the women in the group when they received their profits, which made me feel that I was fulfilling my objective of improving their quality of life."

  • Marlenny has worked with Friendship Bridge since 2022, at the Cobán branch as a Trust-Bank field officer. A single mother, she has transformed her life through the opportunities provided by Friendship Bridge. Once living in poverty, she has built a thriving business with 300 clients and maintains an impressive PAR30 of just 0.7. With determination and hard work, Marlenny expanded her network, joined the education program, and ensured her son received a quality education. ​

    Resilient, perseverant, and humble, Marlenny embodies the values of Friendship Bridge. She is a shining example of commitment and empowerment, inspiring other clients to pursue their own paths to financial independence.

    In her own words: "I am proud to be a good example for my clients and to be able to support my family with a job I am passionate about."

  • Since 2020, Carlos García has led the Camino Verde program in Loreto, Peru, as regional coordinator. He led the growth of our pilot program with five families in one native community to reach over 140 families in 11 native communities and 1 mestizo community to date. Carlos is a frontline officer, spending the majority of his time directly managing relationships with this large network of participating communities. ​​

    Hard working and proactive, for Carlos collaborating productively with Amazonian native communities is something that gives hope that a better world is possible. He is an inspiration to his colleagues and a respected ally to the communities where Camino Verde works.

    In his own words: "In my role as coordinator of agroforestry projects with Camino Verde, I have seen major changes in the indigenous families we work with. In these five years of intervention, the families have acquired and implemented important agroforestry concepts in their plots, such as not using agrochemicals, not burning their plots before sowing, managing the planted plants properly and breeding native stingless bees sustainably. Thanks to this new knowledge, families are seeing their incomes increase thanks to the sale of rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) biomass and native stingless honey, which makes me content and proud."

  • Marlon Marín started working at PAC, S.A. as a Loan Officer at the end of 2022. His motivation, in addition to the role to be performed, was the impact that this could generate in the sector where PAC, S.A. works. ​​

    His commitment and dedication has allowed him to manage 253 loans totaling US$273,835 in the last two years, in rural areas located in the municipality of Santa María de Pantasma, department of Jinotega. Through these loans, he has helped small producers in the communities served to ensure maintenance activities in their coffee plantations and improvements in the implementation of good agricultural practices, so that they can have better production yields and increase the income of these families.

    In his own words: "In his own words: "I am currently working at the Santa María de Pantasma branch. I have been in this position for more than two years, through which I have supported more than 140 clients by providing them with access to financial services and techniques to improve their crops. I am a native of the area, so I am very happy to be able to contribute to the growth of small producers and improve the living conditions of families in my municipality.”

  • For the past 9 years, Lizandro has been a financial advisor at Coopac Norandino, always working in rural microfinance at the San Ignacio Office. Despite being distant from his family, he has managed to balance his various responsibilities.​​

    Currently, he serves 332 members with individual loans, mostly small coffee producers, with an average loan of S/ 6,540, maintaining a PAR 30 (Portfolio at Risk) of less than 1%.​​

    His passion and love for sports has allowed him to participate with members in various soccer events, strengthening the bonds of cooperation and commitment in the communities under his care.​​

    Lizandro is always attentive to the needs of his members, whom he serves promptly and with good treatment, providing recommendations for sustainable agriculture and improving quality of life.

    In his own words: “I feel comfortable at Norandino, as my effort and dedication are accompanied by benefits that allow me to balance my professional, personal, and family life. The positive work environment reinforces my commitment not only to mutual help with my colleagues but also impacts the satisfaction of the members we serve. It's a great satisfaction to contribute to improving their lives.”

  • She is a person with skills to lead entrepreneurial people, with a business vision, who encourages their partners and clients to improve day by day. She has been a leader in the communities of Chiapas state for more than 10 years, knows about coffee, and has the gift of speech to promote credits and strengthen people's savings. In the last 3 years, she has helped place more than 4 million pesos in credits, serving more than 330 people, mostly women coffee producers. The credit product they have promoted the most is the Comprehensive Harvest Credit (C.I.C.), which has 2 disbursements: 40% in May-June and 60% in Nov-Dec, thanks to Whole Planet's leverage.

    Nallely has managed to recover 95% of the placed portfolio and has received more than 114,000 kilos of parchment coffee from their clients. And paid more than 10 million pesos.

    In her own words: "I take pleasure in working with people from rural communities. I proposes timely solutions according to needs and guarantee's loan recovery through coffee payments. I build trust among people in decision-making that benefits the development of farming families."