It is our pleasure to introduce Germaine McIver-Cherry, Senior Program Director at the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. Germaine brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, having spent years managing a diverse portfolio of programs with a strong focus on capital access for organizations within the economic development ecosystem. Before joining the Alliance, Germaine served as the Innovation Portfolio Manager with the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), where she honed her skills in driving impactful initiatives.
Germaine is a proud alumna of North Carolina Central University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. Her dedication to social justice and community development is evident not only in her professional work but also in her personal values and commitments.
We talked to Germaine and here’s what she had to say:
- How long have you been with the Alliance? My journey with the Alliance family began November 15, 2022. I had previously worked for over 5 years under the leadership with Mr. Long and several colleagues so it was like I was returning “home.”
- What is your educational background? I am a servant and a helper so naturally I chose to pursue a degree, actually TWO degrees, in Social Work. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in 2013 and in 2016, I returned to the wonderful and BEST HBCU in the land, North Carolina Central University (#EaglePrideAMPLIFIED), and graduated the inaugural Master’s Advanced Standing MSW Program which is an intensive one-year option for students with an undergraduate degree in social work from an accredited institution.
- What is your dance song? If I am honest, I cannot dance. A seated two step is the best that I can do at this age, lol, BUT my dance song currently is “They Not Like Us” and I have been practicing my “G-Walk” for about a month now.
- Who is your celebrity inspiration? My celebrity inspiration is and has been for decades is the late Tupac Amaru Shakur. What I admire most about Tupac was his authenticity and realness…gotta love it. His lyrical content oftentimes addressed social injustice and inequities, violence, and the marginalization of African-Americans. IMO, he is the GOAT in hip-hop.
- What car would describe your personality? Although I am team #Lexus for life, I am would say the Jaguar best describes my personality as its brand and leaping emblem boasts grace, power, and agility.
We are lucky to have you, Germaine! Your energy and realness is contagious!
