Jennifer Plantin
As Senior Program and Project Lead, Jennifer is responsible for monitoring program performance, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, supporting the achievement of grant objectives, and overseeing cross departmental project execution. She brings over a decade of experience managing multi-million-dollar programs across domestic and international nonprofit organizations. Prior to her current role, Jennifer served as Senior […]
Autumn Kyles
Autumn Kyles is the Program Director for the Small Business Ecosystem & Financial Wellness Collaborative at the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif). Autumn is a program manager and economic development leader with more than nine years of experience designing and directing entrepreneurship initiatives that address ecosystem fragmentation and drive real outcomes for underinvested entrepreneurs […]
Isabel Alcalde
Programs Coordinator Isa Alcalde is a program and event professional who enjoys bringing structure, care, and clarity to community-centered work. She has spent her career supporting programs that serve communities locally and internationally, coordinating the small details behind big visions, and collaborating with partners to make meaningful initiatives run smoothly. Her work is guided by […]
Kimberly Newman
Program Director, Capitol Region Women’s Business Center Kimberly comes to WACIF with an extensive and diverse background in Business Development and Marketing. She specializes in Hospitality and Tourism Sales, most recently in the corporate, sporting, and association event incentive market. A significant portion of her time is spent providing both volunteer and consultancy services to […]
Dina Shakur
Events and Training Coordinator Dina is a passionate event and advertising creative with over 18 years of experience. She has worked and produced events all over the spectrum. From exhibitions, concerts, corporate meetings, weddings and more. Having worked overseas at the Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, the American Embassy and Mirum Media Agency, she possesses […]
Marisela Rodela
Program Director, Office Of Women’s Initiatives Marisela Rodela is the Program Director for the Enterprising Women of Color DMV Business Center (EWOC) at the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif). Marisela is a passionate and experienced community and program specialist with a demonstrated history of working in public health, the food & beverage industry, and […]
Eric Alston
Small Business Relationship Manager, Northern Virginia Eric works as a Small Business Relationship Manager at Wacif. He is primarily focused on businesses in Northern Virginia. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals and committed to helping build strong, diverse communities everywhere. He has experience at large and small companies in a variety of […]
Rasul Sha’ir
Program Director, Education and Advisory Services Rasul provides coaching and capacity-building technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Rasul has more than 15 years’ experience in business development, marketing, digital strategy, design thinking, and business storytelling. For nearly a decade, Rasul ran his own Washington, DC-based marketing and strategy consultancy where he facilitated growth […]