Power Station

Paty Funegra took her experience as an immigrant and a business woman and created a new model for creating economic and social change. The result, La Cocina VA, prepares women to push past language and skills barriers and gain jobs, and in some cases, become business owners. La Cocina's bi-lingual culinary training program produces certified workers and it's partnerships with employers, from Hyatt to MGM Resorts, ensures that the employment is sustainable and successful. Women emerge from the shadows of abuse to having a voice and being able to take care of their children. Learn more about La Cocina's $2.5m expansion plan and how you can get involved.

As Isaac Bowers of Equal Justice Works explains, early exposure to public interest work can change the trajectory of a law student's career. That is why EJW partners with law schools, law firms and foundations to mobilize the next generation of public interest lawyers. These lawyers are making a life changing difference for homeless veterans, immigrants facing deportation and families facing foreclosure. But their ability to remain in these jobs, at less than stellar salaries, often depends on the Public Interest Debt Forgiveness Act, legislation passed with bi-partisan support in 20007. It provides a level of relief for professionals in the public interest arena.This Congress, however, has slated the Act for elimination in the 2018 Budget. EJW is leading a powerhouse coalition of organizations representing nurses, teachers, first responders and others who serve in the public interest. There's a lot to learn from Isaac and EJW and there are action steps to take too. 

Gustavo Torres, executive director of Casa, and a national leader on immigrants' rights, is a remarkably optimistic leader. His organization not only serves, it deeply engages, day laborers and domestic workers who are vulnerable to abuse, deportation and financial exploitation. Rather than seeing themselves as victims, they become informed members of Casa, with a vested interest in the well-being of the broader community. Casa has now taken the next step in building power and political influence by formed a 501c4. As Gustavo tells, "It's not that radical if you care about your community."

What happens when a financial adviser for high-wealth individuals takes his talents to building wealth and assets for low-income and communities of color instead? Joseph Leitman-Santa Cruz tells the story of his transition to CAAB and the power of the EITC Campaign to engage DC residents and low-income people nationally in creating a voice and a financial future. #Advocacy!

Dedrick Assante-Muhammed, Senior Fellow, Racial Wealth Divide, Prosperity Now As Derick explains, the racial wealth divide is a product of centuries of racist public policies that make economic prosperity and achieving the American Dream exponentially harder for people of color. That historical context and the impacts of the Financial Crisis of 2007-2009, have created entire communities of low-wealth. The Racial Wealth Divide recognizes that income alone is not the answer. Financial savings, education, living in a safe neighborhood, and health benefits are assets that strengthen the economic prospects of families and communities. Dedrick takes this message, and the data that supports it, to a broad array of stakeholders, from on-the- ground community groups to media outlets and policy makers. Check out the Racial Wealth Divide podcast: @rwdpodcast and the Bridging the Racial Wealth Divide Facebook page, www.facebook.com/racialwealthdivide/

Marla Bilonick, Executive Director, Latino Economic Development Center Marla has mastered policy advocacy at the local level. It starts with providing Latino families with the highest level of support for starting businesses, buying homes, and improving rental housing conditions. LEDC’s success, she says, is a result of a committed staff, who “change people’s lives.” As a result, local municipalities, including DC city government, look to LEDC to inform their policymaking. And advocacy at the national level has become a necessity, given LEDC’s connection to its immigrant constituency, in the current political climate. In the past, Marla explains, our advocacy was about the technical areas of small business and housing programs. Now we have different battles to fight. Find out about LEDC’s upcoming event! www.ledcmetro.org www.facebook.com/ledcmetro/photos…/?type=3&theater

Ron Hantz, Founder, Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC) Check out the opening episode of Power Station to hear Ron Hantz talk about a new movement for changing old paradigms for community development and as he explains it, elevating the vibrational levels in communities. Ron knows the nuts and bolts of financing and developing housing and businesses in disinvested communities. He also believes in a nonprofit’s responsibility to engage the people who live in those communities in the community development process. He is building a network of African American community development organizations that values both. NDCC’s upcoming event is a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, and help create a new paradigm for the future of community economic development. Join us! Register now for the NDCC Conference, May 30-June 1: ndccnetwork.org/national-conference- 2018/