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Felicia Brown
CEO and Executive Director
Felicia Brown: A Champion for Community Development
Felicia Brown is a highly driven and thoughtful business woman who has made significant strides in various industries and functions throughout her career. With an impressive array of professional experiences, Felicia has cultivated a unique skill set and a deep understanding of community development and social change, making her an invaluable asset to low-to-moderate income (LMI) and underserved communities.
Professional Background
Felicia's most recent position as a Program Officer at Enterprise Community Partners allowed her to apply her robust background in finance and real estate to help affordable housing developers enhance their financial sustainability. In this role, she utilized her skills to guide developers on better financial management and portfolio optimization, ensuring that more individuals and families could have access to stable housing solutions.
Before her tenure in this impactful role, Felicia distinguished herself as a socially-progressive entrepreneur for over seven years. During this time, she founded a business focused on empowering underserved communities across California. Her organization emphasized the importance of financial literacy, real estate investment, strategic tax management, and sound business consulting, helping individuals and families build their economic foundations and achieve financial independence. This entrepreneurial spirit reflects her commitment to social change and her determination to uplift communities in need.
Throughout her career, Felicia has gained diversified experiences working with established organizations, including Citi Community Development, West Angeles Community Development Corporation, A.T. Kearney, Merrill Lynch, Travelers Insurance Company, and H&R Block. Her roles ranged from corporate finance to community outreach, solidifying her expertise in both business and social advancement.
Education and Achievements
Felicia holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Real Estate from the prestigious USC Marshall School of Business. Her academic pursuits culminated in significant achievements, including her involvement as the Director of Public Relations for the Graduate Student Government at USC, where she honed her leadership skills and engaged with fellow students and faculty to promote student initiatives and drive collaboration.
Prior to earning her MBA, Felicia earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, at the renowned Walter A. Haas School of Business. This foundational education provided her with the analytical and strategic skills needed to navigate complex business environments successfully.
In addition, she holds an Associate's degree in Bible/Biblical Studies from Covenant Theological Seminary, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and an understanding of ethics within business practices. Felicia is also a proud graduate of the USC Lusk Center's Ross Minority Program in Real Estate (RMPIRE), further enhancing her knowledge and expertise in real estate and community development.
Notable Roles and Contributions
Felicia's career trajectory includes various influential roles that showcase her dedication to community service and inclusiveness. As the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Let Spirit Lead, Inc., she was instrumental in developing programs that supported community engagement and empowerment.
Her leadership extended to leading the Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire, where she focused on tackling housing challenges for LMI families. Furthermore, as Housing Project Manager II at the County of San Bernardino, Felicia oversaw essential projects aimed at improving housing accessibility and quality within the community.
Moreover, Felicia's experience as a Program Officer for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) emphasized her commitment to promoting economic development and creating sustainable urban environments. Her diverse capabilities were also evident in her role as an Events Specialist at SoCalGas, where she coordinated impactful community events.
Felicia's extensive volunteer background includes being a S.M.A.R.T Program Instructor and Eureka! Program Instructor at Girls Inc. of Alameda County, where she positively impacted the lives of young girls through education and empowerment programs. Her dedication to mentoring the next generation demonstrates her belief in lifting others up to achieve their full potential.
Specialties and Areas of Expertise
Felicia Brown specializes in numerous areas that revolve around community development, social enterprise, and entrepreneurship. Her diverse expertise encompasses Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Strategic Tax Planning, Tax Preparation, and Start Up Consulting. As a certified California Real Estate Broker, Felicia is equipped to guide individuals through the complexities of the real estate market, ensuring they can make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Felicia Brown represents a powerful blend of business acumen and a deep-rooted commitment to community development. With her impressive professional portfolio and a clear passion for uplifting low-to-moderate income and underserved communities, Felicia serves as a formidable force for social change. Her diverse experiences across various roles and organizations have only sharpened her expertise as she continues to make a lasting impact in the realm of community development.
