President’s Address
Urban Financial Services Coalition
2026 Theme: Leading Now. Building Next
On behalf of the Urban Financial Services Coalition (UFSC), I am honored to reflect on the progress we have made and the path ahead as we continue to elevate our impact and innovate for the future.
We are deeply grateful for the civic and political leaders who support our mission and help drive meaningful change in our communities. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our valued partners, including the Federal Reserve Bank System, BeyondWill, Wilson Wealth Management, and many others across our local markets, for their continued commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and economic advancement.
Locally, I am especially proud of the leadership demonstrated by our legacy chapter presidents—Anissa Brown (Kansas City), Johnny Nesbit (Omaha), and Ditu Kasuyi (Richmond). Their work reflects the very best of UFSC: intentional leadership, authentic community engagement, and a commitment to excellence that continues to move our mission forward.
This year, we celebrate the enduring legacy of UFSC. Founded in 1974 as the National Association of Urban Bankers, our organization was created by three visionaries seeking a space to connect, develop professionally, and support underserved communities through financial education. While we have made significant progress over the past five decades, we recognize that the work is not complete. Barriers still exist, and our role in addressing them remains as critical as ever.
As we look ahead, our national theme for 2026—“Leading Now. Building Next.”—calls us to action. It challenges us to lead with urgency while intentionally developing the next generation of leaders across the financial services industry and beyond.
Our focus is clear.
We are committed to identifying and empowering leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact—individuals who lead with purpose and are willing to contribute to advancing our mission.
We will continue to invest in workforce and professional development through programs such as Toastmasters and A View from the Top, ensuring our members are equipped with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to excel at every stage of their careers. In addition, we are launching a virtual chapter to expand our reach, allowing professionals in markets without legacy chapters to engage with UFSC. With more than 5,000 members and subscribers—and growing—this initiative will further strengthen access to our network and programming nationwide.
We are also prioritizing visibility and access—positioning UFSC as a trusted resource for financial education, career opportunities, economic insights, and thought leadership. Our goal is to create a platform where professionals can connect, grow, and celebrate success across the industry.
Importantly, we recognize that UFSC’s reach must extend beyond traditional banking. We are a financial services organization, and our network must reflect the full breadth of the industry—from corporations such as Costco and Amazon to insurance firms, small businesses, and emerging fintech companies. Financial expertise is essential across all sectors, and UFSC is uniquely positioned to connect and elevate professionals wherever they serve.
As we continue this work, we are reminded that meaningful change requires collective effort. Progress is not achieved in isolation—it is driven by individuals and organizations working in alignment, with shared purpose and coordinated action.
Together, we will continue to elevate our communities, innovate within our industry, break down barriers, and inspire lasting change.
“Innovation is sparked by individuals, but real change is achieved by communities moving as one.”
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the mission of UFSC.