As I sit here on the plane, I reflect on what an incredible week it has been. On the south side of Chicago 1500 professionals and allies, all dedicated to socially responsible lending, convened to learn from each other, network and grow. I was struck by the diversity of CDFIs and nonprofit lenders represented – from all over the country, small and large, serving all different populations, in different ways. I met people involved in consumer lending, small business lending, affordable housing, and institutional lending. Some institutions were newly minted CDFIs, while others have been around for decades. Yet common issues arose in the form of shared challenges, such as how to find long-term sources of financing, how to scale in a sustainable fashion, how to manage risk, and how to leverage technology to maximize efficiency without losing the human touch.
Being an IT professional, I was drawn to sessions with a focus on technology. Along the way I learned key lessons regarding social impact measurement, portfolio and risk management, tools to develop and execute communication strategies, and leveraging technology for efficiency and growth. I sat down with COOs from about a dozen CDFIs discussing the challenges and advantages of implementing Salesforce, among other topics. And I spoke with other technology solution providers at the OFN Expo to learn what their solutions offer the industry.
I had the opportunity to connect with my clients and peers, and also made new connections during networking events such as the COO group and the New England practitioners’ breakfast meeting. I witnessed the power and passion of women in the industry as part of the CDFI Women’s Network – listening to role models such as Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of OFN, Annie Donovan, Director of the CDFI Fund, and Nancy Andrews, former CEO of LIIF and winner of the 2018 OFN Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ultimately I was struck by the excitement and passion of my fellow conference attendees. While CDFIs and nonprofit lenders are financial institutions, what makes them uniquely wonderful is their drive to achieve their mission and their aspirational goals that inspire all of us who work in the industry. It’s the human element that matters, that keeps us grounded as we strive to make a difference each and every day.
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Craftsman Technology Group is an OFN Ally. We support OFN’s mission to lead CDFIs and their partners to ensure that low-income, low-wealth, and other underserved people and communities have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services. Find out more about OFN’s efforts at: https://ofn.org.