Born in Pakistan and raised outside of Seattle, Vardah graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. Taking time to travel to Central America, Europe and part of Northern Africa, Vardah is excited to continue exploring different places and cultures. Growing keen to contribute to poverty alleviation, she learned that empowering people to help themselves by equipping them with skills and providing tools, such as financial assistance, is an effective and sustainable approach to tackling poverty. Having first heard of Kiva while reading Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Vardah began participating as a Kiva lender. Eager to take on a greater role to help with Kiva's mission and to fulfill her desire to continue traveling, she is excited to participate as a Kiva Fellow.