I've long believed that the issues facing underserved communities are not intractable, despite what some say. There are proven approaches that work. In this book, Gregory Fairchild showcases some of those approaches and innovations, marrying his compelling firsthand experience with academic research. -- Robert E. Rubin, board chair, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and former U.S. treasury secretary Fairchild expertly weaves personal narrative, academic scholarship, and practical insights to provide a truly compelling thesis for enhancing communities and financial systems within our urban centers. This book should be required reading in business schools, board rooms, and governments at all levels. -- Erika H. James, dean, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania By sharing his own personal journey and decades of in-depth research, Gregory Fairchild reveals how capital and finance can help us build a more just, inclusive future. His timely account of community development financial institutions beautifully conveys their power to expand opportunity and transform lives, from Indian Country to the South Side of Chicago. -- Debra D. Schwartz, managing director of impact investments, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Arguably the greatest threat to Americas competitiveness in the global economy is the inequality of opportunity among races and places across the country. Fairchilds book details the work and stories of innovative people and organizations transforming the American financial system into an agent of economic mobility for more people and communities throughout our land. Continuing and expanding this work is absolutely critical to forming a more perfect union. -- Maurice A. Jones, president and CEO, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and former U.S. HUD deputy secretary Fairchild moves the conversation on diversity and inclusion in the U.S. financial system forward, with personal stories from his own work and honest case studies that dont try to hide or sugarcoat the challenges. -- Marcus Schaefer, former CEO, Truliant Federal Credit Union Compelling vignettes along with sensitive analysis and commentary repeatedly affirm the impact that courageous leadership and a genuine commitment to economic and social justice can have on invigorating communities by embracing diversity and inclusion. * Choice *
