Last week, Opportunity Finance Network held its National Conference in Los Angeles. Several CAMEO Network staff members had the opportunity to attend, including Adriana Williams, Baldev Birk, Carolina Martinez, Douglas Craven, Emily Gasner, and Mark Herbert. We valued this great occasion to connect with and learn from leaders and thinkers in the community development sector across the country.
“Reinvigorating and remarkable are some of the words that come to my mind when I look back at the OFN conference. Being able to connect and reconnect with current and former colleagues in the flesh was one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. I appreciate OFN gathering the CDFI world, as well as those that support the industry, together to continue to inspire and collaborate with one another.” -Adriana Williams, Senior Program Manager, CDFI Shared Services Center
Our staff was also able to share some of CAMEO Network’s own work and insights during a breakout session on the topic of “Integrating Technology to Enhance Lending Solutions,” where Emily Gasner spoke about the CDFI Shared Services Center, which advances capacity building in the CDFI industry under a shared cost model.
“It was great to be in California this year! And it was exciting to connect in person with CDFIs around the country who have participated in CAMEO Network’s National CDFI Academy, CDFI Incubator and CDFI Shared Services Center. I enjoyed participating during the conference as a Speaker on technology innovations sharing learnings and perspective on our work with cohorts of CDFIs adopting technology over the past 12 years.” -Emily Gasner, VP, Strategic Initiatives and CDFI Incubator Director
CAMEO Network was also there to celebrate and build community! We hosted a reception on the evening of October 22 as a way to honor the work of CDFIs and give people in our network the chance to connect and unwind.
“As an OFN first timer, I was amazed by how big the conference was. Nevertheless, I was always bumping into our small business friends from California and across the country. Also, having them join us at our reception was very gratifying. It was fun learning that our reach extends coast-to-coast, and even to Oklahoma!” -Heidi Pickman, VP, Engagement and External Relations
