Azar Taufique first became aware of the need for an organization such as LeST when he was just a young graduate student, fresh in the US and facing financial hardship. As he grew into a successful academic and industry professional, he never forgot that need. He founded LeST while still finishing his PhD in an effort to begin sowing into the lives of others facing difficult circumstances. Although LeST began with microloans, it has rapidly expanded to include fellowship programs and relational philanthropy.