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Board of Directors

  • Table of Contents

Building Financial Confidence Through Credit Awareness

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Welcome Letter

Welcome to the Board of Directors of the Unlimited Growth and Impact Network a Dallas Community Development Corporation. As a key part of our organization, you play a crucial role in steering our efforts to build a more equitable and thriving community.
Your expertise, insight, and passion are vital as we work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Your role on our board is pivotal in shaping the strategies that drive our mission forward, not just within Dallas, but also in making a positive impact at national and global levels.
We are eager to work alongside you, drawing on your unique perspectives to extend our reach and deepen our influence in all areas of our work. Your involvement will be key to our continued success as we strive to serve and uplift our community in meaningful ways.
Together, we will pursue a vision of inclusivity and growth, ensuring that our efforts resonate well beyond our immediate surroundings. We look forward to your contributions and are excited to see the powerful impact we can achieve with you as part of our team.

2024 Board of Directors

Year Joined: 2024

Ali Leonard

Chairman

23 years in Financial Literacy and Credit Awareness; pioneered Credit Awareness Program (CAP).

Year Joined: 2024

Sharifa Leonard

Vice Chairwoman

RN BSN; 24 years in healthcare; CEO of Wise Counsel Coaching; integrates mind-body wellness and coaching.
Year Joined: 2024

Robert Sacco

Treasurer

MBA Finance; retired US Marine; 50+ years business leadership; strong financial oversight and strategic planning.
Year Joined: 2024

Micheal Wright

Secretary

PhD, LAPSW; social work and tech-focused educator; supports community engagement and program storytelling.
Year Joined: 2024

Lonnie Allen

Board Director

20+ years mortgage and real estate; Executive Director National Faitah Homebuyers-Atlanta; affordable homeownership expertise.
Year Joined: 2024

Jerry Jones

Board Director

30+ years engineering and management consulting; project delivery and infrastructure improvement expertise.
Year Joined: 2024

Jean' Austin

Board Director

CEO Austin Business Strategies; 17+ years in financial readiness and procurement; supports organizational development.

Roles and Responsibilities

Chairperson

Provides leadership to the board and ensures responsibilities, agendas, and meetings are effectively managed.
  • Leadership and Governance: Provides leadership to the board, ensuring that the board's responsibilities are met, agendas are set, and meetings are effectively managed.
  • Strategic Guidance: Guides the strategic direction and priorities of the organization, often in collaboration with the CEO or Executive Director.
  • Liaison: Acts as the primary liaison between the board and the organization's management, ensuring open communication and alignment of goals.
  • Representation: Represents the organization at public events and in key meetings with stakeholders.

Vice Chairperson

Supports the Chair and helps oversee committees and special initiatives.
  • Support for Chairperson: Assists the Chairperson in their duties and stands in for them when they are unavailable.
  • Committee Oversight: May oversee specific committees, ensuring they are productive and aligned with the board’s objectives.
  • Special Projects: Often tasked with leading special projects or strategic initiatives.

Secretary

Ensures accurate records, minutes, and timely board communications.
  • Meeting Documentation: Responsible for taking and maintaining accurate minutes of all board meetings.
  • Records Management: Manages the board’s records, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Communication: Handles the board's correspondence and ensures members are notified of meetings and other important events.

Treasurer

Leads financial oversight and supports fiscal sustainability and reporting.
  • Financial Oversight: Oversees the organization’s financial condition, working closely with financial staff and external auditors.
  • Budgeting and Reporting: Leads the board’s review of, and action related to, the organization’s budget and financial reports.
  • Financial Strategy: Provides insights on financial strategy and fundraising, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Committee Chairs

Leads focused areas like fundraising, outreach, programs, and human resources.
  • Fundraiser: Is responsible for leading UGAIN CDC's fundraising efforts, developing strategies to secure financial support, and ensuring the organization's financial health through diverse funding streams. This role is pivotal in building relationships with donors, planning fundraising events, and coordinating grant applications.
  • Community Outreach: Leads UGAIN CDC's efforts to engage with the community, build partnerships, and increase public awareness of the organization’s mission and services. This role is crucial for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with community members, local businesses, and other stakeholders to support the organization's initiatives and impact.
  • Program & Services: Is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of UGAIN CDC’s various programs and services. This pivotal role focuses on ensuring that all initiatives effectively address the community’s needs and are aligned with the organization's mission and strategic goals.
  • Human Resource: Leads the oversight of all aspects of human resources management, including staffing strategies, employee benefits, training and development, and the creation of policies that promote a healthy and productive workplace environment. This role is critical in ensuring that the organization attracts, develops, and retains the best talent to fulfill its mission.

General Board Members

Participate actively in governance, strategy, and major decisions.
  • Participation: Actively participates in all board and relevant committee meetings, contributing to strategic discussions.
  • Decision Making: Votes on board decisions and helps shape the organization’s policies and direction.
  • Expertise: Offers expertise and insights in specific areas relevant to the organization’s operations and goals.

Immediate Past Chair

Supports continuity through guidance and historical perspective.
  • Advisory Role: Provides guidance and continuity based on their experience as the former Chairperson.
  • Support: Supports the transition to new leadership and offers historical perspective to current board discussions and decisions.
These roles and responsibilities are designed to create a balanced and effective governance structure, ensuring that the board operates efficiently and responsibly, while steering the organization towards its long-term goals.

About Us

UGAIN Community Development Corporation (CDC) is committed to creating lasting change by addressing the root causes of inequality and limited opportunity.

About Us

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