Creating Equitable Access to Capital

At Truist Foundation, Lynette is responsible for strategic philanthropy, developing nonprofit partnerships, and overseeing leadership development, economic mobility, and educational equity to strengthen local communities. She has served as enterprise community reinvestment officer for SunTrust (now Truist) for over 30 years, leading the community development program to support underserved communities as well as holding positions in operations, regulatory affairs, bank examinations, and compliance. She serves on the board of directors of Purpose Built Communities, President’s Council for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and Living Cities Foundation.

With over 25 years of experience, Armeer is an authority in small business funding, specializing in community development finance institutions, non-profit, and community development organizations. He developed strategic partnerships and led the implementation of strategic priorities as the executive vice president of Self-Help and has worked intensively with CDFIs in his experience as CEO of Generations Community Credit Union and board chair at the Carolina Small Business Development Fund. Armeer is active in the community, currently as vice-chair of the Durham City/County Planning Commission and treasurer of Durham Community Land Trustees.

Jay has extensive experience in consulting, small business funding, and growth strategy. At Combs Enterprises, he currently leads new ventures, investment diligence, and business development strategy, working with strategic partners to conceptualize and build startup companies. Jay is also an investor, board member, and advisor for several startups in the healthcare and arts spaces. He has degrees from Harvard University, Harvard Kennedy School, and The Wharton School.

Zanade is a marketing and communications professional dedicated to helping small brands, nonprofits, educational institutions, and companies build brand awareness and loyalty online. For over a decade, she has helped organizations identify missed opportunities and develop digital strategies to achieve measurable outcomes. She is passionate about digital marketing, professional development, leadership training, and community building, which led her to found the Black Women’s Business Collective, an initiative created to provide access and resources to Black and Afro-Latina women business owners.