Meet Yesenia

Yesenia is passionate about sharing authentic Nicaraguan food with others. Two years ago, she ran a small take-out business out of her home. Customers would place orders over the phone and Yesenia would rush to prepare orders in her small home kitchen. While customers raved about her dishes, she knew she was losing business and not reaching her potential. Without being able to serve meals on the spot or take large orders, she worried about her business’s future.

Fortunately, a friend told Yesenia about Grameen America and encouraged her to join the program. She joined in March 2014 with a $1,000 microloan and began taking steps to open her own restaurant. After not too long, Yesenia was able to open her own restaurant in Indianapolis. Today, she is on her sixth loan with Grameen America and her restaurant is considered a local favorite within the community.

“I never imagined being the owner of a very successful business here in Indianapolis,” Yesenia says. She is now committed to helping other women in her community and has become a leader amongst her Grameen America peers. She enjoys hosting weekly meetings for other borrowers at her restaurant. Together, they receive financial training and business education from Grameen America staff.

“Thanks to Grameen America, I am able to provide a better life for my family. I have also witnessed other members be very successful. This is a beautiful thing to me.” - Yesenia