VIRGINIA CDFI SUMMIT 2026:
Collective Power, Bold Action
Richmond • August 18, 2026
Capital One West Creek Commons
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
Collective Power, Bold Action: Leading CDFIs Through Uncertain Times
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Mark Pinsky
President & Founder
CDFI Friendly America
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Harold Pettigrew
President & CEO
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)
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Leah Fremouw
President and CEO
Bridging Virginia
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Jennifer Hunte
Senior Director, Risk Management
Capital One
Innovations in Rural Community Development
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Kathryn Coulter-Rhodes
Program Manager
Opportunity Appalachia (OA)
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Dr. Victoria Ratliff
Workforce & Education Consultant
Appalachian Highland Housing Partnership
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Leslie Lewis
Commercial Loan Officer
National Institute of Minority Economic Development
Stronger Together: How Capital Coordination Is Shaping Community Impact
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Pravina Raghavan
President and Chief Executive Officer
Locus
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Jamie Baxter
Sr. Program Officer
Prince Charitable Trusts
Additional speakers and Breakout Sessions will be announced here soon.
LODGING
Traveling to the Virginia CDFI Summit from out of town? We've secured a discounted hotel block for attendees and speakers at the Residence Inn Short Pump at the Notch.
Official Hotel Block
Residence Inn Short Pump at the Notch
8 minutes from the venue
Special Virginia CDFI Summit Rate:$159/night
Available while rooms last
Please book by August 3 to receive the group rate.
Book your room
Additional Nearby Hotels
If you prefer to stay elsewhere, the following hotels are also conveniently located near the 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 encourage attendees to reserve accommodations early, as hotel availability may become limited closer to the event.
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.
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
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
