Vanessa Butler is the controller at Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), a national nonprofit organization with a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative financial solutions.
Finance is in her blood. In addition to her academic background, she has more than 15 years of experience in corporate finance and accounting. And as the daughter of Cuban immigrant entrepreneurs, Vanessa understands the importance of Latino empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Fortunately for us, she’s also a member of LEDC’s Board of Directors. Here are three quick questions we asked Vanessa about how she sees LEDC in Minnesota’s Latino community.
What do you see as LEDC’s role in the community?
To lead the nonprofit community in targeting Latino entrepreneurs by cultivating mentorship initiatives, fostering networking events and providing resources for business development.
What initially drew you to LEDC?
As a transplant to the Twin Cities, I was eager to engage with and contribute to the local Hispanic community. And as a first-generation individual from an immigrant household, I’ve witnessed my family’s struggles in becoming business owners. LEDC’s mission deeply resonated with me, and I was eager to contribute to their impactful work.
What are you most excited about for LEDC in 2024?
My greatest excitement for LEDC in 2024 lies in internal growth to enhance external support and the unfolding construction of Plaza del Sol.
