OFN Regional: Connecting with Peers, Partners, and Clients in Oakland

Working Solutions team members (left to right) Anita Russell, Titi Ikhile, Laura Hoover, Gasper Magallanes, and Sara Razavi at the OFN Western Regional Meeting in Oakland

Working Solutions team members had a wonderful time at the 2022 Western Regional Meeting in Oakland hosted by the Opportunity Finance Network and sponsored by Wells Fargo! It was good to connect with our peers, hear policy updates, and see our very own CEO, Sara Razavi, speak about collaboration among CDFIs.

Following the meeting, we visited CDFI-funded businesses in downtown Oakland: Firebrand Artisan Bread, Red Bay Coffee, McMullen Boutique, Kingston 11, Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth (RJOY), The Damel, Oakland Fortune Cookie Factory, and Swan's Market. Thanks to Opportunity Finance Network for organizing the tour and to Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase & Co. for joining the fun. A special thanks to our CDFI partners and peers: ICA, Pacific Community Ventures (PCV), Main Street Launch, and Community Vision. We are proud to be part of the continuum of capital supporting Oakland entrepreneurs!

Working Solutions Team Members and Partners on a tour of CDFI-Funded small businesses in Oakland