Lolita D. Nunn
Lolita D. Nunn is a seasoned impact investing and social finance leader with more than 25 years of experience working at the intersection of philanthropy, finance, and social justice. She currently serves as Director of the Unlock Ownership Fund at Impact Charitable, a role she transitioned into approximately three months ago. Her work in the impact investing space began to take shape nearly a decade ago when she joined Fair Food Network as an Investor Relations Manager, and her formal career in the nonprofit sector dates back to 2012. Across her professional journey, she has remained deeply committed to reimagining how capital can be deployed to advance equity and expand opportunity for communities historically and systemically excluded from wealth-building systems.
Prior to fully transitioning into mission-driven finance, Lolita spent 14 years in commercial banking at KeyBank, where she developed a strong foundation in financial systems, credit structures, and traditional lending practices. This experience gave her a critical understanding of both the strengths and limitations of conventional banking, including where financial systems can become extractive. Today, she brings together analytical rigor and values-driven leadership, blending financial expertise with a deep commitment to people and planet. In her current role, she manages investor relations by engaging and informing stakeholders while also building relationships with mission-aligned investors and organizations advancing pathways to homeownership and employee ownership across the United States.
Before joining Impact Charitable, Lolita served at Potlikker Capital, a national impact fund focused on supporting farmers, agricultural communities, and food system entrepreneurs. When she began, the fund managed under $1 million in assets; over four years, she contributed to its growth to nearly $20 million in assets under management. Her core expertise lies in fund development, investor relations, and impact investing strategy, with a focus on bridging philanthropy and finance to support equitable systems change. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for advancing innovative capital solutions, strengthening mission-driven organizations, and supporting leaders and communities working toward economic justice and long-term sustainability.
• Eastern Michigan University - BS, Business Management
• Eastern Michigan University - Master's degree, Management and Finance
• Rainmaker of the Year (KeyBank era)
• Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE)
• Sustainable Ag Food Systems Funders (Board Member)
• Nubian Square and Rende Capital (Advisory Council)
• Boys and Girls Club (Former Board Member)
• Growing Hope (Former Board Member)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and to my mother. I give all of my blessings to God and remain deeply thankful for the guidance, strength, and opportunities I’ve been given throughout my life. My mother is the foundation of who I am her support, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in me have shaped every part of my journey. Without God and my mom, I would not have the life or accomplishments I have today, as they are truly the source of everything I’ve been able to build in my personal and professional life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To remain fearless, trust your voice, and never allow fear to prevent you from pursuing opportunities that align with your purpose and values.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to the younger women looking to enter into this space, to be fearless and authentic. Make wise choices, and not let fear stop them from moving forward to achieve what they know is the right thing to do. This work isn't easy, especially when you're supporting communities that continue to be left out, so you have to be confident in yourself and your abilities, and don't allow fear or self-doubt to hold you back from pursuing what aligns with your purpose.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, I would say that the biggest challenges are the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the rollbacks that have happened in the financial sector, which has this domino effect of creating scarcity in communities that continue to be left out - our marginalized and most impacted communities. Another major challenge is really looking to make movement in funding that's sitting idle, particularly donor-advised funds (DAFs) that are earmarked for charitable needs but sitting on the sideline when they should be active players in supporting people and communities. On the opportunity side, I see enormous opportunity, especially as we look at the great wealth transfer that's happening. We need to continue to mentor and educate the next generations who have the capability and capacity to make things right, empowering them and giving them the voice and agency to be able to do the work that needs to happen in the next several decades. These older people who are holding on to positions need to make way for the next generation while mentoring them along the way - we can't just hand it over, we need to prepare the younger generation to take over their spots and make this world that we live in a better place.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty, integrity, and authenticity. I believe in being true to who you are and maintaining those principles in everything you do, both professionally and personally. My faith in God and the influence of my mother are also central to my values - they guide me in combining my financial expertise with meaningful social impact work. I'm committed to staying mission-focused and doing what's right for people and planet, even when the work is difficult.