About Me
Hi! I’m Zara Ansari, a 17-year-old student at Dubai College, currently moving into Year 13. I’m part of
the Class of 2026, and I plan to study Economics at university, a subject I’m deeply passionate about.
At A-level, I study Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry, and Economics, which reflect both my
analytical strengths and my interest in the way economies function, grow, and impact people’s
lives.
As a British-born Pakistani, I’ve always been aware of the untapped economic potential in developing
countries like Pakistan, especially in communities where local artisans and small producers create
high-quality products but lack access to global markets. This inspired me to build this website as a
microfinance-focused platform: a place where these products can be showcased and purchased by
international customers, to direct income straight back to the creators.
Through this project, I aim to make a modest contribution to improving standards of living and promoting
economic empowerment in underserved communities. My broader interests lie in developmental and financial
economics, and this website is a way for me to apply those interests in a real-world, meaningful way.
Academics
UKMT Junior 2021 Gold
Awarded Gold in the UK Mathematics Trust Junior Challenge 2021 for outstanding mathematical achievement.
UKMT Intermediate 2022 Gold
Achieved Gold in the UKMT Intermediate Challenge 2022, demonstrating advanced problem-solving skills.
UKMT Senior 2024 Bronze
Received Bronze in the UKMT Senior Challenge 2024, recognizing strong mathematical reasoning and perseverance.
University of Cambridge Online Course - Land Economy
Completed an online course in Land Economy from the University of Cambridge, gaining insights into property, environment, and resource management.
University of Cambridge Online Course - Economics
Completed an online course in Economics from the University of Cambridge, deepening understanding of economic theory and application.
University of Chicago Pre-College Program USA - Emerging World Leaders
Participated in the University of Chicago's Pre-College Program, focusing on leadership, global issues, and personal development as an Emerging World Leader.
Competitions
KenKen International Championship 2020
I am honored to have been awarded the Certificate of Excellence for my performance in the KenKen International Championship 2020, where I secured a National Rank of 62. This recognition reflects the countless hours of practice, determination, and perseverance I invested in preparing for the competition. KenKen has always been more than just a puzzle to me—it has been a way to challenge my mind, sharpen my problem-solving skills, and push myself to think creatively under pressure. Achieving this rank at such a prestigious competition has been a truly rewarding experience, and it motivates me to continue striving for academic excellence in everything I do.
Best Research Paper Award – Dubai Science and Economics Fair
I was honored to receive the Best Research Paper Award at the Dubai Science and Economics Fair for my study on poverty forecasting. My research used machine learning models like LSTM and Facebook Prophet to analyze key economic indicators and predict poverty reduction trends. This recognition inspires me to continue exploring how AI can support sustainable economic development.
Internship
Internship at Averda
My internship at Averda was an enriching and eye-opening experience that allowed me to bridge academic knowledge with real-world impact. Working on the project in South Africa gave me the opportunity to deeply understand the value of informal waste pickers and their critical role in the recycling ecosystem. The exposure I gained through both research and field visits to Averda’s facilities in the UAE helped me appreciate the operational scale of waste management while also inspiring me to design inclusive frameworks that empower marginalized workers. Overall, the experience strengthened my passion for sustainable development and showed me how innovative solutions can create both environmental and social change..
Research
HOW DOES THE SIZE OF MICROFINANCE LOANS INFLUENCE THE FINANCIAL FRAGILITY IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES?
Research Abstract: Microfinance has long been viewed as a pathway to lift low-income households out of poverty, but there is growing debate about whether larger loans genuinely empower borrowers or instead expose them to financial stress. The results reveal a clear trend: smaller loans tend to have more consistent repayment rates and a higher proportion of full completions, while larger loans show greater variation some clients repay rapidly, but others experience slower repayment or early default. This research contributes to understanding how microfinance can balance empowerment and sustainability. By analysing real repayment data, the study provides evidence that the design of loan products especially loan size and flexibility plays a critical role in ensuring long term borrower stability.
Awards/Voluntary
Youth Ambassador at The Indus Hospital, UAE (Feb – May 2022)
As a Youth Ambassador at The Indus Hospital, UAE (Feb – May 2022), I raised AED 51,783 through digital fundraising initiatives to support pediatric cancer patients, an amount that facilitated approximately 575 chemotherapy sessions. This role allowed me to advocate for free and accessible healthcare while creating awareness about pediatric oncology, and I was formally recognized by the hospital for my compassion, dedication, and impact.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Completed the Duke of Edinburgh programme, developing leadership, teamwork, and resilience through challenging outdoor and community activities.
Volunteer at The Indus Hospital, UAE (Mar – Jun 2023),
In my subsequent role as a Volunteer at The Indus Hospital, UAE (Mar – Jun 2023), I continued supporting pediatric oncology patients by contributing to awareness and fundraising campaigns. Through this experience, I strengthened my commitment to community outreach and played a part in advancing the hospital’s mission of delivering quality, free-of-cost healthcare to those in need.
Step In, Step Up – Women in STEM Programme
I participated in Morgan Stanley’s Step In, Step Up – Women in STEM Programme (February 2025), where I developed skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork through hands-on activities and case studies. The programme strengthened my understanding of how STEM skills apply to global financial services and enhanced my confidence in pursuing leadership opportunities in technology-driven fields..
Projects
I’ve been inspired by the economic potential in developing nations like Pakistan, particularly among local artisans and small producers. To support them, I created a microfinance-focused website that showcases their products and connects them to global buyers, ensuring income reaches the creators directly. Through this initiative, I hope to contribute to economic empowerment and better standards of living in underserved communities. My broader interests lie in developmental and financial economics, where I aim to make meaningful real-world impact..
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