News and Events Type: News

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 Initiative click 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:

1. How long have you been with the Alliance? 3 years next month.
2. What is your educational background? B.S. Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, MBA and Doctoral Candidate in Ministry.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Can you share a fun fact about yourself? Fun? Hmmm. What is that? But seriously, I love escape rooms and solving mysteries.

We’re very lucky to have Eleanor on the team!

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

In a celebration brimming with blackness, beauty, and warmth, The Alliance held their second annual in-person conference in Chicago, IL, from June 12-15. The theme, “The Power of Us,” captured the essence of Black-led CDFIs and Associate members aspiring to become CDFIs uniting to overcome all obstacles and empower their communities by building wealth and providing capital and housing opportunities. Since its establishment, The Alliance has been a cornerstone for Black-led CDFI CEOs, offering capacity-building programs and resources to help them thrive. 

This year’s three-day conference rallied the call to harness the potential within the underserved communities they serve. By focusing on collective strengths, experiences, and expertise, members strategized and implemented solutions together. Through engaging sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, members fostered collaboration among visionary leaders, partners, and dedicated allies to celebrate Black excellence and create lasting impact.   

We held sessions focused on housing, economic development, green lending, financial empowerment, and wealth creation within Black communities. Among them, we held a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund half-day workshop led by Trenton Allen from Sustainable Capital Advisors that included in-depth discussions and case studies that enhanced our members’ green lending initiatives.  

Dynamic panel discussions, keynote speeches, and inspirational words from notable figures added to the experience, including: 

• Harold Pettigrew, CEO, Opportunity Finance Network 
• Amber Koonce, Assistant Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund 
• Munya Muvezwa, Partner, McKinsey and Company 
• Xavier Ramey, Founder/CEO, Justice Informed 
• Pravina Raghavan, Director, CDFI Fund 
• Lennox Yearwood, President/CEO, Hip Hop Caucus 
• Akuoma Nwadike, Founder, President/Principal, Inclusivity Education 
• Heather Parish, Founder and Principal Consultant, Strategies for Community Economic Development and Finance 
• Chris Womack, CEO, Southern Company 
• Katie Gailes, CEO, Katie Gailes & Company 
• Dariely Rodriguez, Deputy Chief Counsel, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law 
• Priscilla Sims Brown, President, Amalgamated Bank 
• Michael Crooks, Global President, PaySoko Systems 
• Jordan Taylor, Director of Renewable Energy, Sustainable Capital Advisors 
• Trenton Allen, CEO, Sustainable Capital Advisors 
• Taylor Lavender, Launch Team Member, Justice Climate Fund 

The conference concluded with an Awards Ceremony & Juneteenth Celebration Dinner and Harlem Nights Gala, where attendees dressed in roaring ’20s attire and enjoyed a violin selection with spectacular food. Several members were recognized for their remarkable contributions, embodying the Alliance’s mission to build capacity, power, and bridges.  

Congratulations to the award recipients: 

• Innovation Excellence Award: Everett Sands 
• Financial Empowerment Award: Renay Dossman 
• Digital Innovation Award: Inez Long
• Equity in Housing Award: Marshall Crawford 
• Small Business Champion Award: Hilda Kennedy 
• Climate Justice Award: Donna Gambrell 
• Community Impact Award: Arlo Washington 
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Donna Gambrell 

Leadership was also surprised with awards to show appreciation for their dedication to The Alliance: 

• Good Trouble Award: Lenwood V. Long, Sr., Alliance CEO – An inaugural award to be presented each year at the Annual Meeting & Conference to a member or staff that embodies the tenets of this award. 
• Visionary Leadership Award: Amber Banks-Bond, Alliance President 

We are grateful to all our members and allies for their attendance, and a special thank you to all of our sponsors for your support: Citi Bank, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, US Bank, NALCAB, AERIS, Goldman Sachs, MacArthur Foundation, FHL Bank Chicago, Amalgamated Bank, NCIF, PNC, the California Endowment, PaySoko Systems, McKinsey & Company, the Kresge Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Key Environmental Consulting and Marie Bibbs.  

The Alliance looks forward to continuing this impactful work at the 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference in Charleston, SC. 

Roadmap Aims to Address Housing Justice for BIPOC Communities  

ORLANDO, FL – In recognition of National Homeownership Month, the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) unveils its pioneering Housing Initiative Roadmap, aimed at empowering BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities in their pursuit of housing justice. Developed with support from the Melville Charitable Trust (The Trust) and in collaboration with Cappelli Consulting, this comprehensive roadmap marks a significant milestone in our commitment to eradicate policies that perpetuate racial housing instability. 

The Housing Initiative Roadmap embodies The Alliance’s unwavering dedication to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering equitable, and inclusive housing opportunities. By providing Alliance members with comprehensive access to essential resources, tools, and strategies, we are catalyzing transformative change and advancing social equity in the housing sector. 

“Housing justice is fundamental to achieving true equity and inclusion,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., CEO of The Alliance. “Our Housing Initiative Roadmap is a testament to our collective determination to address the disparities facing BIPOC communities and ensure that every individual has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.” 

“The state of housing for Black America has been challenging. To help communities of color build generational wealth and repair the harms of structural racism, we must focus on housing stability. As community development financial institutions (CDFIs) we can play an important role in leveling the playing field,” said Donna Gambrell, Alliance Board Chair and President & CEO of Appalachian Community Capital. 

The Alliance Housing Initiative aims to overcome housing justice obstacles and change the narrative on housing in BIPOC communities. The goals of the Housing Initiative Roadmap include empowering members to advocate for anti-racist housing policy reform at the federal, state, and local levels, encouraging members to adopt best practices that increase housing opportunity and improve housing stability in Black and brown communities, and strengthening the capacity of members to develop, deliver, and evaluate effective anti-racist housing programs. 

“We cannot end homelessness without major investments in housing. This roadmap outlines key strategies to strengthen Black-led CDFIs and to accelerate the critical investments in advocacy and capacity needed to build a more equitable housing system,” said Alyia Gaskins, Senior Program Officer at the Melville Charitable Trust.  

“We cannot close the racial wealth gap and address the inequities without major interventions in the housing development system. To this end, we must strongly advocate for a housing system that centers the needs of BIPOC communities,” said Marshall Crawford, Alliance Board Member and President and CEO of The Housing Fund. “This roadmap is just the beginning of The Alliance and our partners efforts to create a more just housing system.”  

“Black-led CDFI’s are some of the most essential institutions driving resources and solutions to struggling communities most affected by disinvestment and economic exploitation across the country in both urban and rural America. Our organizations, however, are affected by many of the same policies that drive lack of resources and the wealth gap in the communities we serve.  This Roadmap establishes a strategic plan for the Alliance to advocate for and secure the policies and resources members need to help build thriving communities of color nationwide,” said Anthony Simpkins, Alliance member and President and Chief Executive Officer of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. 

As we embark on this journey, The Alliance invites stakeholders, policymakers, and community members to join us in our collective pursuit of housing justice for all. Over the coming months, The Alliance will collaborate with leaders and advocates in the housing industry to deliver impactful housing programs to our members. Together, we can create a future where every individual, regardless of race or background, has access to safe, affordable, and stable housing. 

To learn more about the Alliance Housing Initiative Roadmap and get involved in our efforts, visit please visit  http://www.aaacdfi.org. 

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African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs  

The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, known as “The Alliance,” is a membership organization consisting of 79 CEOs from Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These institutions include loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since its establishment in 2018, The Alliance’s extensive network has provided services across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about The Alliance and its programs, please visit http://www.aaacdfi.org.    

Media Contact:  

Alisha Brown / African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs  

[email protected] / 901-849-0820