As a community lender, we already use business as a force for good. As a B Corp, we are inspired to constantly strive to be better—better for our communities, our staff, our borrowers, and the environment.
To reinforce these efforts, we created the B Committee — comprised of Clearinghouse CDFI employees at all levels. The B Team ensures that our B Corp values remain strong, while also engaging and empowering our employees to help “B the Change”.
Meet the 2025 Clearinghouse CDFI B Committee:
Donald Degollado - Chair
Why did you join B Committee?
The opportunity to learn, grow and contribute are things that are important to me.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Wealth gap
Lack of opportunity to climb the social ladder
Share something that inspired you this year.
Reading about Maurice Ashley, not only the first black chess grandmaster, but more importantly coached the Raging Rooks to a tie for a national chess championship over much better funded and resourced teams from elite private schools.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Drinking coffee, reading books or smoking brisket, chicken or ribs with oak and/or mesquite wood.
Yves Mombeleur - Executive Liaison
Why did you join B Committee?
To live the dream.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Crime and Punishment (Justice)
Wealth Inequality & Universal Deceit
Share something that inspired you this year.
Flores suing the NFL.
Analisa Wells - HR Support
Why did you join B Committee?
I think it is wonderful getting to be a part of a group with such wonderful humans really wanting to make a difference.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
HR Regulations
HR Legislations
Share something that inspired you this year.
To be truly honest it has been very hard finding inspiration since I lost my dad on 9/11 this year. My motivation has been trying to be a pillar for my family and be an example for my future stepkids on how to grieve healthily while still being able to help others.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Either in my home pilates studio in the garage or the studio I teach at in Newport Beach, CA
Annie Norwood - Women's Network
Why did you join B Committee?
I love that CCDFI is a B Corp and want to support the effort.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
The need for affordable, safe housing for all
Support for emancipated youth
Share something that inspired you this year.
CCDFI was solution-oriented on a few high-impact deals last year in an effort to get them across the finish line — that always inspires me.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Spending time outside, enjoying food and listening to live music with my family.
Jeffrey Binder - Volunteer Committee
Why did you join B Committee?
Wanted to be more involved in volunteer opportunities and participation in organizing and planning.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Poverty and Homelessness
Unemployment
Share something that inspired you this year.
Watching others in the community putting together events for Habitat for Humanity and Food Drives inspired me to want to contribute.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
On the water in a boat or riding my bike.
Karyna Tafel - Women's Network
Why did you join B Committee?
The opportunity to collaborate with like-minded people in championing positive transformation resonates deeply with my values, compelling me to join and actively contribute to our shared goals.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Social Inclusion
Economic Empowerment
Share something that inspired you this year.
This year, I was deeply inspired by the way people across the globe united in the face of crisis. Witnessing communities come together, support one another, and demonstrate resilience highlighted the strength of human connection. It strengthened my belief in the power of collective action to overcome challenges and create positive change.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Traveling, hiking or strolling through the city, joyfully discovering new places with my dog.
Kat Donovan - Environmental
Why did you join B Committee?
I wanted to learn more about B Corps and the different ways companies around the world can live those values.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Environment
Women’s rights
Share something that inspired you this year.
Learning about the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (from the Inflation Reduction Act) gives me hope that we can modernize building to create more efficient and healthier neighborhoods.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Playing with my dog Oscar or riding a bike.
Katelyn Phinney - Women's Network
Why did you join B Committee?
Making improvements to our company culture and improving on our ESG goals is important and I want to have a hand in that!
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Women’s Equality
Affordable Housing
Share something that inspired you this year.
I find inspiration from female-told stories (shows, books, movies) that help me look for similar themes/lessons that I can apply to my own life. Those stories inspire me to reach for more.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Sketching or at the movies! (proud AMC A-List member)
Kennedy Sandoval - Environmental
Why did you join B Committee?
To contribute to our values and culture of a B Corporation.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Hunger
Housing
Share something that inspired you this year.
Volunteering my time at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Irvine opened my eyes tremendously. Knowing how many families have food insecurities made me feel proud to help and inspired me to do more for the ones in need.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
In my leisure time, you can find me in the mountains riding my bike or somewhere in the canyons on my dirtbike enjoying nature in any way I can.
Keoni Gray - Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Why did you join B Committee?
I am driven by a fervent commitment to fostering a more inclusive society. My motivation for joining B Committee stems from a deep belief that creating a truly inclusive community requires proactive efforts and advocacy. I understand that true progress can only be achieved by actively engaging in conversations, challenging biases, and implementing policies that empower everyone, regardless of their background, to thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Racial Injustice
Poverty
Share something that inspired you this year.
The National Black Leadership Summit: a gathering that brought together influential leaders, activists, and community members to address pressing issues and celebrate achievements within the African American community. This summit served as a platform for open discussions on topics such as racial justice, economic empowerment, and political representation.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Spending time with family or catching a sporting event.
Lacey Dixon - Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Why did you join B Committee?
To work to improve the lives of those in our work family and in our community. There is no limit to the things we can achieve if we listen, educate and engage
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Mental Health
Wealth Gap
Share something that inspired you this year.
Seeing a lot of youth take strong stands on social issues and use their platforms to educate and raise awareness of what is going on in the world.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Performing or reading.
Lisa Van Ella - Volunteer Committee
Why did you join B Committee?
Our mission is about making an positive impact in our communities. I feel it’s imperative to develop our own internal culture to maximize our effect.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Food Insecurity / Food Waste
Generational Poverty
Share something that inspired you this year.
The determination of our small business and non-profit borrowers.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you..
…you probably can’t find me…I’m off the grid in the RV or in the desert off-roading.
Susan Montoya - Volunteer Committee
Why did you join B Committee?
At Clearinghouse, we take our responsibility as a B Corp seriously. I want to be a part of ensuring we honor our commitment to ‘B the Change!’
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Affordable Housing for ALL!
Financial Literacy – K through 99 years old!
Share something that inspired you this year.
The phenomenal work accomplished by James Beard Awardee Chef Jose Andres and the World Central Kitchen. That man provides humanitarian aid and food disaster relief all over the world.
When you’re not working or volunteering with the B Committee, we can probably find you…
Working out on a Pilates reformer or taking my pups, Thurgood and Waffles, out for a hike!