2026 Minnesota CDFI Coalition Conference

Join the Minnesota CDFI Coalition for our second annual conference! This free, one-day event is open to people working in the CDFI sector, partners, and advocates.

The conference will feature:

• Speakers on critical issues facing CDFIs
• Interactive panels and learning sessions
• Opportunities for networking and relationship-building

Register now, with full conference schedule details to come. Join in to keep building the Coalition and strengthening the CDFI sector in Minnesota! Conference details and more: https://mncdficoalition.org/2026-conference/

What: Minnesota CDFI Coalition Conference
Where: St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center, 10 4th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301
When: 9AM-4:30PM, Friday, October 2, 2026

Thank you to our sponsors! Sponsorship opportunities are still available! To support the Conference and the work of the MN CDFI Coalition, contact Carl Swanson, Coalition Strategist at carl@mncdficoalition.org.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

9:00 AM – Welcome

Doors open and welcome networking breakfast

10:00 AM – Opening Plenary

The State of CDFIs – A National and Local Perspective
Kick off the conference with broad perspectives on the work of CDFIs in this moment, how we navigate this current environment, and necessary partnership and advocacy work.

• Dafina Williams, EVP, Chief Public Policy Officer and Head of Government Affairs, Opportunity Finance Network
• Megan Teare, Managing Director, Community Lending and Investment, Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking
• LeeAnn Rasachak, CEO, WomenVenture, and MN CDFI Coalition Board Chair

11:30 AM – Breakouts Round 1

Dive in with the first round of topical presentations and conversations

• Bank and CDFI Partnerships – A conversation with Stearns Banks and regional partners – Rory Bidinger, Stearns Bank; Joanna Schnedler, WomenVenture; Zach Tabbatt, Initiative Foundation
• Portfolio Management – Practical discussion on managing loan risk and growth in this environment – Alma Flores, LEDC; Talia King, MCCD; Bethany Nagan, TCHFH Lending
• Metrics That Matter – Connecting Risk, Cost, and Impact in CDFI Performance – Brett Simmons, Blue Aster Advising
• 21st Century ROAD to Housing – Update on new housing legislation and opportunities – Cristen Incetti, Habitat for Humanity Minnesota; Peter Ebnet, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund; Julia Nelmark, MMCDC
• Partnering for Impact: A Case Study on Lending and Clean Energy – Alex Christiansen, Fresh Energy; Diana McKeown, Great Plains Institute; Fu Hang, NDC

12:30 PM – Lunch

Enjoy a lunch catered by CDFI client Jules Bistro, presented by US Bank

1:30 PM – Breakouts Round 2

Get plugged in to after lunch conversations with peers – these sessions are geared towards conversation and connection

• CFOs & Financial Leaders Conversation – Trish DeAnda, Propel; Mesude Cingilli, Meda; David Heneke, CLA
• HR & Internal Operations Conversation – Barb Sporlein, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund; Felicia Ravelomanantsoa, African Economic Development Solutions
• Marketing, Communications & Storytelling Conversation – Catherine Higgins Whiteside, Sunrise Bank; Andrea Sanow, Propel; Bob McClintick, Initiative Foundation
• Programs & Evaluation Conversation – Jamie (Schumacher) Kalakaru-Mava, LISC Twin Cities; Michael Norton, Norton Policy; Brett Simmons, Blue Aster Advising
• Conversation on Coalition work, fraud narratives, and meeting the moment – Carl Swanson, MN CDFI Coalition

2:30 PM – Networking Break

Carry on the conversation and grab a snack!

3:00 PM – Breakouts Round 3

Close out the breakouts with practical learning and discussion

• Child Care – The challenges, needs and opportunities facing child care partners and providers in 2026 – Heidi Hagel-Braid, First Children’s Fund; Amy Trombley, Initiative Foundation; Katie Messerli, WomenVenture
• Disaster Planning Exercise – A tabletop simulation of loss of loan software access – Dave Nozal, Propel
• Credit Building – Discussion on credit building activity to get clients ready for loans and banking – Maria Steffel, NeDA; Anne Leland, Exodus Lending; Jeffrey Robinson, Build Wealth MN
• Individual & Impact Investors – Individual investors in CDFIs – Christina Jennings, Shared Capital; Shawn Wellnitz, Entrepreneur Fund; Brian Voerding, Initiative Foundation
• Small Business Coalition – Updates and discussion of coalition work in the next session – Kari Johnson, MCCD; Allie Palmer, Main Street Alliance; Carl Swanson, MN CDFI Coalition

4:00 PM – Closing remarks

Wrap up the day with reflection and feedback – and stay tuned for Happy Hour opportunities in St. Cloud!