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 2022 Clearinghouse CDFI B Committee:
Lacey Dixon - B Corp Committee Chair
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:
Social Equality in all forms
Mental Illness
Share something that inspired you this year.
It’s been a tough year, but watching friends and family lift each other up with love and support through difficult health/work/life problems inspires me everyday to try to follow their lead.
Anything else you’d like to add?
This is an incredible team and I am so excited for all we will accomplish!
Kristy Ollendorff
Why did you join B Committee?
I believe in the power of CCDFI to strive to be better in how they incorporate themselves into their environment and create a professional atmosphere where new ideas are welcomed and integrated when possible.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
The subtleties of racial injustice – how white America plays a role without knowing it
Plastic waste – and the disposable society we live in
Share something that inspired you this year.
How incredibly resilient and adaptable we can be if forced and how many more smiles and friendly exchanges I get from people these days. It is a welcome change from the impatience of “normal” life.
Natasa Radosavljevic
Two bucket list items: Speak another language; Convert my garage into a foster home for kittens
Fave weekend activity: Playing soccer
Two social issues: Environmental Issues; Women Equality
Drive / Motivation: My family and challenging myself to do better each day
Fave thing about CCDFI? Being able to work with like-minded individuals with the same goal to help others
Fave book(s) / movie(s): All the Marvel Movies & Star Wars!
Heroes: My mom and dad
Work Style: Pioneer
Night in or out: Night OUT, Are You Kidding?
Morning Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl: Hooooooooot
Lawrence Chavez
Two bucket list items: Learn to play the piano; Watch a baseball game in all 30 MLB stadiums
Fave weekend activity: Hiking
Two social issues: Affordable Housing; Financial Literacy
Drive / Motivation: Continuous improvement in both my personal and professional life
Fave thing about CCDFI? Strong alignment of personal values & CCDFI company values
Fave book(s) / movie(s): Mindset by Carol Dweck (book); The Shawshank Redemption (movie)
Heroes: I have always admired Steve Jobs’ entrepreneur skills and vision.
Work Style: Guardian
Night in or out: Night In All the Way!
Morning Bird or Night Owl: Morning Bird: Chirp, chirp.
Gabriella Brusseau
Why did you join B Committee?
To try something new!
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Human Trafficking
Poverty
Share something that inspired you this year.
The CDFI Women’s Network
Anything else you’d like to add?
This is a great team with amazing ideas!
Brian Sagert
Why did you join B Committee?
I joined the B Committee to contribute to the social impacts CCDFI creates in the communities we serve.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Increasing Minority Small Business Ownership
Increasing Access to Credit and Equity
Share something that inspired you this year.
Every day is a gift!
Anything else you’d like to add?
A new era is upon us all both personally and professionally and I feel there are opportunities to pioneer impactful change and growth in both arenas.
Melissa Johnson
Two bucket list items: Start a non-profit organization; Travel the world
Fave weekend activity: Hanging out at the beach
Two social issues: Gender Equality; Access to Health Care; the Climate Crisis
Drive / Motivation: Increasing efficiency; Making a difference in the world
Fave thing about CCDFI? Our Mission; The Staff
Fave book(s) / movie(s): Rich Dad Poor Dad, any Disney movie
Heroes: The Obamas, Suzy Batiz
Work Style: Integrator
Night in or out: Night in!
Morning Bird or Night Owl: Neither!
Yves Mombeleur
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.
Allie Weber
Why did you join B Committee?
My dad will tell you that I have always wanted to save the world from everything. I see the B Committee as another opportunity for me to make an impact and help drive positive change within our company and those affected by our decisions.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Gender Equality
Environmental Issues
Share something that inspired you this year.
Those who went out of their way to help others get by and survive during the pandemic really revived my faith in humanity.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Let’s go Horned Frogs!
Susan Montoya
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:
Financial Literacy — especially to vulnerable populations within our communities.
Mental Illness
Share something that inspired you this year.
Struggles in life are inevitable. How we persevere and demonstrate strength and grace through difficult challenges defines our character. I remind myself this everyday!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m looking forward to generating creative ideas and exploring new opportunities with our B Committee members!
Karyna Tafel
Why did you join B Committee?
I think B Corp Committee is an excellent place to start conversations about critical socio-economic challenges and our role in the national and global efforts to build a more substantial impact within and outside CCDFI.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Social Inclusion
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Share something that inspired you this year.
One of the most uplifting and inspiring stories recently came from one of the community leaders during the data collection interview. He shared how the project CCDFI has financed became more than a health clinic; It became a critical part of the local community that creates a sense of belonging, safety, a family that one may not have. These stories remind you that you are in the right place, working with passionate people about what they’re doing, which eventually creates social change, small or big.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I look forward to having candid and stimulating impact discussions!
Constantine Roqui
Why did you join B Committee?
Curiosity about what the committee is and how it operates.
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Animal Welfare
Adult Literacy
Share something that inspired you this year.
The adoption of Bitcoin by my birth country.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Excited about being a part of this committee!
Kat Donovan
Bio coming soon!
Lisa Van Ella
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
Workforce Development
Share something that inspired you this year.
The kindness, understanding, and empathy we showed each other during a time when we needed one another most.