The Native CDFI Network (NCN) developed the “Native CDFIs: Difference Makers for Indian Country” interview series to cast a much-needed spotlight on the many positive benefits that Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) create for tribal communities and the leaders who help make Native CDFIs the transformational success stories they are.
In this latest edition of “Difference Makers,” NCN sits down with Cindy Logsdon, who serves as CEO and Executive Director of theCitizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation (CPCDC),a federally certified Native CDFI based in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Chartered by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN), CPCDC provides capital and technical assistance for projects that create a healthy tribal economy through a commercial loan program designed to help Native businesses become more competitive and profitable. CPCDC also assists tribal members who lack financial resources and readiness with business development and planning, financial education, financial management services, marketing, and contracting.
“We were established to enhance the tribal economy, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. It’s a win-win whenever we can make a loan, even to the tribal enterprises, because those dollars stay within the economy. How many times can we turn that dollar we’ve got within the community instead of that dollar going to the big bank down the street?”
Logsdon came to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in 2004 after a 15-year career in banking. She is proud to have implemented programs such as the Citizen Potawatomi Asset Builders IDA program and has assisted in making over $40 million in loans to Native entrepreneurs. She also serves on the advisory board of the Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition, as an advisory member of Midwest Renewable Capital, and as Board Treasurer of the Native CDFI Network.
In this insightful conversation with NCN, Cindy shares how CPCDC empowers all Native communities across Oklahoma, and how its targeted loan products and services foster local commerce and individual and familial asset building.
CPCDC client Kelly Price, owner of Redbone Indian Tacos. (Courtesy: Redbone Indian Tacos)
To learn more about NCN or to get involved, please contact: Pete Upton, Interim Executive Director, Native CDFI Network 308.850.0303 | pete@nativecdfi.net