When I stepped into the role of President & CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs on January 1, I did so with a clear conviction: that this organization has both the mandate and the momentum to reshape what economic opportunity looks like in Black communities across the country. One hundred days in, that conviction has only deepened.
What follows is a snapshot of where we’ve focused, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed next.
Strengthening the Foundation
I firmly believe that a thriving organization is built on a foundation of integrity, mission-aligned values, unwavering commitment, and measurable impact. Our members are the heartbeat of everything we do, and it is essential that the right operational systems are in place to support their work and allow our mission to advance.
That’s why my early focus has been strengthening our internal structures, refining our processes, and ensuring that every layer of our organization is aligned and equipped to serve at the highest level.
Amplifying the Story of Black-Led CDFIs
One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is having a platform to amplify the critical work of Black-led CDFIs on a national stage. I joined The SmallBizChat Podcast to share how Black-led CDFIs expand capital accessfor small businesses, combat predatory lending, and prepare entrepreneurs for financing.
The Develop This: Economic & Community Development Podcast provided a platform to highlight the ways our members leverage our tools and resources to build economic resilience nationwide. The conversation also underscored the importance of Black-led financial institutions becoming CDFI certified as a gateway to unlocking meaningful funding opportunities and scaling their impact in the communities that need it most.
Advancing the Work Through Broader Ecosystem Collaborations
Contributing to the broader ecosystem of community development work has been a priority from the start.
The Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative (BARHII) offered a close look at the critical anti-displacement work being carried out across the country by 11 organizations within their community of practice; work that closely mirrors the values driving our own mission.
U.S. Bank’s Impact Summit in St. Louis convened dynamic voices and surfaced actionable strategies for deepening community impact.
The Federal Reserve Rural Investment Convening reinforced the vital role that community development investment plays in sustaining and strengthening rural economies, a reminder that our members’ work touches every corner of this country.
Engaging in each of these convenings has reinforced the value of The Alliance’s voice in shaping collaborative strategies, and I look forward to channeling these insights into our programming and partnerships going forward.
Expanding Our Regional Impact
This year, we launched regional huddles to bring our support closer to the communities our members serve. In March, we hosted our Midwest Huddle & Exchange in Roseville, Minnesota, our first regional convening of 2026. The room was filled with leaders, partners, champions, and building power for Black-led financial institutions. We tackled candid conversations about the realities our members face, exchanged insights on navigating change across finance, housing, philanthropy, and explored how collaboration and capital shape what comes next.
Additional huddles are planned for the Northeast, Southeast, and Southern California regions later this year.
Onward to New Orleans
This June, we’ll gather in New Orleans for our 2026 Annual Conference, and I could not be more excited about what’s ahead. Our theme, “Onward,” speaks for itself. This is a moment to move forward with boldness, clarity, and collective purpose.
For the first time, we are opening our doors to external change agents and ecosystem partners on an application basis, creating a powerful opportunity to expand our network. We invite you to be a part of this pivotal moment — submit your application here.
What’s Next
As we move through the remainder of the year, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead. The foundation we have built over these first 100 days positions us to show up for our members and communities in powerful new ways.
I am energized by what we’ve already accomplished and clear-eyed about what’s still required of us. The road ahead is full of possibility and responsibility. The gravity of this moment reminds us that Black-led CDFIs are community cornerstones whose impact is irreplaceable. Our work at The Alliance has never been more essential, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to help these institutions gain ground, grow their impact, and continue serving the communities that need them most.
To our members: Thank you for trusting us with this work.
To our partners and funders: thank you for standing alongside us.
To everyone who believes that Black-led financial institutions are essential to a just and thriving economy: there is a place for you in what we’re building. The best is yet to come.
Onward,
Amber Banks
President & CEO, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
