9/11 has great significance to me. Thirteen years ago, in NYC, I lost 49 of my friends, neighbors, and co-workers. I watched my innocence burn away in the rubble and ashes of the World Trade Center and all who died there.

In the months afterwards, I made a commitment to the people I lost, and to myself, to be a force for positive change in whatever way I could. I packed up all my possessions and walked away from my life as an actress and consultant on Wall Street, moved back to the Midwest, worked hard to get my MBA, and eventually began my work for the government to implement systemic change here at home.

Due to advancements in technology, we cannot ignore that we live in a global community and issues across the globe impact us here at home. Therefore, I committed to being a part of the solution at the local, federal and global levels. This is my passion, my drive, and my commitment.

It is a proven fact that bringing communities out of poverty requires helping people help themselves, creating opportunities to earn income where none previously existed. That’s why micro loans have been so successful; that’s why Dr. Yunus won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in Bangladesh. I committed most of my free time to micro loan companies and Bankers Without Borders to address systemic poverty in developing nations. I have continued my volunteer work for the last 7 years. And then I went to Pakistan for almost a year, and the concept for Khazana was finalized.

Khazana focuses on a concept founded in the tenets of the multiplier of micro loans, building communities by providing economic opportunities to individuals (or small communities) rather than dumping cash into institutions and hoping the funds trickle down to those in need. Khazana opens up a global marketplace to local communities while at the same time offering the U.S. treasures that are currently unavailable to the every day consumer.

Dear to my heart is the fact that the vast majority of these treasures are made by women – a fragile and under-represented community in the workforce in each and every one of the countries where Khazana does business. Khazana helps women provide for their families and better their position in society. And, a percentage of the profits go back into the local community – to pre-identified successful non-profits who provide job training and business skills to women – a proven force multiplier. In the case where the treasure was created by a man? Did you know that each piece of brass work provides a job for *five* people and that means your purchase supports five extended families?

I can’t solve all the world’s problems, but I am a force for positive change. Would you like to join me? Please consider funding Khazana with a contribution, or by hosting a show. Let’s change the world together.