At the heart of our organization’s operations is Hilen Flores, an accomplished Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience. Hilen serves as the Executive Assistant to our President and CEO, bringing her strategic leadership and dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to every project she touches. Her career includes impressive roles such as Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost of Continuing and Lifelong Education at North Carolina State University and Director of Operations at Polite Properties. She’s also held key positions at organizations like Damovo Group, KPMG, AIG, and Heidrick & Struggles. Hilen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business-Economics with a minor in French and International Affairs from Skidmore College.
In this Q&A, we get to know her a little better:
How long have you been with the Alliance?Five months.
What is your educational background?BA in Business-Economics and Minor in French-International Affairs from Skidmore College.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?Greece. Two of my favorite colors are Blue and White, both symbol serenity and peace for me. When I see pictures of Mykonos, Greece that is what I envision, total bliss, peace and serenity surrounded by the calming sounds of the ocean.
What’s one surprising skill or hobby you have that most people don’t know about?I discovered that I could sing when I was about 11 years old. In my earlier elementary school years, I remember we had to sign “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, and I would think to myself, why do I sound better than my friends? I never put much thought to it. Then I was introduced to Mariah Carey at 11 years old. Surprisingly, I was able to “imitate her” until I went to the Dominican Republic and one night my aunt said, I heard you can imitate a singer, let me hear you. She was blown away! That day I discovered that I did not imitate but I actually had a gift of singing.
What’s your favorite part of working with this team? Everyone is so positive, kind and helpful.
We’re grateful to have Hilen as part of our team, where her skills, energy, and warmth shine through every day!
At The Alliance, we pride ourselves on the incredible talent and dedication of our team members, each of whom plays a crucial role in driving our mission forward. We’re putting a spotlight Marcus Long, our Senior IT Network Specialist, who has been the silent force behind our organization’s technological success since 2020.
Marcus’s journey into the tech world began in 2014 when he started as a video tech for NBC Sports. His passion for technology was evident early on as he transitioned into video and computer repair, working as a Quality Control specialist for companies like Rentex and Evolve Media. In 2018, he took his expertise to new heights by joining the Walt Disney Company as a video and networking tech. Through these experiences, Marcus honed his skills, combining his creative background in film (a degree he earned from the University of Central Florida) with technical acumen, bolstered by an AS in computer programming from Valencia College.
We talked to Marcus and here’s what he had to say:
How long have you been with The Alliance? I started with The Alliance around 2020 I was one of the first contractors. I established the entire IT network and infrastructure for the organization.
What is your educational background? I graduated from the University of Central Florida with the degree in film. I have an AS in computer programming from Valencia college. I started my career as a video engineer for NBC Sports and Disney before transitioning into IT.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or day off? I enjoy learning new things so on my time off, I’m either taking coursework reading about new things in the tech world or going to art shows and museums.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best advice that I have ever received would probably be from my late mother who told me “prepare yourself now for the opportunities that will come, in the future.”
If you could switch jobs with anyone in the company with anyone for day, who would it be or why? I would not switch jobs with anyone. I love the work that I do, and I care and respect the deep knowledge of my coworkers in what they do. I craved to be the best at what I do so that it shines bright in my work every day.
As students across the country return to school, we are reminded of the rich legacy and vital role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play in empowering future Black leaders.
Last year, the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs partnered with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to support the next generation of leaders in the economic development space. Through this partnership, we provided valuable experience and mentorship to students from HBCUs by placing them with our member CDFIs. The Alliance itself has greatly benefited from this program; an example is through the work of Tobias Brown now serving as our Marketing & Communications intern since April 2024.
Tobias Brown is a shining example of the talent and drive that HBCUs cultivate. His internship at The Alliance has not only supported our mission but also helped him grow personally and professionally.
As part of our celebration of HBCUs, we sat down with Tobias for a Q&A to learn more about his experience and the impact his HBCU education had on his journey.
Q: Can you share what you’re studying and tell us a bit about your HBCU?
Tobias: I’m a senior at Morehouse College, majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law focus and minoring in Business. Morehouse is a historically Black college that has played a significant role in shaping African American leaders for generations. Being at Morehouse is like being part of a rich legacy that pushes me to strive for excellence, both academically and personally.
Q: What motivated you to choose an HBCU for your education? How has attending an HBCU shaped your personal and professional development?
Tobias: I chose to attend an HBCU because I believe that every African American should have the opportunity to be molded in an environment that is specifically designed for them. Growing up in a rural, poverty-stricken area as a first-generation college student, I knew that an HBCU would provide the support and community I needed to excel. Morehouse has given me the chance to forge meaningful relationships and access opportunities that I might not have had elsewhere.
Attending an HBCU has been transformative for me. It has not only provided a nurturing environment but also a platform to engage with like-minded individuals who are passionate about social justice and leadership. Morehouse has empowered me to pursue my goal of becoming a Federal Prosecutor, working to reform the legal system and fight against mass incarceration, particularly the biases against Black men.
Q:Can you tell us about your experience interning for a CDFI and for The Alliance? How did you become involved in interning at a CDFI, and what drew you to this opportunity?
Tobias: My experience interning for a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and for The Alliance has been incredibly rewarding. I became involved in the CDFI internship through my desire to contribute to the economic empowerment of marginalized communities. The opportunity to work with a CDFI allowed me to combine my passion for social justice with practical financial tools to help underserved populations. The Alliance internship, on the other hand, aligned perfectly with my career aspirations by providing exposure to African American CEOs and professionals.
Q: How has serving as an intern for a CDFI and for The Alliance influenced your academic and career goals?
Tobias: These internships have solidified my commitment to using my legal education to advocate for systemic change. Working with a CDFI has shown me the importance of economic development in creating long-term, sustainable communities, which is a perspective I will carry into my legal career. My first time interning for a CDFI, Albany Community Together, INC. my understanding of the intersection between law, policy, and community advocacy. Interning with the Alliance has helped me connect with African Americans in the financial sector that can provide me with mentorship and guidance.
Q: What specific skills or knowledge have you gained from your internship with a CDFI?
Tobias: Through my internship with a CDFI, I gained valuable skills in financial analysis, community outreach, and understanding the regulatory environment for financial institutions. I also learned about the critical role that CDFIs play in providing access to capital in communities that are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.
Q: How do you see the mission and values of CDFIs aligning with those of HBCUs?
Tobias: The mission of CDFIs to support economic development in underserved communities aligns closely with the values of HBCUs, which focus on educating and empowering African American students to be leaders in their communities. Both are committed to creating opportunities and reducing disparities, making them natural partners in fostering community growth and development.
Q: How can internships like yours help foster a stronger connection between CDFIs and HBCU students and graduates?
Tobias: Internships like mine can serve as a bridge between CDFIs and HBCUs by providing students with hands-on experience in community development finance. These internships can also highlight the importance of economic empowerment in social justice, encouraging more HBCU students to consider careers in this field. Strengthening this connection can lead to more collaborative efforts to support underserved communities.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students considering attending an HBCU and interning for a CDFI?
Tobias: I would advise prospective students to embrace the unique experience that an HBCU offers. It’s a place where you can grow both personally and professionally while being surrounded by a supportive community. If you’re passionate about social justice and economic empowerment, interning at a CDFI can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a real impact. Don’t hesitate to seek out these opportunities—they can be life-changing.
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!
As part of our mission to empower Black CDFI CEO members, The Alliance’s Women-Led Initiative addresses the unique capacity building needs of our Black female CEO members who systemically face racial and gender resource inequities. Each newsletter we will highlight the successes of our Black female CEO members. Our next success story is from Stacy Rhone, President and CEO of BiGAUSTIN.
Founded in 1992, BiGAUSTIN is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the low-income and minority communities in Austin, Texas, through economic and community development. Initially a section within the City of Austin’s Department of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development, BiGAUSTIN’s impact grew significantly by 1995, leading it to become a separate agency better able to serve the Black community’s economic and community needs.
Under Stacy’s leadership, BiGAUSTIN has achieved significant milestones including earning certifications as a Community Development Entity (CDE) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), as well as distinctions as an SBA Lender and SBA Women’s Business Center. These accomplishments enable BiGAUSTIN to offer microlending, education, and training programs that support the growth of small businesses and encourage affordable housing initiatives. These programs allow BiGAUSTIN to help borrowers like Sue Spears change their lives and preserve their legacy.
To ensure that BiGAUSTIN remains competitive, Stacy joined the Alliance in 2021. The wealth of resources available, networking, and capacity-building opportunities for her and her team have been invaluable. Stacy’s experience at the Alliance’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Conference, inspired her to launch BiGAUSTIN’s Legacy program, designed to help African Americans maintain, renovate, and build property. The program works to prevent predatory development, reduce property taxes for aging residents, and provide property tax loans that can become reconstruction loans. Through this and other efforts, BiGAUSTIN continues to make a profound impact on the community.
The Alliance is excited to see what Stacy and BiGAUSTIN do next.
To learn more about the Women-Led Initiativeclick here.
Meet Nia Jones, the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs’ dynamic Environment and Climate Director, affectionately known as the “Energy Queen.” Nia has been with the Alliance for just 90 days, but her enthusiasm and expertise make it feel like she’s been a part of the team for much longer. With a rich educational background and a passion for sustainable development, Nia is dedicated to advancing renewable energy and climate initiatives within marginalized communities.
Q&A with Nia Jones:
How long have you been with the Alliance? Only 90 days but feels like half a year!
What is your educational background? My education journey started at McKinley Technology STEM High School where I studied biotechnology. After that, I attended Clark Atlanta University where I participated in the dual degree engineering program (DDEP) and studied interdisciplinary science with a minor in mathematics. After 3 years at CAU, I transferred to Northeastern University where I graduated with a BS industrial engineering with a minor in law & public policy. I obtained my MA from the University of California, Berkeley in the energy & resources group where I focused on engineering education, community engagement, and renewable energy technologies in low-income marginalized areas.
What is your favorite thing to discuss when talking about energy and climate? My favorite things to discuss are all things renewable energy and sustainable development! Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of the future generations. For renewable energy offshore wind, enhanced geothermal, and agrivoltaics are essential for building our sustainable future.
What is your “calming down” song? My calming down song is “Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder.
Where is your favorite place to vacation? My favorite vacation spot is Dubai! There is a lot to see and do so it makes traveling there exciting!
Nia was also recently featured on the Wood Mackenzie Energy Gang podcast.In her interview, Nia discussed the critical importance of partnerships and cooperation among businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations to advance the energy transition. She highlighted our organization’s ongoing efforts to deliver renewable energy to those who might not otherwise have access to it and the Justice Climate Fund.
Nia Jones’ journey and insights are a testament to her dedication to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Her work with The Alliance is paving the way for innovative energy solutions and sustainable development. We’re excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make in the field. Thank you, Nia, for sharing your story and passion with us!
This week, we’re spotlighting Laudz Jean-Jacques, Sr. Program Director. Laudz has been with The Alliance for two years. In her role, she supports the Women-Led Initiative and African American Equity Impact Scorecard programs. Laudz brings over 8 years of experience from government and non-profit organizations working with Economic Development programs.
We talked to Laudz, and here’s what she shared with us about herself:
What is your educational background? MBA,Marketing Strategy, Florida International University, BA, Interperonal/ Organizational Communication, University of Central Florida.
What do you enjoy about working in the CDFI industry? My entire career has focused on improving economic opportunities in underserved communities. I enjoy working in the CDFI industry because it aligns with my core values and allows me to make a meaningful social impact. Contributing to economic justice and equity is incredibly rewarding, especially because the projects funded by CDFIs are catalytic in creating generational wealth. These initiatives not only transform communities but also empower individuals and families, making the work profoundly fulfilling.
What are your go to binge-watching show(s)? I don’t enjoy binge watching TV, but below is a lis of what I’m currently watching : House of Dragons, Presumed Innocent, The Bear, Queenie.
What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memories are spending summers with family in Haiti. I always reminisce about the vibrant Haitian markets, filled with colorful art, lively music, and the best street food. I loved picking and eating the most delicious mangoes, coconuts, and avocados from our trees, feeding and chasing the chickens and goats in the backyard, enjoying fresh hot chocolate and Haitian sourdough bread for supper, and traveling to the countryside and beaches with my aunts and cousins. Carefree island living—it was a wonderful time.
We love having Laudz on the team. Her energy is contagious, and we can’t wait to see all the great things she continues to do!
This week we’re excited to spotlight our very own, Eleanor Reid!
Eleanor Reid is VP of Development at the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs! With over 20 years of C-level consulting experience and a successful track record of raising over $30 million for CDFIs, Eleanor is a powerhouse in fundraising and relationship building.
Here are some fun facts about her:
How long have you been with the Alliance? 3 years next month.
What is your educational background? B.S. Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, MBA and Doctoral Candidate in Ministry.
What is your favorite memory working with the Alliance? I love that I get to tell the story of the Alliance, including its members and our work, while expressing with passion the need for continued support of our mission that in the end benefits all people in this nation, no matter their race.
If you followed your childhood dream, what would your current career be? I would continue to write books to help people recognize and fulfill their life purposes. Helping others in any way I can is what I love to do.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself? Fun? Hmmm. What is that? But seriously, I love escape rooms and solving mysteries.
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the passing of Inez Long, President and CEO of the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) Florida, and a cherished board member and co-founder of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. Inez dedicated her life to empowering Black and minority communities through economic development and support for minority-owned businesses.
Words cannot express the depth of our love and the profound sense of loss we feel. Inez leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of accomplishments through her leadership and unwavering service in advocating for CDFIs, especially Black-led CDFIs. Her impact on our community is immeasurable, and she will be truly missed.
Through her leadership at BBIF, Inez facilitated transformative changes, expanding access to capital, and creating opportunities for countless entrepreneurs. Her visionary initiatives, such as the establishment of a Community Development Corporation and raising significant funds through the New Markets Tax Credits program, have left a lasting impact on our communities.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Inez received the 2020 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance, the highest individual honor in the CDFI industry. Her work continues to inspire and catalyze change, making her a true champion of economic empowerment.
We are deeply heartbroken by this loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. Inez’s legacy of empowerment and community development will live on, inspiring future generations to carry forward her mission.
Be Steadfast!
Lenwood V. Long, Sr.
CEO
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
Inez Long at the 2024 Alliance’s Annual Meeting & Conference
