When was the last time a story moved you to action? What are the essential elements of a story that can inspire, motivate, and draw others into your world? The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) is proud to serve a diversity of entrepreneurs with inspiring stories that embody perseverance, resilience, and strength. Our CEO Shannan…
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By: Shannan Herbert Today, we spotlight Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell, an award-winning artist, educator, advocate, and small business incubator whose work has been featured internationally. As the former Vice President of Black Artists of DC, she is transforming Washington, DC’s Ward 7 through her co-founded space, Terrell Arts DC. Through partnership with the Anacostia Arts Center…
Read MoreBy: Brianna Rhodes What do a med spa, a leadership development company, an event staffing company, and a CPA firm have in common? They’re all owned by Black women entrepreneurs, and each company is making a difference in consumer lives in the Greater Washington, D.C. region. August is National Black Business Month, and EWOC is…
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DC’s flag may be red and white. However, if you talk to the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) or the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED), they’ll tell you that the future of DC is green –specifically green economy. “The green economy presents an incredible opportunity for our community – not just…
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Meet Dental Health Expert Dr. Nekia Staley by Shannan Herbert, Chief Executive Officer of Wacif Today, we’re honored to spotlight Dr. Nekia Staley, a shining example of Black excellence in entrepreneurship and healthcare. A native Washingtonian and graduate of Howard University, Dr. Staley has established a thriving dental practice while passionately dedicating herself to community…
Read MoreBy: Brianna Rhodes Our second annual Cultivate Summit is two days away, and we can’t wait to meet the women entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. We have been working very hard over the past few months to cultivate a space for our attendees to receive the support, recognition,…
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by Shannan Herbert, Chief Executive Officer of Wacif Meet Mental Health Expert Dr. LaNail Plummer In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, I sat down with Dr. LaNail Plummer, owner of Onyx Therapy Group to discuss money, trauma, and how we must engage with our small business community. As a leading professional in the mental…
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Residents of Ward 7 and 8 once traveled extra miles by bus, by car or by foot, to find healthier food. Some needed to make dietary changes to improve their health. Amanda Stephenson, the owner of Fresh Food Factory, recognized this concern growing up. At just ten years old, she helped manage her family’s meat…
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Planting Seeds of Change: How Geneva Greene Cultivates Green Business Practices for a Better Tomorrow At a young age, Geneva Greene quietly vowed to join the fictitious Planeteers, of the show Captain Planet, who strived to protect planet Earth. Although the Planeteers do not exist, Geneva found ways to incorporate environmental consciousness into her personal…
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WASHINGTON (March 19, 2024) – Today, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) announced Shannan Herbert as its new CEO. An accomplished finance executive with deep expertise in commercial banking, community development banking, fintech, and the nonprofit sector, Herbert has dedicated her career to providing capital and capacity building support to communities that have been…
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