Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Senator Mark Warner Join Inclusiv 2021 Virtual Conference on Sept. 22-23, 2021
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 – Inclusiv is pleased to announce the participation of Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) in Inclusiv's annual conference, held virtually this year, from September 22-23, 2021.
Congresswoman Waters and Senator Warner led efforts to secure a record $12 billion in funding to support community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and minority depository institutions (MDIs), which was included in the December 2020 COVID-19 relief bill.
Congresswoman Waters is a fierce advocate for communities hardest hit by the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis, tirelessly working for necessary resources so that CDFIs and MDIs continue to aid and support the communities they serve. Inclusiv President and CEO Cathie Mahon serves on the CDFI advisory group that Congresswoman Waters and Senator Warner formed earlier this year. Congresswoman Waters will present opening remarks on the first day of the Inclusiv 2021 virtual conference, on September 22 at 1:00 PM EST.
“Inclusiv’s diverse network of mission-driven institutions has been instrumental in ensuring that critical aid reaches consumers and small businesses, especially those in vulnerable communities and those in dire need during the pandemic. The work of community development credit unions did not go unnoticed,” says Congresswoman Waters. She discusses the crucial role of CDFIs and MDIs in the survival and revitalization of their communities, including consumers and small business owners, during the pandemic and in the recovery. Congresswoman Waters stresses the need to provide capital and other support to CDFIs and MDIs that serve communities of color.
Senator Warner has been a staunch advocate in the financial inclusion movement, championing various initiatives to aid in the recovery of underserved communities from the COVID-19 pandemic. He will participate in the session, Advocating for Low-Income Communities, on September 23 at 3:30 PM EST.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have recognized the vital role CDFIs and MDIs play in supporting underserved communities’ access to capital,” said Senator Mark R. Warner. “Inclusiv plays an indispensable role in this mission and was a critical partner as we secured a historic $12 billion investment in CDFIs and MDIs passed into law in December.”
"Inclusiv is honored to have Congresswoman Waters and Senator Warner join our conference. During one of the worst public health crisis in our lifetime, CDCUs double-downed on their mission of supporting their members, unions, small businesses, and local communities. The COVID-19 relief funding helped CDCUs extend their reach and increase resources for the communities they serve, many of which were hard hit by the economic blow of the pandemic. These dollars deepened the ability of CDCUs to continue to provide financial support to the community, such as deferring payments or making emergency loans, and equalize access to capital for minority-owned businesses, such as applying for the Paycheck Protection Program. We thank Congresswoman Waters, Senator Warner, and others who advocate and enact policies that support the work of CDCUs to improve the financial well-being of all who live in this country," said Cathie Mahon, Inclusiv's President and CEO.
There's still time to register and participate in Inclusiv's virtual annual conference, the largest gathering of credit unions and financial institutions with a mission of financial inclusion. Learn how, together, we can build more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities.