Learning without Borders

Phyllis here - I keep getting asked, "What sparked your journey into Financial Inclusion?"

At the Financial Inclusion Forum’s 20th Anniversary event, I shared the story behind my mission. From a hard-hitting funding loss in East London to a life-changing encounter with Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, my journey shows that each of us can turn our skills into impact so we can leave a legacy.

🎥 Watch my story in 8 minutes and share with me your thoughts in the comments!

🎉 This week, we celebrated a true milestone — 𝟮𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 (𝗙𝗜𝗙) and the incredible leadership of our co-founder, 𝗗𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮.

From its roots as the UK Microfinance Club in 2005 to becoming a trusted platform for financial inclusion champions across the sector, FIF has always had one constant: Phyllis. Her unwavering commitment to justice and inclusion has shaped not only the Forum’s direction but also the lives and careers of countless individuals working to build a fairer financial system.

Phyllis’s journey began with personal experiences of exclusion in the segregated South of the US — and what she turned that into is nothing short of remarkable. She has helped build a community where inclusion is more than a buzzword. It’s a mission.

Now, as she steps into the role of Director Emeritus, we’re celebrating her impact — and also inviting the next generation to step forward.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼’𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, “ 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙄 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚?” — 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸. We’re offering a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 to help professionals and SMEs map out how to lead with purpose and impact.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
👉 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝗶𝘃𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹

Thank you, Phyllis. Here’s to your legacy — and the future leaders you’re still inspiring.

💡 What is financial inclusion—and why does it matter?

In this short video, Phyllis Santamaria breaks down why over a billion people still lack access to fair, affordable financial services—even in developed countries—and how mobile apps, local partnerships, and innovative solutions like climate insurance are transforming lives.

📱 From safer savings to affordable loans, remittances, and better money management, financial inclusion unlocks opportunity and resilience for all.

🎥 Watch the video to learn more—and get inspired to take action.

📅 Then join us on Monday 2nd June in London or online for the 20th Anniversary of the Financial Inclusion Forum at SOAS University of London OR ONLINE via ZOOM. Hear from global practitioners, explore real-life impact stories, and discover how you can get involved.

👉 Register now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/20th-anniversary-of-the-financial-inclusion-forum-tickets-1333692573389?aff=oddtdtcreator