United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jenefeness Franke as the Project Director for the Community Reinvestment Plan (CRP) Asset Building Project. Jenefeness brings a wealth of experience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to community empowerment, making her the ideal leader to drive this groundbreaking initiative forward.

With an impressive track record of fostering economic development, advocating for equity, and empowering Black, Latine, and tribal communities, Jenefeness has been a transformative force in Washington State. As the founder of Fiscal Finesse Consulting, she has demonstrated unparalleled effectiveness in making a positive impact on the community through innovation, intentional leadership, and customized solutions for each client. Her authentic leadership and commitment to equitable education and advocacy have set a new standard for community-focused financial services.

Through her active involvement with Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE), Jenefeness has played a pivotal role in creating a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Washington State. Under her leadership, Fiscal Finesse Consulting provided business resiliency training and one-on-one coaching to approximately 50 minority-owned businesses, helping them navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge stronger and more resilient.

As Jenefeness steps into her new role at UWPNW, she is poised to bring her expertise and vision to the Community Reinvestment Plan Asset Building Project—a transformative initiative designed to address historical injustices and build economic opportunities for communities disproportionately harmed by systemic violence. This project, backed by a $2.5 million investment from the Washington State Department of Commerce, will focus on outreach, technical assistance, asset-building initiatives, and Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) across Washington State. The collaboration between Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) and UWPNW aims to prioritize Black, Latine, and tribal communities with asset-building dollars across WA, with a special focus on Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima Counties.

Jenefeness’ s dedication to understanding her clients and developing tailored solutions has been the cornerstone of her success. Her holistic approach to financial planning, which encompasses strategic planning, profit maximization, revenue stream expansion, and risk management, has distinguished Fiscal Finesse Consulting as a leader in the industry. This innovative approach is coupled with her deep commitment to the community, as evidenced by her recognition as the 2024 Economic Development Advocate of the Year by the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA)—the first Black woman to receive this prestigious honor.

In addition to her entrepreneurial and advocacy work, Jenefeness has made significant contributions to education as a professor and faculty coordinator at Seattle Central College. Her efforts to dismantle barriers and promote inclusivity in education are shaping the future of entrepreneurship and preparing the next generation of business leaders.

"Joining the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest to lead the Community Reinvestment Plan Asset Building Project is an honor and a profound opportunity to continue the work I am deeply passionate about," said Jenefeness Franke. "This project represents a giant leap in the right direction, not just in terms of financial support but in reclaiming the dignity and hope of our communities. Together, we will forge new paths to a future filled with promise, opportunity, and lasting empowerment. I am excited to work collaboratively to ensure that these efforts are sustainable and that we create a legacy of equity and justice for generations to come."

UWPNW is excited to welcome Jenefeness Franke to the team and looks forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make as she leads this vital project. Her leadership, expertise, and passion will be instrumental in driving the success of the CRP initiative and advancing the mission of UWPNW to create strong, equitable communities across Washington State.

For more information about the Community Reinvestment Plan and other United Way initiatives, visit the www.uwpnw.org.