From June 16–18, 2026, The Alliance welcomed members, funders, policymakers, industry leaders, and community partners to New Orleans for ONWARD: Our Legacy. Our Leadership. Our Charge. The three-day convening celebrated the legacy of Black-led CDFIs, elevated the leadership driving transformative change today, and challenged attendees to embrace the collective responsibility of advancing economic opportunity.
This year’s conference marked an important milestone as the first annual conference led by President & CEO Amber Banks, ushering in a new chapter for The Alliance. Under her leadership, ONWARD centered on cultivating the next generation of leaders and transforming collaboration into coordinated action to strengthen Black-led CDFIs nationwide.
The conference opened with a Member CEO Day, an exclusive experience designed for Alliance members to connect, collaborate, and chart the path forward together. The evening concluded with a memorable Welcome Reception aboard the Riverboat City of New Orleans, where attendees enjoyed live music, line dancing, New Orleans cuisine, and networking along the Mississippi River.
Attendees participated in engaging breakout sessions and keynote conversations exploring critical topics including Artificial Intelligence (AI), collective advocacy, innovative partnership strategies, and climate resilience.The Ascension Ladies’ Lounge and the first-ever Ascent Men’s Lounge created intentional spaces for meaningful connection and relaxation.
A highlight was the launch of Capital Connect, The Alliance’s signature matchmaking experience that connected members directly with capital partners to build relationships, explore funding opportunities, and strengthen future investment in Black communities.
The celebration continued during the Luminary Awards Masquerade Ball, honoring outstanding leaders advancing community development. The evening ended with a surprise performance by the Mardi Gras Indians, whose vibrant dances and cultural traditions brought an unforgettable New Orleans flair.
Conference programming was enriched by compelling speakers including:
- Cederic L. Richmond, Former Congressman
- Renee Lapeyrolerie, Deputy Mayor, City of New Orleans
- Harold Pettigrew, CEO, Opportunity Finance Network
- Xavier Ramey, Founder/CEO, Justice Informed
- Bill Bynum, CEO, Hope Enterprise Corporation
- Heidi Schoonover, Sr. Managing Director of CRA, Truist Bank
- Sabrina Stratton, SVP & Northeast Regional Director, Amalgamated Bank
- Alexis Dishman, Executive VP & Chief Lending Officer, CRF USA
- Monica Burch, SVP of Community Development Segment, PNC Bank
- Sayiddah McCree, Sr. Impact Investment Officer, MacArthur Foundation
- Jimmie Howlett, VP of Emerging CDFIs, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance
- Johvanna Sampson, First VP, Director of Community Impact, Amalgamated Bank
The final day featured Money & Mimosas: Securing the Bag, an engaging discussion with funding partners on today’s capital landscape, before concluding with the Juneteenth Brunchella Celebration, where attendees came together to honor freedom, culture, and community.
Congratulations to the Luminary Award recipients:
- Financial Empowerment Award: Della Clark, President of The Enterprise Center
- Climate Justice Award: Hope Cupit, President & CEO of Southeastern Rural Community Assistance Project
- Lenwood V. Long, Sr., “Good Trouble” Award: Della Clark, President of The Enterprise Center
- Donna Gambrell “Community Impact” Award: Aisha Benson, President & CEO of Nonprofit Finance Fund
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Watchen Harris Bruce, President & CEO of Baltimore Community Lending
The Alliance proudly recognized Van Hampton, our longest-serving Board member, for his extraordinary years of service, unwavering leadership, and enduring commitment to advancing the mission of the organization.
Thank you to every Alliance member, speaker, funder, and ally who joined us. We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors whose generous support made ONWARD 2026 possible: First Citizens Bank, McKinsey & Company, PNC Bank, Truist Bank, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, Amalgamated Bank, The Housing Fund, Charles Schwab, MacArthur Foundation, AmPac Business Capital, Baltimore Community Lending, Butler Snow LLP, Capital One, CRF USA, Fifth Third Bank, Fund Consulting, Goldman Sachs OMBW, Goldman Sachs UIG, Kresege Foundation, LoanWell, and Fund MI.
We celebrated our legacy, strengthened our leadership, and embraced our collective charge to move ONWARD.
