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.