AUSTIN, TX, October 23, 2024 – Gustavo Lasala, President and CEO of PeopleFund, received the inaugural Executive Leadership Award from Opportunity Finance Network (OFN). This new award celebrates exceptional leadership in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) field, recognizing Gustavo’s dedication to driving economic growth in low-income communities.
Gustavo’s leadership journey spans both nonprofit and for-profit sectors in organizations considered exemplars of financial inclusion in the U.S. His vision goes beyond traditional lending practices. Throughout his career he has increased access to capital for low-income communities through innovative financial solutions. He joined PeopleFund in 2019 and earlier this year the organization celebrated its 30th anniversary, with more than $1 Billion in direct economic
impact on the Texas’ economy, 50% of which took place during his tenure.
“ The award is a reflection not only of Gustavo’s dedication and perseverance but also of PeopleFund’s mission and the work that all CDFIs do across the country, fostering inclusive economic development,” commented Luther Branham, Board Chair of PeopleFund.
To learn more about this award and OFN’s commitment to recognizing leadership within community development finance, please read the full OFN press release here.
About PeopleFund
PeopleFund is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and SBA Lender dedicated to providing affordable loans and business advisory services to underserved entrepreneurs in Texas. Established in 1994, PeopleFund has helped thousands on the path to financial independence. The organization serves the entire state of Texas from its offices in Lufkin, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Edinburgh, Laredo, El Paso, and Lubbock and it is proud member of the Veteran Loan Fund, a group of CDFIs supporting veteran entrepreneurs and their spouses across the U.S. PeopleFund has delivered over $1 Billion direct economic impact in Texas, having helped more than 5,600 small businesses that have helped create or retain more than 24,000 jobs.
Contact Information
Jenny Palecek, JPalecek@peoplefund.org
Phone: 1 (512) 222-1005