Lei Ma is the U.S. Senior Program Associate at the WES Mariam Assefa Fund. Lei supports and manages a range of programmatic and funding initiatives, data management, and special projects that advance the Fund’s U.S. goals and grantee partner community.
Lei’s passion lies in social innovation and environmental sustainability. She most recently worked as a program officer at the Earth Institute, Columbia University, where she developed and led China-related research projects aimed to foster economic development that integrates environmental and social factors. Lei also supported the immigrant small business owners community at Kiva, a non-profit micro-lending platform for the underserved.
Lei is excited to support efforts to build an inclusive economy for immigrants and refugees and believes that a core part of the U.S.’ identity is being home to more immigrants than any other country in the world. Lei’s experience – and that of her loved ones – as an immigrant helps her realize the importance of the Fund’s work to improve social welfare and livelihood, one of the key aspects of sustainable development.
