Lolita is a passionate changemaker that is dedicated to bringing resources, support and knowledge to people and communities that have been systemically and historically excluded. She brings over 25 years of diversified and progressive experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors to the Potlikker team. She worked in the banking industry for 14 years where she developed expertise in finance, investment banking and management. In addition to her financial role, her work included cultivating and building relationships with community leaders and advocating for programs providing financial literacy, consulting and mentoring.  Her passion for philanthropy led her to a career change working in the nonprofit sector where she led donor outreach, cultivation, fundraising, community and business engagement efforts.  Lolita’s career path then led her to the sector of impact investing where she could further champion positive social, racial, and environmental systems change.  In her most recent role she was the Investor Relations Officer at Fair Food Fund where she helped to re-imagine their investment thesis to support BIPOC food businesses, to increase their geographic reach and to grow the brand recognition of the Fund nationally.

Lolita is committed to building strong and resilient communities.  Recently aligning her passion for food system justice, she became one of the founding coalition members of the Washtenaw Black Farmers Fund.  Her volunteer efforts through serving on local boards and committees have worked to address the need for at-risk youth, access to healthy and affordable food, financial literacy and supporting women empowerment.   

Lolita received her MBA from Eastern Michigan University. She resides in Michigan with her wonderful family and is happy to say that she is on a mission to find the best beach to plant her feet.