Washington, D.C., January 22, 2024 – The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) announces its inaugural Sustainable Entrepreneurship advisory council. The council will guide Wacif’s sustainability initiatives and partnerships.
“Wacif’s commitment to entrepreneurs means expanding support of their work addressing environmental concerns in the communities we serve,” said Shannan Herbert, Chief Executive Officer of Wacif. “I’m excited that the sustainable entrepreneurship advisory council of recognized experts will assist us with advancing our mission.”
Daniel Barker, Halcyon – Dan is the President and CEO of Halcyon, where he leads efforts to incubate and invest in early-stage, impact-driven startups worldwide. With a background in financial inclusion and social impact at Mastercard, BlackRock, and Deloitte, Dan brings extensive experience in driving innovative solutions for global challenges.
Victor Burrola, Wells Fargo – Victor Burrola is the Lead Social Impact and Sustainability Specialist for the Greater Washington DC Region at the Wells Fargo Foundation, where he develops strategies to advance wealth-building opportunities for historically marginalized communities through housing, small business growth, financial health, and sustainability. With over 15 years of experience in philanthropy and community development, Victor has a proven track record of fostering innovation and collaboration to drive impactful change.argo
Jean Nelson-Houpert, Volt Energy Utility – Jean Nelson-Houpert is the Chief Financial Officer of Volt Energy Utility, a national minority-owned utility-scale developer, where she oversees financial operations and supports the company’s nonprofit arm in advancing renewable energy access for underserved communities. With over 25 years of experience in finance and leadership, including as the inaugural CFO and Interim CEO of DC Green Bank, Jean brings deep expertise in sustainable finance and corporate strategy.
Jessica Long, Nareit – Jessica Long is the Senior Vice President of Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability at Nareit, where she leads sustainability programs, industry reporting, and the Real Estate Sustainability Council. With over 17 years of experience in real estate sustainability, including roles at Nuveen Real Estate and JBG SMITH, Jessica has a proven track record of advancing climate-focused strategies and carbon reduction initiatives.
Amir Kirkwood, Justice Climate Fund – Amir Kirkwood is the founding CEO of the Justice Climate Fund, where he leads efforts to implement the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator, advancing clean energy investments in under-resourced U.S. communities. With over 20 years of experience in economic development and financial investment, Amir has held leadership roles at Locus, Opportunity Finance Network, and Citigroup, driving innovative financial solutions for community impact.
The council will convene quarterly to discuss key topics and advise paths forward that will enhance technical assistance and financial support offered to entrepreneurs newly incorporating or expanding sustainable practices.
“Research proves that entrepreneurs possess a unique position to tackle climate change and resiliency. Wacif’s role is supporting small businesses with building wealth while ensuring communities thrive,” said Wacif Head of Sustainability Megan Carras.
Wacif defines sustainableentrepreneurship as businesses implementing practices, products, or materials that benefit the environment, or supporting businesses in their transition or growth in sustainable industries. This includes promoting the green economy and transition to clean energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Wacif recently received $3.6 Million from the Greater Washington Community Foundation Health Equity Fund to launch its Sustainable DC Project in partnership with the Coalition (formerly the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED)). The Sustainable DC Project, Wacif and the Coalition will advise small businesses on capacity building, support green certification and procurement, and provide access to capital including Wards 5, 7 and 8.
Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic development, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Wacif has been continuously certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 1996, making the organization one of the nation’s first CDFIs.
For more information about Wacif and its programs, please contact:
Kaelyn Green
Senior Communications Manager
