UROC Critical Conversation: Banking and Lending's Role in Family Wealth Disparities — 4 p.m., Thursday, November 18

Commercial banking and lending institutions play a critical role in building individual and family wealth. Bankers and loan officers are the first introduction many people have to financial tools and concepts such as personal loans, investments, and refinancing. Too often banks miss opportunities for clients—as well as for themselves—when they deny people of color access points to wealth building tools like IRAs, lines of credit, investment vehicles, budgeting and tax strategies, and financial pathways to home ownership.

Moderated by Tonia Brinston, an award-winning Financial Capability Educator with University of Minnesota Extension and CEO of SLAP Financial Consulting, LLC, the conversation will examine the role financial institutions play in the long-term financial health and wealth of their clients and community. Hear from some of Minnesota's most influential advocates and experts on systemic barriers to wealth, as well as solutions like long-term, team-focused relationships between banks and clients and innovative financial literacy projects such as student run credit unions in Minnesota schools. 
Panelists include:

  • Rose Brewer, Professor, Department of African American and African Studies, University of Minnesota; 
  • Dorothy Bridges, Member, Board of Directors, U.S. Bancorp;  
  • Kenya McKnight-Ahad, Founder, CEO of Black Women's Wealth Alliance;
  • Felicia  Perry, Executive Director, West Broadway Business and Area Coalition; and 
  • Maxwell Zappia, Deputy Commissioner of Financial Institutions Division, Minnesota Department of Commerce.

The event will include a panel discussion followed by a Q&A period.
The event is free; registration is required. 

Register now. 

Resources
Black Women's Wealth Alliance

SLAP Financial Consulting LLC

West Broadway  Business and Area Coalition

Solutions to Inequities in Access to Banking and Lending - Humphrey School of Public Affairs (pdf)
A 2021 Humphrey School of Public Affairs Master of Public Affairs capstone report commissioned by UROC and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.