VIRGINIA CDFI SUMMIT 2026:

Collective Power, Bold Action

Richmond • August 18, 2026
Capital One West Creek Commons

Register

See What

Summit 2026 Is All About

Community Development Financial Institutions play a critical role in expanding access to capital, supporting small businesses, creating affordable housing, and strengthening communities across Virginia. As economic conditions continue to evolve, the need for collaboration, innovation, and collective action has never been greater.

Join us this August in Richmond for a transformative gathering, "The Virginia CDFI Summit: Collective Power, Bold Action" This one-day event is a landmark gathering of leaders shaping the future of equitable finance across the Commonwealth. Hosted by the Virginia CDFI Coalition, this summit represents a pivotal moment for Virginia’s community development finance ecosystem, bringing together CDFIs, policymakers, philanthropic partners, and financial institutions for a day of strategy, insight, and action.

Impact By The Numbers

What to Expect

Attendees will engage in a dynamic program designed to deepen collaboration, sharpen advocacy strategies, and strengthen collective impact.

Highlights include:

Opening Conversation: The summit will feature morning plenary discussions with national and state leaders. Harold Pettigrew, President and CEO of Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) and Mark Pinsky, President and Founder of CDFI Friendly America, whose decades of leadership and advocacy have helped shape the national community development finance landscape.

Networking Opportunities: Dedicated networking opportunities throughout the day will provide space to exchange ideas, build partnerships, share challenges and successes, and strengthen the relationships that drive collective impact and economic opportunity in Virginia communities.

Breakout Session: Dive deeper into the topics shaping the future of community development finance through interactive breakout sessions led by industry experts. Sessions will explore policy and advocacy, affordable housing, real estate lending, AI and technology, technical assistance, portfolio growth, philanthropy, impact investing, and community-centered lending practices. Attendees will leave with practical insights, new ideas, and strategies they can apply within their own organizations and communities.

Who's Joining Us?

This event brings together a diverse group of forward-thinking leaders, including CDFI leaders, impact investors, philanthropists, policymakers, and community advocates. United by a common goal to foster economic justice and sustainable community development, participants are ready to share insights, innovate solutions, and catalyze action that drives real change in local economies across the sate. Join us to connect with these change-makers who are not only addressing systemic challenges but are also crafting the future of economic empowerment.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

  • Jamie Baxter

    Sr. Program Officer

    Prince Charitable Trusts

  • Kathryn Coulter-Rhodes

    Program Manager

    Opportunity Appalachia (OA)

  • Dr. Darlene Deberry

    Senior Economic Development Manager

    NCGrowth, UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise

  • Azish Filabi

    Managing Director

    The American College Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial Services

  • Leah Fremouw

    President and CEO

    Bridging Virginia

  • Valeria Lopez

    Business Advisor

    Capital Pathways, George Mason University

  • Harold Pettigrew

    President & CEO

    Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)

  • Mark Pinsky

    President & Founder

    CDFI Friendly America

  • Pravina Raghavan

    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Locus

  • Dave Silverstein

    CEO

    Ned

  • Christina Snell

    Business Advisor and Partnerships & Outreach Lead

    Capital Pathways

  • Aleks Whitchurch

    Co-Founder

    Doodle Enterprises

Additional speakers and Breakout Sessions will be announced here soon.

Venue

Capital One West Creek Commons

We are honored to host this regional conference at the Capital One West Creek Commons in Richmond, Virginia. West Creek, Capital One’s largest campus, is only 20 minutes from the city center, features 11 buildings. The campus offers adaptive spaces where associates can find the spot they need to do their best work, from a treehouse to large patios to quiet conference rooms.

15075 Capital One Drive Richmond, VA 23238

Cost

$100

Individual Cost

$400

Group Cost (5 or more people)

Attendance costs cover event expenses and lunch, but we do not want cost to be a barrier for participation. If you or your organization need financial assistance please reach out to welcome@bridgingvirginia.org

Book A Room

For guests traveling from out of town, there are several nearby hotel options located within close proximity to the event venue

Residence Inn Short Pump at the Notch

8 minutes away from venue.

Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond Short Pump

8 minutes away from venue.‍ ‍

Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa / Short Pump

11 minutes away from venue.‍ ‍

Hyatt House Richmond / Short Pump

13 minutes away from venue.

We do not have a reserved room block or discount code for this event. Standard rates apply, and availability may be limited, so we encourage you to book early.

Why Should You Attend?

Gain insights from leaders who bridge the racial wealth gap through innovative economic development and community-driven financial solutions.

Connect with like-minded practitioners, impact investors, and policy-makers, all committed to fostering sustainable economic environments.

Who Should Attend

CDFI Leaders and Staff

Community Lenders and Impact Investors

Policy Advocates and Government Officials

Philanthropic Funders and Grantmakers

Financial Institutions Committed to Equitable Development

Sponsored By

In Partnership With