Juneau, Alaska – Native CDFI Network’s (NCN) CEO, Pete Upton, was the featured speaker during a policy advocacy discussion at the OWEESTA Capital Access Convening. Fern Orie, OWEESTA’s Chief Programs Officer and Executive Vice President of Advocacy & Strategic Partnerships, moderated the Q&A session. Upton shared his insights on the opportunities and challenges facing Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and engaged meeting attendees in a meaningful discussion on policy updates pertaining to Native CDFIs. Upton emphasized the ongoing efforts and achievements of NCN, highlighting their active involvement in advocating for increased capital access, along with the advancement and support of Native CDFIs across the country. Upton noted the importance of building relationships and fostering collaborations. Interactions that took place throughout the Capital Access Convening facilitated knowledge sharing and paved the way for potential collaborations to further empower Native communities in the Alaska region.