Aloni Harris

I attribute my success to growing up in Chicago’s Roseland-Pullman community, where I learned early that opportunity is not always equally distributed, but that intentional investment can transform communities. That perspective guided me through my studies at Yale University and into my career in community development finance, which began with an internship at Greenwood Archer Capital, now C3 Impact Fund. What started as a learning experience grew into a commitment to expanding access to capital, as I saw how small business lending and technical assistance can create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and support long-term economic stability. Today, in a leadership role across multiple markets, I focus on building partnerships, driving growth strategy, and managing a $25M+ loan portfolio with zero delinquency and charge-offs—work that reflects my belief that responsible investment can create meaningful, lasting community impact.

The best career advice I’ve received came from my mentors, particularly Erica King and Tiffany Taylor, who have played a significant role in shaping my approach to leadership, finance, and community impact. They taught me that success is not defined solely by financial performance, but also by the extent to which our work improves lives and strengthens communities.

My biggest advice is to just go for it. I think oftentimes, especially as someone who is relatively young. We get a lot of pushback, or you also start to feel imposter syndrome... keep going and keep pushing and realizing that not every no is a bad thing.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating economic pressures while staying aligned with the mission-driven goals of developers, investors, and community stakeholders. It requires balancing financial constraints with long-term community impact and working collaboratively across partners to move projects forward. At the same time, as a young woman in the industry, there is the added challenge of operating in a space that does not always reflect traditional leadership norms. Despite this, I see opportunity in bringing a fresh perspective and helping align capital with meaningful, community-centered outcomes.

Beyond my professional responsibilities, service and leadership are central to my values. I am committed to using my time and platform to create opportunities for others, particularly through my work with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, where I serve as Chair of the Young Adult Board after previously serving as Vice Chair. I also serve on the board of Women Housing and Income Providers and contribute to the associate board of 530 Scholars, including its Black Ivy initiatives. Across these roles, I focus on advancing access to housing, education, and economic opportunity while supporting the next generation of leaders.