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 2023 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!
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.
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!
Analisa Wells
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:
The possibility of limited use of social media for children under the age of 16
Covid vaccinations and why they are able to still be mandated after the president released them
Share something that inspired you this year.
*Corny alert* Seeing how amazing everyone in this company works together to make these loans happen for the folks that need it more. Everyone seems to have a wonderful heart. It really makes you want to be more kind and giving to everyone else.
Donald Degollado
Why did you join B Committee?
The opportunity to learn, grow and contribute seemed too good of an opportunity to pass up!
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Socio-economic segregation
Economic mobility (or lack thereof)
Share something that inspired you this year.
Behavior economics. From Thinking Fast and Slow to Nudge, understanding how our biases impact the way we see and react to the world has become a lifelong journey for me. I’ve been inspired to better understand my own biases and how to be more reflective and thoughtful in my actions in order to help me grow and to make a positive impact.
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.
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!
Kat Donovan
Why did you join B Committee?
To learn about B Corp and be more involved in decisions regarding Clearinghouse CDFI
Name two social issues that interest you right now:
Environment
Women’s issues
Share something that inspired you this year.
Working with everyone on the committee and seeing all the great work they have been able to accomplish! Mai was able to get me into the committee as soon as I expressed interest, and I am grateful for that.
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.
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!