Social Responsibility Group
Enriching The Lives of The Disenfranchised
GET READY FOR THE EXPO!
Our Purpose Behind the Expo
Alexandria is home to a wide array of minority-owned businesses, many of which have long faced barriers to visibility, access, and growth. The Alexandria Diversity in Business Expo was created to change that.
We believe that when diverse voices are empowered and supported, our entire city thrives. This Expo is not just a showcase, it’s a movement toward equity, representation, and lasting opportunity for all.
This Year at The Expo!
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Meet Shannan Herbert at the Expo!
Shannan Herbert is the Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to advancing inclusive entrepreneurship, equitable economic development, and community wealth building. An accomplished financial services executive, she brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning commercial banking, community development finance, fintech, and nonprofit organizations.
Before joining WACIF, Shannan served as Executive Vice President of Inclusive Credit at Stratyfy, where she led strategy and program development to expand financial inclusion for CDFIs and community banks. She also served as Chief Credit Officer at City First Bank, helping lead organizational growth, merger integration, and the deployment of more than $100 million in capital to underserved communities.
Throughout her career, Shannan has championed initiatives that increase access to capital, strengthen financial institutions, and create opportunities for historically underserved entrepreneurs and communities. Her expertise in responsible innovation, lending, and community impact has made her a respected leader across the financial services industry.
In addition to her executive leadership, Shannan serves as Board Chair of Rochdale Capital and as a board member of Locus Bank. She also contributes to numerous advisory councils, including the Forbes Finance Council, the Julian Bond Institute Advisory Council, TD Bank's CIP Community Advisory Council, Loyola University Maryland's Simon Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisory Council, the Black Women Film Network Advisory Board, and the Comptroller of Maryland's Financial Literacy Advisory Council.
Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the BAI Global Innovation Rising Star Award, the Washington Business Journal Diversity in Business Award, the Community Impact Award from the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition Diversity Champion Award. She has also been featured in The Banks We Deserve by Oscar Perry Abello and in publications including Forbes, Consumer Reports, Next City, The Washington Business Journal, and The Washington Informer.
A proud Howard University graduate with an MBA from Loyola University Maryland, Shannan is a sought-after speaker on leadership, entrepreneurship, fair lending, financial inclusion, access to capital, and community wealth building.
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Support the Future of Local Business
As planning begins for the next Alexandria Diversity in Business Expo, we’re laying the groundwork for another powerful celebration of culture, commerce, and community.
Your donation fuels this mission, helping us support diverse businesses, spark collaboration, and create pathways for lasting impact.
Every dollar sows into a future where Alexandria’s diversity continues to thrive.
Anonymous donations are always welcome and deeply appreciated.
Give today and help us shape what’s next.