Today, I am announcing that I will be stepping down from my role as Senior Executive Director for LISC LA.
When I joined the organization seven years ago, I had ambitious plans for what was at the time a small local office with big potential. Since that time, my team and I successfully expanded LISC LA’s housing, small business and lending programs and deepened its commitment to racial equity by bridging gaps in wealth and opportunity for Greater Los Angeles families and businesses. While all of our accomplishments are too numerous to list here, the ones of which I am most proud include:
Last year, we boldly announced The Black Economic Development Agenda (BEDA), an initiative to center LISC resources and programs on closing the racial wealth gap and empowering Black communities across Los Angeles County.
Together with the city, county and philanthropic partners, we equitably distributed more than $150 million in grants and loans to support diverse small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 through the LA COVID-19 Regional Recovery Fund.
We launched the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programs in partnership with LA County, which aim to remove individuals from the justice system at the earliest possible point.
Thanks to a $20 million gift from Wells Fargo, we established the Asset Building for Communities of Color (ABC) program to help LA County’s diverse small business owners unlock their potential to grow, scale, create jobs and fuel wealth creation.
With support from JP Morgan Chase, LISC LA’s ASCEND LA 20-session management education program is building the next generation of $1M+ businesses owned by women and people of color.
We established the Housing Initiative Program (LA-HIP), which utilizes the AmeriCorps platform to build the capacity of our local affordable housing field by investing in upcoming project and asset managers, advocates and leaders.
With funding secured from Merritt Community Capital Corporation for the next three years, LISC California’s Housing Development Training Institute (HDTI) is empowering diverse affordable housing leaders and professionals to build housing in our communities and change the affordable housing landscape throughout California.
In partnership with the State of California’s Housing Community Development Department, we established a network of more than 145 trusted Local Partner organizations that have assisted vulnerable households with accessing $5.2B+ in rent and utility relief, under the Housing Is Key program.
While my time with LISC is ending, I am excited to build upon this critical work as I step up to lead The Center by Lendistry as its new President & CEO. In my new role, I am charged with scaling the nonprofit’s footprint and expanding access to capital initiatives for underserved small business owners, leading economic development strategies and developing affordable housing finance products at the national level.
Thank you to the skilled and dedicated staff, and to the smart and strategic local advisory board that I’ve had the privilege to lead during these years of tremendous growth and impact in our region. LISC LA is at its strongest, with a solid financial position and deep local relationships to help drive progress for the communities we serve. During this change in leadership, the organization will be led by its most capable senior staff members.
A big thank you, as well, to LISC LA supporters, donors and partners, not only for your commitment to our mission but for your friendship through the years.