VIRGINIA CDFI SUMMIT 2025:

HERE. NOW. TOGETHER

Breakout Sessions

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BREAKOUT SESSIONS | 1:30 PM |

CCCF Program Update & Stakeholder Feedback: FY26 Program Guidelines

Room 22B

Join us for an important session focused on the latest updates to the Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF) program, otherwise known as the Virginia CDFI Fund, driven by new legislative requirements. Program Administrator, Jessica Hartness, will review key outcomes from fiscal year 2025, present the revised program guidelines, and provide an open forum for stakeholders to ask questions and share feedback. This collaborative discussion aims to inform and prepare applicants for competitive and compelling applications in the 2026 grant cycle.

Session Speaker

  • Jessica Hartness is the Program Administrator of the Microfinance programs within the Economic Development and Community Vitality (EDCV) division at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). She administers Community Business Launch (CBL) and the Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF), providing critical capital to small and under-resourced businesses, as well as supporting and expanding the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) landscape across the Commonwealth.

    Jessica has more than 10 years of experience in Community and Economic Development, business development and expansion, and small business financing. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from James Madison University.

Building Trust: Cultural Competency in Lending to Immigrant and Minority Borrowers

Room 22A

For many immigrant and minority entrepreneurs, access to capital isn’t just about credit scores and business plans, it’s about trust, relationships, and cultural understanding. This session will explore practical ways CDFIs can deepen their connections with diverse communities by speaking the language, literally and figuratively, understanding cultural norms such as remittances, and recognizing how traditions and lived experiences shape borrowing behavior. We’ll also discuss how lenders can serve as trusted guides, helping borrowers navigate the complexities of the American financial system so they can turn their aspirations into the American Dream. Through real-world case studies, audience discussion, and insights from guest CDFIs serving immigrant communities, we’ll unpack strategies that move beyond transactions to build long-term relationships. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to strengthen outreach, improve underwriting decisions, and better support borrowers from all walks of life in achieving lasting economic success.

Session Speakers

  • Bria Marie Hodge serves as the Director of Small Business Development for LEDC. Bria, a DMV native, is a dynamic professional with a rich background in entrepreneurship, entertainment, and community development. Armed with a Bachelors of Arts in Media Business and Entrepreneurship from Temple University, Bria's leadership journey spans various industries, including music, creative leadership, child development, and community development. At 25, Bria founded and successfully operated a network of dance fitness studios in Philadelphia, managing all aspects from business planning to daily operations, witnessing substantial growth to 3,000+ clients across two locations. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she adeptly transitioned the business to virtual platforms, expanding to a global reach. Bria's contributions extend beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. As Vice President of a historical district business association, she played a key role in fostering local business growth. Her professional trajectory continued at CDFI Friendly America, where she rose from a business coordinator to a senior manager of communications and operations in just three years. In this role, she led a marketing team connecting small businesses to community development financial institutions and managed internal communications, administration, and event planning teams. Rooted in entrepreneurship, Bria actively assisted her father's entertainment business, contributing to marketing, management, booking, and performances. This unique perspective has shaped her passion for business and community development.

  • Esayas is the Managing Director of ECDC Enterprise Development Group (EDG). He plays a pivotal role in new business development strategies; and supervises the activities of the loan and portfolio management team. EDG is a non-profit CDFI that aims to close the gap in access to finance to small businesses by providing loans and TA to the low-to-moderate-income communities.

    Prior to joining EDG, Esayas held senior executive leadership positions, i.e., vice president of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and president of the Development Bank of Ethiopia. For both banks, he led the design and implementation of multimillion-dollar projects in Ethiopia that were sponsored by multilateral organizations, including the World Bank to setup a line of credit dedicated to small-to-mid-size enterprises (SME) and Women Entrepreneurship Development. Esayas holds a master's in Banking & Finance, graduating with distinction, from the University of Wales, Bangor in the United Kingdom.

Here & Now: Leveraging AI for Smarter Operations, Decision Making, Impact Reporting & Technical Assistance in CDFIs

Room 24A

As CDFIs face increasing pressure to do more with less, artificial intelligence (AI) offers immediate and practical solutions to streamline operations, enhance decision making, and deepen community impact. This session will explore how AI tools, when applied intentionally, can reduce administrative burden, improve internal workflows, automate reporting, and personalize technical assistance, all while maintaining alignment with policy, security, and mission. Designed for CDFI leaders navigating complex challenges in the "here and now" - this session will introduce real use cases, demonstrate accessible AI tools, and provide a roadmap for integrating AI into your day-to-day work to serve more people more efficiently and effectively.

Session Speaker

  • Darbi Dorleia is a visionary entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of BCA Culture, a national consulting and AI integration firm helping mission-driven organizations streamline operations and expand their impact. With a background in Finance and International Business from the University of Tennessee, Darbi brings over 15 years of experience in financial services, technology, and small business development.

    Since launching BCA Culture in 2019, she has helped over 11,000 entrepreneurs access $300M+ in funding, grants, and business credit through innovative tools and strategic guidance. Her firm now partners with CDFIs, banks, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies to deliver AI-powered technical assistance, business and funding readiness programs, and operational AI systems that reduce friction and accelerate growth.

    Darbi’s leadership sits at the intersection of technology, access, and impact. She is deeply passionate about empowering organizations and founders, especially those in underserved communities, with the systems and support they need to scale sustainably.

    Grounded in her faith and family values, Darbi continues to transform how businesses and community finance institutions serve, grow, and thrive.

From Compliance to Impact: Building Technical Assistance That Works

Room 23D

For many small business clients, technical assistance can deliver greater long-term value than the loan itself, yet engaging clients in TA remains a persistent challenge for many CDFIs. In this interactive session, two Virginia CDFIs will share proven approaches for making technical assistance both irresistible to clients and operationally sustainable for organizations. You’ll discover effective delivery models, strategies for staff training and capacity building, and practical ways to meet grant compliance requirements while maximizing client outcomes. Come prepared to exchange experiences, tackle real-world challenges, and leave with actionable strategies and fresh peer connections.

Session Speakers

  • Stephen joined CIC as its first President in April 2013, bringing over a decade of experience in organization building, management, consulting, and education. With poise and tenacity, he harnessed that experience to guide CIC in expanding its efforts in training, financing, and mentoring for the next generation of entrepreneurs in Central and Southern Virginia. His vision and leadership continues to yield tremendous growth of CIC’s team and reputable execution of our mission, enhancing business education and increasing access to capital within the local communities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Education from James Madison University.

  • Karlene had been a long-time client of Community Business Partnership and volunteer herself from as early as 2005 before joining CBP’s Business Finance Center in April 2012. She has provided extensive support in helping the organization advance its mission to be a viable Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Loan Fund.

    Karlene manages the day-to-day operations of the center with specific focus on client and portfolio management. She facilitates clients’ requests for business & financial reviews, financing needs, loan packaging, financial and business counseling services. She also instructs training classes including ‘Creating a Strong Credit Profile,’ ‘Options for Funding Your Business,’ and ‘Preparing for Funding’ designed to help clients understand the financing process and financing solutions available today.

    Karlene has a background in healthcare, finance, new startup development, strategic planning, and management. Prior to her work at CBP, she owned a medical billing and transcription company, a staffing firm, and janitorial partnership. In her extra time as a business and financing strategist, Karlene supports clients through coaching and other strategic solutions including teaching online ecourses for over 13,000 enrolled students in over 100 countries. She has also been an Adjunct Professor for Prince George’s Community College Workforce Development program for 10+ years. Karlene is also a bestselling author, speaker, and is considered a foremost expert on Alternative Business Financing.

    She believes that 'If You Can Dream It, You Can Achieve It.'

BREAKOUT SESSIONS | 2:40 PM |

CCCF Program Update & Stakeholder Feedback: FY26 Program Guidelines

Room 22B

Join us for an important session focused on the latest updates to the Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF) program, otherwise known as the Virginia CDFI Fund, driven by new legislative requirements. Program Administrator, Jessica Hartness, will review key outcomes from fiscal year 2025, present the revised program guidelines, and provide an open forum for stakeholders to ask questions and share feedback. This collaborative discussion aims to inform and prepare applicants for competitive and compelling applications in the 2026 grant cycle.

Session Speaker

  • Jessica Hartness is the Program Administrator of the Microfinance programs within the Economic Development and Community Vitality (EDCV) division at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). She administers Community Business Launch (CBL) and the Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF), providing critical capital to small and under-resourced businesses, as well as supporting and expanding the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) landscape across the Commonwealth.

    Jessica has more than 10 years of experience in Community and Economic Development, business development and expansion, and small business financing. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from James Madison University.

CDFIs in Real Estate Lending

Room 24A

Join us for an important session focused on the latest updates to the Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF) program, otherwise known as the Virginia CDFI Fund, driven by new legislative requirements. Program Administrator, Jessica Hartness, will review key outcomes from fiscal year 2025, present the revised program guidelines, and provide an open forum for stakeholders to ask questions and share feedback. This collaborative discussion aims to inform and prepare applicants for competitive and compelling applications in the 2026 grant cycle.

Session Speakers

  • Laura N. Dupuy works at the Virginia Community Development Corporation (VCDC), a non-profit equity firm investing in affordable housing, historic preservation and community development projects throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. She participates on the VCDC Development team and provides technical assistance and consultation in real estate development financing to projects and developers eligible to receive tax credits from programs such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, and New Market Tax Credits. For the past five years, Dupuy has managed the activities of VCDC’s lending affiliate, Virginia Community Development Fund (VCDF), a certified Community Development Financial Institution.

    Laura is the former executive director of the Lynchburg Neighborhood Development Foundation (LNDF), a non-profit housing finance and development organization serving the needs of low-income residents of Central Virginia. During her tenure, she financed more than 300 first-time homebuyers, developed 100 affordable rental units, and renovated a former car dealership into three community health center clinics.

    Laura is an attorney, previously with the Virginia Legal Aid Society, and has been engaged in housing and poverty advocacy throughout the state for more than 30 years. She has served on several non-profit boards and statewide organizations and is currently active with a creative writing non-profit, WordWorks, and on the Board of The Listening, Inc., sponsor of Lynchburg’s Freedom School that opened its inaugural session in the summer of 2019. She is a graduate of New York University and George Mason University Law School and is a member of the Virginia State Bar. She has a daughter, Dessi, who is an award-winning athlete.

  • As a Virginia Native, Junior Burr has deep roots within the community. His athleticism and drive to compete earned him a basketball scholarship to Longwood University. He graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and a Minor in Management Information Systems. He completed his internship with One Number Information Systems, Inc. (ONISI) and upon graduation, he accepted a full time position with ONISI and managed the Miss Utility program for the States of Virginia, Indiana, and Florida.

    Under the guidance and mentorship of the company’s owners and husband and wife team, Junior worked day in and day out to achieve his dream of one day becoming a business owner himself. He mastered the art of structuring business deals, selecting the right business partners, managing growth, and establishing and maintaining long term relationships.

    During his tenure at ONISI, a new division was formed wherein the company began purchasing real estate, and eventually, that venture took off. It was at that time that Junior noticed that the same real estate agents who facilitated the initial purchase of the property were the same ones who later sold the property after renovation was complete. Junior’s interest was peaked at the thought of being able to receive compensation from all aspects of the real estate transactions. He resigned from ONISI in 2002 and spent a year to create a business plan, obtain his real estate license, and become a licensed Class A Contractor.

    After receiving the appropriate licensure and spending invaluable time with 2 business owners (Mike Chaney and BK Katherman) in the contracting and real estate development business, Junior approached the CEO & CFO of ONISI with his business plan. He wanted to facilitate the prospecting, purchase, renovation and sale of real estate properties that would fit the ONISI business model. Junior’s proposal was accepted and Canterbury Enterprises was founded in 2004!

    The name Canterbury was selected because of his personal fascination with the architectural designs in England and the name resonates because the Father of English literature, Geoffrey Chaucer authored the Canterbury Tales.

    Although Junior wasn’t a designer, he envisioned the finished product to be of similar quality. He worked toward establishing Canterbury’s foundation, and then began meeting with all of the non- profit organizations within the city of Richmond.

    The first project awarded to Canterbury Enterprises, was a $7,500 contract with Southside Development and Community Housing. This initial project created a snowball effect that afforded Canterbury to partner with the non-profit organizations to tackle larger contracts and projects. The relationships that Canterbury established play a significant role in their growth, and since inception in 2004, they haven’t looked back!

    As they grew, Canterbury established a Mentor- Protégé’ relationship with the W.M. Jordan Company that has turned into an invaluable partnership. The business ideals and experience that Canterbury possess have paved the way for them to become an innovative leader in the construction industry.

  • Dave Prosser is Senior Vice President of Community Development at Freedom First Credit Union (FFCU), where he has worked since 2004. Freedom First serves 22 counties across Southwest and Central Virginia, which includes residents mostly representing rural markets. Freedom First has 14 branches, over 63,500 members and over $1.2 billion in assets. Freedom First became s Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2000 to better serve families in need.

    Freedom First has long been a force for economic development in its investment area. Providing project development through grant funding, Dave deploys and oversees a comprehensive suite of Impact Banking products. These products include loans, financial services, and developmental services that provide credit-challenged, low- and very-low income consumers with continual access to financial security. Freedom First’s commitment to that effort is apparent in the products and programs designed specifically to meet the transportation, housing, workforce development, and economic revitalization efforts in its community. Freedom First also assists in the banking needs of those in the low- and middle-income market by addressing credit and asset building challenges through its Financial Empowerment Centers.

    Dave is also the Executive Director of E3 Endeavors, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization under Freedom First’s umbrella that acts as a loan fund, financial provider, capital provider, and economic development driver in the Appalachia region. Through E3 Endeavors, Dave has developed a special focus on financial wellness and health equity in the region – specifically how financial stress can negatively impact physical and mental health. E3 Endeavors runs a Financial Empowerment Center.

  • Bryan Phipps is the President and CEO of People Incorporated of Virginia. He has over 26 years of experience working in nonprofit development and management and is a Certified Community Action Professional. As President and CEO, Phipps acts as a liaison between the agency and legislative partners, local government, funders, organizational partners, and the National Community Action Network. He oversees a staff of nearly 300 and budget of over $34 million while providing leadership and staff support to the agency’s Board of Directors. Phipps has 21 years of experience at People Incorporated with previous roles that include Senior Vice President and Vice President and Chief Development Officer. He has substantial experience designing, planning, and managing successful, high-impact community development projects. He has worked to increase the availability of investment capital and services to low-income communities and was instrumental in the development of the agency’s New Markets Tax Credit program. His specialties include raising and deploying investor capital, project development, program compliance, providing technical assistance to staff and stakeholders, and community outreach for a variety of community economic development and strategic initiatives. He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Virginia Community Action Partnership. He also serves on multiple boards, including Housing Forward Virginia, the New Rivers/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board, Fahe, Virginia Community Development Fund, and the Virginia Housing Rental Housing Advisory Council. Phipps resides in southwest Virginia with his wife, Bella, and their three daughters

Storytelling, Policy & Advocacy

Room 23D

An interactive panel discussion exploring the “why” and the “how” of storytelling to connect with policymakers, communities, volunteers, and donors. The session will examine how stories transcend facts and statistics, creating a more memorable and relatable experience for policymakers. Panelists will share their perspectives and experiences in using storytelling to advance advocacy efforts and strengthen community connections.

Session Speakers

  • Laura M. Bateman, President/Owner of Bateman Consulting LLC, is a government and public relations practitioner that delights in helping to find solutions for local governments, businesses, and non-profits. She has held executive positions with a former Virginia-headquartered Fortune 500 energy company where she helped guide teams through complex regulatory and legislative environments. Laura has worked for, owned, and operated several small businesses in Virginia and Florida, from the financial services industry to the high-end wallcovering business. It is this diversity of experience that guides Bateman Consulting’s client service, especially in the local, state, and federal public policy arenas, with a focus on education, housing, energy, and economic development.

    Laura’s academic foundation includes a degree in Politics and a minor in Communications from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College) and a certificate from the Executive Development Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

    In addition to her professional accomplishments, Laura has always been actively engaged with various local, regional and state non-profit organizations to effect change, both professionally and within the communities in which she lives/ed. Currently residing in Richmond, Virginia, Laura is a resident of the Fan district and feels extremely fortunate to live in an urban village where she can walk to restaurants, grocery stores, museums, art galleries, and the Virginia State Capitol.

  • John Holdsclaw IV is the President and CEO of Rochdale Capital, a national nonprofit community development loan fund dedicated to advancing cooperative principles and promoting community ownership. Rochdale Capital provides financing and technical assistance to community-based organizations and cooperatives, with a particular focus on serving under-resourced communities, particularly those led by women and minority individuals.

    In addition to his role at Rochdale Capital, John serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the National Cooperative Bank (NCB). In this capacity, he helps position NCB as a thought leader in public policy, community development finance, and cooperative growth. NCB also maintains a strategic partnership with Rochdale Capital to further their shared mission.

    John is a committed leader in the cooperative and community finance sectors, serving on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the Cooperative Development Foundation, the CDFI Coalition, the Opportunity Finance Network, the Stonier Graduate School of Banking, and the Executive Advisory Board of the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEE&I) at North Carolina A&T State University.

    He holds a B.A. in Political Science from North Carolina A&T State University, an M.S. in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University, a diploma from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking, a Wharton Leadership Certificate from the Aresty Institute of Executive Education at The Wharton School, and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

    In recognition of his leadership and service, John received the Stanley W. Dreyer Spirit of Cooperation Award from NCB in 2019, honoring individuals who exemplify cooperative values. In 2022, he was named one of ImpactAlpha’s Agents of Impact, an annual recognition of leaders driving meaningful social and environmental change.

    John is also a proud and active financial member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

  • Kimberly Wimbish is a visionary leader and expert in the industry, spearheading the success of KMK Productions. With her exceptional leadership capabilities, she has built a reputable agency trusted by leading organizations to deliver outstanding results.

    With over 20 years of industry experience, Kimberly Wimbish has established herself as a trailblazer, delivering groundbreaking outcomes and sharing unheard stories with the world. As a passionate advocate for the voiceless, she uses her platform to create a positive change.

    As an esteemed educator, Kimberly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that her team remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. Her uneavrring commitment to continuous learning and growth drives the innovative strategies and cutting-edge approaches employed by KMK Productions.

    Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kimberly is deeply involved in the community as a mentor and philanthropist. She believes in using her expertise and resources to empower others, making a positive impact on individuals and causes close to her heart.

  • Matt joined the Virginia Bankers Association in December 2010 and currently serves as Executive Vice President for Government & Member Relations. In that role, he represents the Virginia banking industry at the Virginia state and federal levels, oversees the VBA BankPAC and coordinates grassroots advocacy. He also coordinates VBA’s member relations efforts, including bank outreach and engagement as well as the endorsed provider program.

    Prior to joining the VBA, Matt served as Legislative Liaison in the Policy Office of Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell. He also worked as the Policy Director for Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell. He recently served eight years on the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Board of Directors, including as a member of the Executive Committee and Co-Chair of the Horticulture, Education and Engagement Committee.

    Matt received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership Studies and Political Science from the University of Richmond in 2003. He is a graduate of the VBA’s Executive Leadership Institute and the VBA School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia. He lives in Glen Allen, Virginia with his wife Jennifer and daughters Charlotte and Caroline.