Bridging Gaps: Oweesta Corporation's Role in Empowering Women and Indigenous Communities
September 21, 2024, 5:24 pm
In a world where financial access can be a fortress, Oweesta Corporation stands as a bridge. Founded in 1999, this nonprofit organization has become a lifeline for Native communities, providing essential financial services and support. With a focus on empowering women and Indigenous peoples, Oweesta is making waves at significant events like the Clinton Global Initiative and Climate Week NYC.
At the upcoming Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting, Oweesta's President and CEO, Chrystel Cornelius, will participate in a spotlight session titled "Closing the Financial Access Gap for Women." This session aims to shed light on the stark reality that women constitute the majority of the unbanked population globally. Without access to credit or essential financial services, their potential remains shackled.
The CGI meeting, a gathering of leaders from business, government, and civil society, seeks to address pressing global issues. Among these are climate resilience, health equity, and the full participation of women and girls. Cornelius will share Oweesta's unique lending approach, which prioritizes women. Her insights will not only highlight the barriers women face but also offer strategies to overcome them.
The statistics are sobering. Women around the world are often excluded from financial systems. This exclusion limits their ability to invest in businesses, education, and health. Cornelius will discuss how improving financial literacy and access to banking can empower women. By equipping them with the tools to build wealth, we can unlock a treasure trove of potential.
In parallel, Oweesta is also making strides in climate action. At Climate Week NYC, Cornelius will join a roundtable discussion on "Investing in Indigenous-led Climate Solutions." This event emphasizes the importance of self-determination and community-driven strategies in addressing climate change. Indigenous communities are often on the front lines of environmental degradation. Yet, they possess invaluable knowledge and strategies for sustainable living.
The roundtable will showcase Indigenous-led funds and their approaches to leveraging investments and grants. These strategies are not just about financial support; they are about fostering resilience and promoting health in Indigenous communities. The discussions will focus on culturally relevant investments that respect and uplift Indigenous voices.
Oweesta Corporation serves as a crucial intermediary for Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). It connects traditional lenders with underserved Native areas, facilitating capital flow where it is most needed. Since its inception, Oweesta has funded over 4,350 Native businesses across 36 states. This impressive feat is a testament to its commitment to advancing sustainable growth and prosperity in Native communities.
The organization’s impact is profound. With a network of over 245 partners, Oweesta has disbursed more than 26,000 loans, totaling over $826 million. This financial support is not just about numbers; it represents dreams realized and communities strengthened. Each loan is a seed planted in the fertile ground of potential.
Women and Indigenous peoples often face systemic barriers in accessing financial resources. Oweesta’s mission is to dismantle these barriers. By focusing on education and empowerment, the organization equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for strategic financial decision-making. This approach fosters independence and resilience.
The upcoming events at CGI and Climate Week NYC are not just platforms for discussion; they are catalysts for change. By bringing together leaders and innovators, these gatherings aim to inspire action. Cornelius’s participation underscores the urgency of addressing financial access and climate resilience.
As the world grapples with economic disparities and environmental challenges, the role of organizations like Oweesta becomes increasingly vital. They are not just addressing symptoms; they are tackling root causes. By empowering women and Indigenous communities, Oweesta is helping to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
The journey is far from over. The financial access gap for women remains a significant challenge. Climate change continues to threaten Indigenous ways of life. Yet, with leaders like Cornelius at the helm, there is hope. Oweesta Corporation is not just a bridge; it is a beacon of possibility.
In conclusion, the work of Oweesta Corporation is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. By focusing on the unique needs of women and Indigenous peoples, the organization is paving the way for a brighter future. As we look ahead to the CGI and Climate Week NYC events, the message is clear: financial access and climate resilience are not just goals; they are essential for a thriving world. The time for action is now. Together, we can build bridges to a more inclusive and sustainable future.
At the upcoming Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting, Oweesta's President and CEO, Chrystel Cornelius, will participate in a spotlight session titled "Closing the Financial Access Gap for Women." This session aims to shed light on the stark reality that women constitute the majority of the unbanked population globally. Without access to credit or essential financial services, their potential remains shackled.
The CGI meeting, a gathering of leaders from business, government, and civil society, seeks to address pressing global issues. Among these are climate resilience, health equity, and the full participation of women and girls. Cornelius will share Oweesta's unique lending approach, which prioritizes women. Her insights will not only highlight the barriers women face but also offer strategies to overcome them.
The statistics are sobering. Women around the world are often excluded from financial systems. This exclusion limits their ability to invest in businesses, education, and health. Cornelius will discuss how improving financial literacy and access to banking can empower women. By equipping them with the tools to build wealth, we can unlock a treasure trove of potential.
In parallel, Oweesta is also making strides in climate action. At Climate Week NYC, Cornelius will join a roundtable discussion on "Investing in Indigenous-led Climate Solutions." This event emphasizes the importance of self-determination and community-driven strategies in addressing climate change. Indigenous communities are often on the front lines of environmental degradation. Yet, they possess invaluable knowledge and strategies for sustainable living.
The roundtable will showcase Indigenous-led funds and their approaches to leveraging investments and grants. These strategies are not just about financial support; they are about fostering resilience and promoting health in Indigenous communities. The discussions will focus on culturally relevant investments that respect and uplift Indigenous voices.
Oweesta Corporation serves as a crucial intermediary for Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). It connects traditional lenders with underserved Native areas, facilitating capital flow where it is most needed. Since its inception, Oweesta has funded over 4,350 Native businesses across 36 states. This impressive feat is a testament to its commitment to advancing sustainable growth and prosperity in Native communities.
The organization’s impact is profound. With a network of over 245 partners, Oweesta has disbursed more than 26,000 loans, totaling over $826 million. This financial support is not just about numbers; it represents dreams realized and communities strengthened. Each loan is a seed planted in the fertile ground of potential.
Women and Indigenous peoples often face systemic barriers in accessing financial resources. Oweesta’s mission is to dismantle these barriers. By focusing on education and empowerment, the organization equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for strategic financial decision-making. This approach fosters independence and resilience.
The upcoming events at CGI and Climate Week NYC are not just platforms for discussion; they are catalysts for change. By bringing together leaders and innovators, these gatherings aim to inspire action. Cornelius’s participation underscores the urgency of addressing financial access and climate resilience.
As the world grapples with economic disparities and environmental challenges, the role of organizations like Oweesta becomes increasingly vital. They are not just addressing symptoms; they are tackling root causes. By empowering women and Indigenous communities, Oweesta is helping to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
The journey is far from over. The financial access gap for women remains a significant challenge. Climate change continues to threaten Indigenous ways of life. Yet, with leaders like Cornelius at the helm, there is hope. Oweesta Corporation is not just a bridge; it is a beacon of possibility.
In conclusion, the work of Oweesta Corporation is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. By focusing on the unique needs of women and Indigenous peoples, the organization is paving the way for a brighter future. As we look ahead to the CGI and Climate Week NYC events, the message is clear: financial access and climate resilience are not just goals; they are essential for a thriving world. The time for action is now. Together, we can build bridges to a more inclusive and sustainable future.