MN CDFI Coalition Conference

Join the Minnesota CDFI Coalition for our first conference! This free, one-day event will feature:

  • Speakers on critical issues facing CDFIs
  • New research on the CDFI sector in Minnesota
  • Opportunities for networking and affinity group conversations

Register now, with full conference schedule details to come. Join in to keep building the Coalition and strengthening the CDFI sector in Minnesota!

What: Minnesota CDFI Coalition Conference
Where: Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Coon Rapids Campus, 11200 Mississippi Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
When: 9AM-5PM, Friday, September 19, 2025

Opening Session: Alene Tchourumoff, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

The conference’s opening session will be with Alene Tchourumoff, Senior Vice President, Talent and Engagement, Learning Management Support Office, and Community Development and Engagement at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Alene will provide context and insight from Community Development and Engagement analysis of CDFIs, and then join Kate Barr, Minnesota CDFI Coalition Senior Advisor, for a fireside chat.

Conference ProgrammingDetailed breakout to come!

An AI Future that Works for Us – AI is the critical topic of the day, how it is integrated into existing systems, how it replaces workers, and how it disrupts industries. But for all the noise, what are CDFIs actually doing with AI? Find out about practical uses and ethical applications of AI. Session leaders: Joe Bartmann, Dakota Resources; Scott Meyer, Chipp.ai; Eddie Jensen, Meda

Approaching Loan Fund Resilience – How do you make a loan fund as resilient and adaptive as possible? With an uncertain future, new products, new outreach strategies, risk understanding around making a loan, credit, and more tools can help build a responsive and resilient mindset. Session leaders: Wes Johnson,GMHF; the lending team at Propel Nonprofits

Research Report Out – The Minnesota CDFI Coalition has been engaged in research to use national data and direct surveying to map the CDFI sector in Minnesota and highlight opportunities and gaps. Session leaders: Ela Rasuch, Otto Rausch LLC; Andriana Abariotes

Data Security & Risk Analysis – The risks related to data security are increasing exponentially. From data breaches to ransomware and phishing scams, CDFI leaders need to develop strong systems, comprehensive policies, and robust training and detection processes. Hear from your peers and IT experts on developments and tools to consider. Session leaders: Dave Nozal, Propel; Joel Barker, BraveNorth

Organizational Resilience & Readiness – With the current threats to CDFIs and the CDFI sector, there is a lot of uncertainty in the systems and organizations we usually rely on. This session will discuss strategic planning, approaches and responses to CDFI certification, AERIS ratings and utilizing that evaluation, and recruitment and engagement with the sector. Session leaders: LeeAnn Rasachak, WomenVenture; Robyn Bipes-Timm, TCHFH Lending Inc.; Brian Voerding, Initiative Foundation

Real Resources for Green Lending Projects – Climate Justice and Green Lending have been heavily targeted over the course of the year, with many funding sources, incentives, and tax credits rolled back. Even so, real practical resources exist for green projects and inclusion in CDFIs work, so come and keep this work moving forward. Session leaders: Tyler Vogel, CRF; Laura Wildenborg, Sunrise Banks; Peter Ebnet, GMHF

Networking sessions is designed to bring people together across job functions, including:

Programming, Training, and Technical Assistance – Networking for people involved in the delivery of programs, training, or technical assistance services through CDFIs. Session hosts: Roxanny Armendariz, Mni Sota Fund; Nancy Xiong, HAP

Development & Capital – Networking for people involved in development, marketing communications, fundraising, and capital development in CDFIs. Session hosts: Garrett Backes, Propel; Elisa Pluhar, NDC

Internal Operations – Networking for people involved in Finance, Human Resources, IT, administration, or other functions that spread across an organization. Session hosts: Anne Leland, Exodus Lending; Sarah Linda, NWMF

Loan Officers & Loan Committees – Networking for people involved in all aspects of the lending and loan administration through the lending process. Session hosts: Perla Mayo, NDC; Zach Tabbatt, Initiative Foundation

Thank you to our sponsors!

MN CDFI Coalition Conference Sponsors. Conference Champions: McKnight Foundation, FHLB Des Moines, TCHFH Lending, Inc. Conference Partners: US Bank, Sunrise Banks. Conference Supporters: Associated Bank, Initiative Foundation, Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers, Neighborhood Development Center, Propel Nonprofits.