From conducting communications research to exploring AI applications on our New Ventures team, the crew immersed themselves in our work and tackled complex problems while getting to learn from some of the brightest minds in fintech. 

We sat down with Annika Iyer, Chloe Aviolo, and Stephen Cisz, to hear about their Tala internship experience, including the projects they worked on and the lessons they’ll be taking with them.

What initially drew you to Tala, and how has your understanding of our mission evolved since you started your internship?

Annika Iyer, MBA Intern: I fundamentally believe that digital and financial access are critical to improving livelihoods and resilience at both the individual and community levels. I knew I wanted to work for a company bridging the divide in access and thus was drawn to Tala’s core thesis: data fuels a virtuous cycle that can sustainably expand access and improve social outcomes. 

A big unlock for me was realizing that our role is to serve as an enabler that unleashes the power of marginalized individuals. At Tala, ‘Power to the People’ isn’t just a slogan, it’s embedded in its mission. So many companies talk about solving problems for underserved populations, but lasting change can only come from within those communities themselves. Tala understands that its role is to equip and empower, not to impose. 

Chloe Avioli, Communications Intern: As a student with a finance background, I was initially drawn to Tala by its unique blend of social impact and business. Beyond just empowering the global majority, I saw how Tala’s mission is deeply embedded in its internal values, collaborative culture, and shared goals among employees. By the end of my internship, I had a much more holistic view of not only Tala’s mission statement, but also the dynamics that drive the company from within.

Stephen Cisz, New Ventures (AI) Intern: After discovering Shivani’s 2016 TED Talk, I reached out to a Tala employee in my university network to learn more about the company’s unique approach to unlocking access to credit for those who have been historically underserved. During that initial conversation, I was immediately inspired and drawn by the company’s mission to make financial services smarter, faster, and more accessible worldwide.

Since starting my internship, I’ve come to better understand the power and importance of data as an equalizer for the global financial system. I’ve also become more reflective in my own work. Instead of completing tasks as fast as possible and moving on, I make time to assess my decisions – taking stock of what’s working, what isn’t, and how I can improve things moving forward. It’s made all the difference!

Can you describe a typical day at Tala and share more about a specific project you’ve been working on?

Annika: As an MBA intern, I worked on a range of projects spanning strategy, operations, and product. My primary focus was on market research, diligence, and strategic planning for Tala’s expansion efforts over the next year and beyond. 

On a daily basis, I was interfacing with many different teams across the organization to better understand Tala’s differentiators that drive success for customers in new markets. I really enjoyed getting to know and work with so many people of different backgrounds and areas of expertise. I felt like a sponge trying to soak up as much information as possible! 

Chloe: I spent my internship working on a number of different research and competitive analysis projects designed to help Tala refine its communications. From social media to thought leadership and company values, I explored how other leading brands were presenting themselves externally and synthesized a comprehensive set of recommendations to help shape future strategy.

Stephen: There really wasn’t a typical day at Tala, and that’s exactly what I loved about my internship. Each day presented new opportunities and challenges, and I was excited to tackle them head-on. A key part of my role involved leveraging emerging software and technology to analyze the firm’s data. It was incredibly rewarding to see how this work directly contributed to helping Tala better serve its customers. 

How has working in your specific department given you a unique perspective on Tala’s overall operations?

Annika: Credit and lending have historically faced criticism for practices that can feel exploitative or misaligned with the needs of the communities they serve. What surprised me most about Tala is the foundational belief that individuals are inherently capable, resourceful, trustworthy, and deserving. It’s one thing to articulate this philosophy, and another to build an entire culture around it. Before joining, I hadn’t seen a for-profit company fully embody and operationalize this kind of values-driven approach.

Chloe: Working in communications gave me a great window into the strategic thinking behind a company’s internal and external presence. I not only learned about Tala’s business model, but also developed a profound appreciation for the dedication and hard work that goes into making its mission a reality!

Stephen: I was fortunate enough to work on a team where there was no judgement or second-guessing – only trust and constructive feedback to build on the perspectives of one another’s work. This rang true across the whole organization. 

Everyone at Tala, regardless of level or function, acts as one strong team working together to further the same mission. It was inspiring to see such a clear level of alignment and shared passion. 

How do you see your internship at Tala helping you achieve your future career goals, and what skills have you developed that you’ll carry forward?

Annika: Coming from Mastercard, which sits more on the enabler end of the financial services spectrum, it was incredibly valuable to gain experience operating within a fintech company. I’ve now seen firsthand how partnerships across the financial services ecosystem can unlock the ability to sustainably reach the majority of the world’s population. 

More practically, this internship helped sharpen my strategic thinking, stakeholder communication, and market evaluation skills. I’m excited to keep building on this experience as I head into my second year at MIT Sloan and beyond! 

Chloe: My internship at Tala strengthened my skills in competitive analysis, writing, and presentation. I’ve learned that strong communication is so important, and it’s a skill I will carry forward in my career.

Stephen: My experience at Tala this summer has given me more than I could’ve imagined! In my studies at Cornell, I am constantly looking at the intersection of how statistical analysis drives public policy outcomes. As part of Tala’s New Ventures team, I was able to apply that classroom knowledge towards actually solving real world problems. 

I developed valuable skills and learned to use tools and platforms like Python, SQL, Snowflake, Jupyter, Notebook, and Lookr – some of which were completely foreign to me before the start of the summer! I can definitively say that I’m far more confident in my ability to spot trends and formulate hypotheses from large data sets thanks to the team’s mentorship and guidance. 

If you could give one piece of advice to a future Tala intern, what would it be?

Annika: Take time to reflect on why you chose to work at a company like Tala, especially one operating in emerging markets. Challenge your assumptions, be curious, and use the experience to test what truly energizes and excites you about a role!

Chloe: Ask questions and be curious! Internships are designed to help you learn and grow. Even if a certain project doesn’t seem exciting at first, lean into it and you might end up really liking it and learning a lot.

Stephen: Tala is a place where you can really make a difference. Your work will be challenging, but it’ll give you the opportunity to meaningfully apply your skills to solve real world problems. 

My biggest piece of advice would be to be intentional about the process you use to complete a task. Ask questions, learn from others, incorporate your own intuition, and remember to reflect on the outcomes!

Inspired by their stories? Follow Tala on LinkedIn to stay informed about all our career opportunities, including future internship programs.

The post A Summer of Impact and Innovation: Reflections from Tala’s Interns appeared first on Tala.

As Chief Product Officer, he’ll oversee product strategy, with a focus on product innovation and solutions that combine Tala’s deep proprietary data moat with AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies. 

Tell us about your background!

I was born in France and have been fortunate to build my career across three continents, including Europe, Australia, and the U.S. 

I’ve built my career as a product strategy leader focused on financial innovation—delivering breakthrough solutions at the intersection of AI, crypto, and next-gen payment infrastructure. I’m passionate about transforming financial systems to be more inclusive, efficient, and accessible for people around the world.

Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to help scale product teams from the ground up and  take two companies public—experiences that taught me a lot about building with intention and navigating rapid growth. 

Whether it was democratizing access to data and payments at Westfield Labs, reimagining how people use everyday digital assets at Bakkt, or improving how money moves across borders at Lightspark, I’ve always been drawn to complex challenges with the potential for real-world impact.

What specifically drew you to Tala? 

I was drawn to Tala by its mission and the fundamental belief that a person’s financial potential isn’t defined by how much money they have in the bank, but by what you can unlock when you invest in that potential. The company’s pioneering use of alternative data and underwriting has been a powerful force for global financial inclusion, and I see a real opportunity to build on that foundation.

I also really resonated with something I’ve heard Shivani (Tala’s founder & CEO) say a few times. “Crypto is often associated with the global elite, but we believe its greatest potential lies with the global majority.” With that in mind, I’m eager to apply my expertise and background in creating new ways to identify customers, unlock access to liquidity, and leverage modern technologies to expand people’s access to financial services.

Do you have a unique philosophy or approach to building products that you’ve carried throughout your career? 

I’ve always approached product development with a deep sense of curiosity and openness. The best ideas often emerge from unexpected places—so I prioritize cross-functional collaboration, staying plugged into emerging technologies, and learning from how others are tackling complex problems. Innovation is rarely a straight line, and I believe the most impactful solutions come from a willingness to listen, test, and explore.

At the heart of strong product leadership is clarity, focus, and execution. That means aligning teams around a clear vision, making smart trade-offs, and continuously validating what’s working—and what’s not. I’ve learned that great products are built not just through bold ideas, but through consistent, rigorous decision-making and a relentless commitment to solving real customer pain.

Equally important is being customer centric. You can’t build meaningful products without deeply understanding the context, constraints, and aspirations of the people you’re building for. That’s why I was especially inspired to learn that so many Tala employees live in the markets they serve. That level of proximity is rare—and powerful. It grounds the work in reality and purpose, and I can’t wait to learn from the team and help shape the next wave of impact.

What trends or technologies are you most excited about shaping the future of financial technology?

I’m really excited about the convergence of AI and tokenized assets. While tokenization isn’t entirely new, it’s starting to go mainstream, and the technology can empower individuals with more control over their assets and personal data.

I’m also happy to see the momentum around global infrastructure improvements, such as the disruption of Swift and the broader adoption of modern financial protocols.

This shift has the potential to bring the next four billion users into the global financial system with the same level of access and opportunity that many of us already benefit from.

The post Meet Nicolas Cabrera, Tala’s New Chief Product Officer appeared first on Tala.

From advocating for equitable funding and mentorship to reshaping leadership in tech, law, and finance, these leaders prove that change starts with bold steps forward.

Shivani Siroya, Founder & CEO

Grace Hopper once said, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is: ‘It’s always been done that way.’” To accelerate action, we cannot settle for systems that limit anyone’s potential. Instead, our work should, both professionally and personally, prove another way is possible. 

It’s not about the barriers we may face, though we must also acknowledge them as women, but concentrate more on the problems we’re solving. By charging ahead after our goals and towards a better, more equitable future, we can rewrite the rules and open doors to opportunities that were once out of reach.

My journey has taught me that changing the status quo starts with action. Whether it’s helping other women access funding, advocating for policy change, or building systems that support women in leadership, every step counts. There is no progress without change!

Kelly Uphoff, CTO

I have been very lucky in my career to work for some very successful women leaders who were extraordinary not because of their gender, but because of their authenticity. In different ways, they showed me that you can be yourself AND succeed, even if “yourself” doesn’t fit the mold of what a traditional leader might have looked like. I also saw them struggle in different ways that seemed unfair and that still motivates me to make sure I’m now an authentic voice for the newest generation of women leaders coming up today. 

Damier Xandrine, CLO

I am the granddaughter of Cecile Marie Broussard, a very “light-skinned” Black woman who lost her job once her employer learned that she was Black. Keep in mind––this happened in Los Angeles, California, not the Jim Crow south. The realities of how inequality can impact opportunity are literally part of my DNA, so advocating for fairness and access for underrepresented communities has always been important to me. 

The legal profession is an area where women have been underrepresented, especially at the highest levels of leadership. One organization that prepares girls and women to excel in their legal career is Ms. JD. I support the organization’s programs and also serve as a mentor and coach for early-career lawyers. Investing in these young women and helping them advance, in a profession where they can be under-valued, is my way of accelerating their success and growth. And also—I get to honor my grandmother who made the same investment in me.

Lauren Pruneski, SVP of Global Brand & Communications

I make it a priority to mentor women who are earlier in their careers, especially those navigating work-life balance and the challenges of being a working parent with young kids. Early in my career, I benefited tremendously from the guidance and example of others, and I try to pay that forward. Many women are starting families at the same time they’re rising in their careers. While every path is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, I’ve found that simply seeing how others manage the journey, or having someone to talk to who understands the challenges, can be incredibly valuable.

Beyond mentorship, I’m passionate about advocating for greater paid family leave—not just for birth mothers, but for all parents and caregivers. Equally important, we need to encourage dads and non-birth parents to take their full leave, helping to normalize and equalize caregiving responsibilities.

Mumbi Annstella, General Manager of Tala Kenya

I am a big believer in the saying, “you can’t be what you haven’t seen”. In my personal life, I have been lucky to have had multiple  women mentors who have supported me in my career, showed me what was possible, and pushed me into the right rooms and roles to enable my growth––from my first senior roles in growth and expansion to my current role at Tala today. 

I have since modeled my career and personal initiatives on what I have seen and learned from these women in leadership. Following this same mantra, I am very intentional about spending personal time with groups such as Women Who Build Africa (WWBA) which allows for women at all career levels in tech to meet, discuss technologies, and share experiences to build confidence in a safe space. They also help women founders work on their pitches and build fundraising networks. 

I believe that the learning journey never ends and it is on us to share our learnings as mentors with those behind us even as we advance and discover more mentees.

Zoe McKiness, SVP of Data & Platform

I was fortunate to have strong women mentors in the sciences starting in high school who always pushed me to achieve my full potential and dismiss self-doubt. Professionally, I have benefitted from amazing mentors who have helped me “get out of my own way” and not shy away from continuously pushing the boundaries for myself and the teams I have been lucky to be a part of. 

This generosity and support inspired me to contribute and sponsor various women in science, tech, and data science organizations across my career. Equally, if not more rewarding, have been the individual coaching relationships I have had the privilege to experience over the years. I strongly believe these personal connections help both the mentor and mentee grow and develop. 

The post Accelerating Action for Women’s Equality with Tala’s Leaders appeared first on Tala.

Tell us about your background!

I’ve spent 20+ years across tech and financial services, starting my career at Washington Mutual before transitioning into the tech industry. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of holding a variety of operating, commercial, and general management roles at Microsoft, LinkedIn, Twitch, and most recently Linktree. On the personal front, I’m married with two boys who keep me very busy! 

What drew you to Tala? 

My belief that technology can be a powerful equalizer drew me to Tala. I’m deeply inspired by technology’s potential to bridge critical gaps in people’s lives and bring resources and opportunities to communities that are often overlooked. Tala’s mission profoundly resonates with me in how it leverages technology to drive financial inclusion and empowerment on a large scale. Additionally, I’ve been incredibly impressed by Tala’s team — it’s rare to find a group so genuinely passionate and connected to a mission and the problem they’re working to solve. Being surrounded by that kind of energy every day is inspiring and motivating! 

How do you feel about remote work for a global company like Tala, especially as you’re starting to get a feel for the team and operations? 

I view remote work as a tremendous asset, especially for a global company like Tala. It allows us to tap into a diverse talent pool and gather perspectives from around the world, reflecting where our customers live and enriching our approach to solving complex, global challenges. Starting remotely has allowed me to quickly connect with team members across different regions and get a sense of how people work. I also like that when I join a video call, our tiles are all the same size. In a way, the format works as an equalizer and lends itself to more honest and horizontal communication. That said, I also believe it’s important to create a regular cadence for in-person collaboration. Building a balance between the flexibility of remote work and the energy of face-to-face interactions will be key as we continue to grow and strengthen our global team.

As a seasoned COO, how do you define operational efficiency, and how do you ensure that company values are reflected in daily operations and decision-making? 

To me, operational efficiency goes beyond speed or cost-saving; it’s about building systems that empower teams to perform at their best, foster innovation, and enable sustainable growth. True efficiency means aligning teams and processes to minimize friction, streamline decision-making, and keep our focus on delivering meaningful value to our customers.

As for values, I believe they are not just words on a page; values are actions. They reflect our culture and how we operate day-to-day. When values are fully integrated, they guide our behavior and set clear expectations, serving as a compass that keeps us accountable to high standards. They influence everything from our interactions to our strategic choices, ensuring that every decision we make reflects our commitment to what matters most.

The post Meet Michael Olson, Tala’s New Chief Operating Officer appeared first on Tala.

Meet Damier Xandrine! As Tala’s newly appointed Chief Legal Officer, Damier will play a crucial role in leading our incredible legal and compliance teams. Damier joins Tala with 20 years of experience advising both private and public companies focused on technology and financial services.

What drew you to Tala? 

Providing access to education and financial literacy has been a personal passion of mine. After leaving my last role and taking a sabbatical, I wanted to find a company that was addressing real-world problems while aligning with my values. 

I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, building and scaling tools for customers. Tala is using the latest technology to build new products for a completely overlooked segment we call the Global Majority — 4 billion people who have been ignored by existing systems.

Tell us more about your background! 

I worked at Wells Fargo for 14 years, and the company was at the forefront of financial technology innovation. I led the legal team supporting digital channels and electronic financial services, advised on regulatory compliance, and supported innovative product development. This was an exciting period when innovative financial service solutions were on the rise, setting up systems for how we interact with financial services today, such as Zelle, Apple Pay, etc. I’ve also led legal teams at Silicon Valley Bank, Marqeta, and Canadian fintech company KOHO. 

Can you share more about your sabbatical?

During my sabbatical, I wanted to do something that aligned with my values and made an impact, so I volunteered at a charter school in New Orleans. Louisiana has one of the lowest literacy rates in the US, so I invested my time on advancing the education of under-resourced communities. There, I helped develop the literacy and writing skills of elementary school students. 

What are your top priorities and goals going into this new role?

I’m excited to support the team in finding solutions to unlock exponential growth by leveraging legal analysis to determine the best possible paths. In fast-growing industries such as tech, we can’t always rely on existing laws, so we have to think ahead and position ourselves proactively, ready to support and abide by regulations and compliance.

The post Meet Damier Xandrine, Tala’s new Chief Legal Officer appeared first on Tala.

Meet Steve, Senior Growth and Marketing Manager at Tala! Steve and his team ensure that customers are aware of the different products and services Tala offers. They consistently seek customer feedback to validate that these products meet their evolving needs, enabling Tala to remain competitive in the marketplace. 

What’s unique about the challenges your team is working on?

Every day is dynamic; this isn’t a cookie-cutter job where we solve the same challenge every day. Our customers’ needs are constantly evolving, which compels us to ensure we seek their feedback on the products and services we develop. 

How would you describe Tala’s culture?

Collaborative, autonomous & progressive. I’ll put it this way: when it’s Sunday night, the thought of going back to work on Monday is motivating.

What accomplishments at Tala fill you with the greatest pride?

It’s hard to choose just one. Top of mind is the three-day, on-ground activation in Nakuru County. It was enlightening to be immersed in our customers’ lives for that long. I’m also proud of our ongoing data privacy education programs. Seeing customers’ trust in Tala grow affirms we’re on the right track. 

What tips do you have for someone interested in a marketing role at Tala?

Be passionate about making an impact; it keeps you going even when challenges arise. Also, know and demonstrate what value you can add to the company.

Want to join a remote-first company to unleash the economic power of the global majority? #TeamTala is hiring!

The post Talazen Spotlight: Stephen Ruhohi appeared first on Tala.

Meet Malia, VP of Product Design and Research at Tala! Malia guides our product design & research team to be strong customer advocates. They strive to deliver beautifully crafted experiences that are easy to use and our customers love. 

What made you want to join Tala?

I’ve spent the past 8+ years working in fintech, specifically on products that help democratize financial services. I was raised by a single mom and grew up living paycheck to paycheck — I know how much it means to make every dollar count. I appreciated Tala’s global mission and connected with people during the interview process.

What’s unique about the challenges you and your team are taking on?

It’s a beautiful thing to collaborate with so many people working toward a shared mission. We’re tasked with creating experiences that are easy for our customers to use so that their immediate pain points can be solved. Given our diverse markets, my team is always aiming to get closer to our customers — we’re always digging deeper.

What impact are you making at Tala?

Since starting at Tala six months ago, I’ve been a champion for our customers and the areas of the app experience with the highest friction points. Every time customers log into our app, they should have confidence that the experience will be easy and delightful to use.

What unique skills and specialties are needed to succeed on your team?

To be successful on my team, you need to be customer-obsessed and have a deep understanding of their pain points. Not all of my team is physically in every market we serve, so we must ground ourselves in who we are building for.

Want to join a remote-first company to unleash the economic power of the global majority? #TeamTala is hiring!

The post Talazen Spotlight: Malia Nagle appeared first on Tala.