“Being invited to join Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and President Bill Clinton for the 30th Anniversary of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund was both an honor and a privilege. As I stepped into the Treasury building on November 21, 2024, I felt the gravity of the moment and its significance for the work we do at NCN. This year has been transformative, with immense successes, but also exhausting, as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in front of us. With the highs and lows of the past month in America weighing on us, President Clinton’s keynote speech couldn’t have come at a better time. It revitalized my spirit and reminded me why our work matters so deeply.
President Clinton emphasized that the CDFI Fund represents a rare bipartisan success, a unifying force that brings together Democrats, Republicans, liberals, and conservatives with a shared mission: empowering everyday citizens. His message was clear and grounded: CDFIs are something we don’t have to fight about. They are people-centered, life-centered, and focused on building tomorrow—not reliving yesterday. We are empowered to work together, and we just have to keep going.His words resonated deeply, reminding us of the extraordinary power of collaboration and the vital role we play in creating opportunity where it is most needed.
In his address, President Clinton acknowledged the fatigue many of us feel in the wake of recent events of the last few weeks, but he challenged us to rise above it. This is no time to lie down. It is a time to rise up. He spoke of the communities we serve, highlighting their reliance on us—not just for inspiration but for tangible access to opportunity and capital. What struck me most was his observation that intelligence, work ethic, and family commitment are evenly distributed across every community in the world. The true divide, he said, is not one of talent but of access—to resources, opportunities, and the financial capital that unlocks potential.
His words were more than inspiring—they were a rallying cry. We see the extraordinary talent and resilience in the communities we serve. From innovative entrepreneurs to determined small business owners, the potential is there, but systemic barriers and limited resources often stand in the way. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to bridge that gap, turning potential into success. President Clinton’s speech wasn’t just a reflection on the achievements of the last 30 years; it was a charge to ensure the next 30 years deliver even greater progress and impact.
Now is not the time to rest. It is the time to double down our efforts and deliver the capital and opportunities our communities depend on. President Clinton reminded us that our work, while challenging, is deeply rewarding and profoundly necessary. At NCN, we carry this motivation forward, continuing to advocate, innovate, and lead for Native communities and beyond. His words were not just a keynote—they were a call to action to ensure that every community, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to thrive.”
Pete Upton
CEO, Native CDFI Network