Jaryd Kase

Jaryd Kase

Jaryd Kase is a member and Director of Business Development of Options for Life, LLC. Jaryd joined the New York office in February 2011.

“I was first attracted to Options for Life after spending time working in microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Africa. There, I realized the need for new businesses and new business ideas that was outside of the mandates of most MFIs. Borrowers are generally limited to businesses with very low startup costs and often wind up copying what seems to be working for their neighbors. This leads to a lot of identical businesses all competing for the same sales. Options for Life avoids this problem by bringing new business ideas into the community, covering the startup costs, and providing training for people who will eventually take over ownership of the business,” says Jaryd.

Jaryd has been in Dakar, Senegal since September 30, 2011 to help oversee the launch of Options Senegal, working with local partners and providing assistance with management training and operations.

Jaryd has worked with the United States Department of State and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and has spent time living in South America and West Africa. There, he worked on educational programs and economic development projects. Jaryd graduated from Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy. He is fluent in English and French and is improving his Wolof every day.