Chanell Scott Contreras
CEO
Build from Within Alliance
Chanell Scott Contreras is the President and CEO of the Build from Within Alliance (BfWA), a national network advancing entrepreneurship to revitalize disinvested neighborhoods from within. She leads efforts to strengthen local small business ecosystems, expand access to capital, and ensure entrepreneurs of color and resident leaders have the tools to create wealth and opportunity in their own communities.
With more than 15 years of experience in community economic development, Chanell is known for her equity-driven and systems-focused leadership. Prior to joining BfWA, she served as President and CEO of Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, where she expanded equitable access to clean energy financing and advanced environmental and economic justice statewide.
Previously, as Executive Director of ProsperUs Detroit, Chanell led the organization’s transformation into Michigan’s first Black- and woman-led certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), strengthening programs that support Detroit’s entrepreneurs of color through training, microlending, and technical assistance.
Earlier in her career, Chanell worked with Kiva Detroit, Evergreen Cooperatives, and The Cleveland Foundation, where she was a National Urban Fellow. A University of Michigan alumna, she holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College (CUNY) and has been recognized among Crain’s 40 Under 40 (2021) and Notable Women in Nonprofits (2022).
10:30 am - 12:00 pm ET
Workshops I-VI: Block I
Building Economic Mobility in Place
Room: Grand 2
Discover how Build from Within Alliance is transforming economic opportunity from the inside out. This national network of community development organizations implements a tailor-made place-based economic vitality model that grows local entrepreneurship in historically disinvested communities. Hear directly from a BfWA member and a local entrepreneur whose journey illustrates how this model reshapes what’s possible for residents. Purpose Built Network Members will also share how they plan to partner with BfWA to adapt this approach within their own neighborhoods. The session is designed for any neighborhood seeking to strengthen resident economic mobility. Attendees will hear practical examples, clear roles, and right‑sized next steps for building vibrant, resilient local economic ecosystems—starting exactly where you are.
