Shinez evolved in both Orient and Occident. Growing up in Algeria, she was exposed to the realities of living in a developing country, from strong core human values, a sense of community and an unlimited generosity to difficult infrastructures, living conditions and insecurity. She then embarked on an adventure that has yet to end. Shinez studied industrial engineering in France, then moved to Canada to study business and work in information technology and telecommunications. While working as a consultant in technology management, she backpacked through India, volunteered in Thailand, crossed South America, fell under the charm of Istanbul, lived with a family in Costa Rica, learned Spanish in Colombia and faked a Portuguese accent in Rio de Janeiro. These experiences helped her develop a thirst for life, a cross-cultural point of view and a desire to create positive change. By focusing on the human side of technology, she believes she can give back to the world that has given her endless opportunities. When she first heard about Kiva, Shinez instantly became a lender and tried to convince everybody around her to help finance loans around the world. Over the years, Kiva became more than just a side interest and her focus on technology and passion for social impact led her to take on a Kiva Fellowship. Shinez will be serving in Nairobi, Kenya on the Kiva Zip program.