MN CDFI Coalition Conference
The Minnesota CDFI Coalition is hosting 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
Thanks to the demand for participation, we are at capacity and registration is now closed!
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
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
9:00-9:30 – Registration & Breakfast – Legacy Room
9:30-11:00 – Opening Session – Legacy Room
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 and Q&A.
11:15-12:15 – Breakout One
Approaching Loan Fund Resilience – Legacy Room – 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; the lending team at LEDC
Capital from Individuals – Strategies for Growth – H222 – How are CDFIs engaging individual donors to expand their access to capital? What are donors expecting from CDFIs and what makes the CDFI model attractive to donors? Join a discussion on the practice and possibility for individual donors in CDFI work. Session leaders: Christina Jennings, Shared Capital Cooperative; Ryan Zerwer, Forward Community Investments, Inc.
An AI Future that Works for Us – H223 – 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; Eddie Jensen, Meda
12:30-1:30 – Lunch Session
Research Report Out – Ela Rausch and Andriana Abariotes have been engaged with the Minnesota CDFI Coalition to use national data and direct research to map the CDFI sector in Minnesota and highlight opportunities and gaps. Hear about the outcomes of this research over lunch. Session leaders: Ela Rausch, Otto Rausch Consulting; and Andriana Abariotes
1:45-2:45 – Breakout Two – Networking
One of the key goals of the Minnesota CDFI Coalition is to connect people across all levels of CDFIs. This afternoon networking session is designed to bring people together across general job functions!
Internal Operations – Legacy Room – 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
Programming, Training, and Technical Assistance – Legacy Room – 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 – H222 – Networking for people involved in development, marketing communications, fundraising, and capital development in CDFIs. Session hosts: Garrett Backes, Propel; Elisa Pluhar, NDC
Loan Officers & Loan Committees – H223 – 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
3:00-4:00 – Breakout Three
Organizational Resilience & Readiness – Legacy Room – With the current threats to CDFIs and the CDFI sector, there is lots of uncertainty in the systems organizations 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 – H222 – 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
Data Security & Risk Analysis – H223 – 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
4:15-5:00 – Closing Session
Bringing it Home – Legacy Room – Report out from the day, celebrate the work and wins of CDFIs, and wrap up the inaugural Minnesota CDFI Coalition Conference together. Session leaders: MN CDFI Coalition members
Thank you to our sponsors!
