After four decades of transforming how America thinks about community investment, Donna Gambrell is entering a new chapter. As she prepares to step down as CEO of Appalachian Community Capital at year's end, we explore the remarkable legacy of the woman who rewrote the rules of community finance. From her groundbreaking tenure as the first African American woman to lead the Treasury's CDFI Fund to her transformative work in Appalachia, Gambrell didn't just witness the evolution of community development—she led it. As she calls it a "reorientation" rather than retirement, discover how her vision shaped an entire sector and what her next chapter might hold for communities nationwide.

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The activists are back for another season of asking the big questions that matter most. Renegade Capital Season 5 returns this fall with Andrea Longton, Ebony Perkins, and Leah Fremouw diving deeper into the intersection of finance, social justice, and community impact—at a moment when everything is on the line.

This is a defining moment for our communities, our economy, and our planet. The pressures are unprecedented, but so are the possibilities. When traditional systems are strained to their breaking point, innovation happens fastest. When the stakes are highest, communities dig deepest.

We're exploring the questions this moment demands: How do we build resilient community wealth when everything feels uncertain? What does environmental justice look like when the rules keep changing? How can community finance adapt and thrive under pressure? And why do the most powerful solutions often emerge from the most challenging times?

From community development under pressure to sustainable investing in uncertain times—Season 5 brings you the conversations, strategies, and solutions that are not just surviving this moment, but transforming it.

Join us this fall as we explore how communities are turning unprecedented challenges into unprecedented opportunities for a financial system that truly serves people and planet.

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15 years ago, some of the world’s wealthiest promised to give away at least half their fortunes through the Giving Pledge. Over a decade later, how much have they really given? In this episode, we unpack a recent update on the pledge, explore why many billionaires fell short, and discuss why real change can’t wait for the ultra-rich. Instead, we share how communities and everyday people can drive impact now and why the power to shape the future might be closer than we think.

Check out the link below to read the article referenced in this episode:

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/07/giving-pledge-buffett-gates-billionaires-philanthropy.html

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping our world—but at what cost to our planet? In this episode, we dig into the overlooked environmental footprint of AI and the massive energy demands of data centers in vulnerable communities. We explore why sustainability needs to be baked into AI development from the start, and how environmental justice must be part of the conversation. If we don’t plan responsibly, the same communities already facing the brunt of climate change could bear the hidden costs of AI’s rapid growth.

With special guest Yejide Olutosin, a sustainable finance strategist and clean energy leader with over a decade of experience shaping energy policies, supporting ESG investment strategies, and promoting environmental justice. She has helped mobilize millions of dollars in public and private capital to expand clean energy access, improve grid resilience, and drive policy reforms in more than 10 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Americas. She has also guided individuals and institutions in aligning their financial assets with climate goals, informed by her background in private wealth management and climate finance strategy. Yejide’s work connects financial systems with frontline communities, offering a global, equity-focused perspective on how capital can serve as a tool for resilience and change.

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As federal funding continues to shrink, many mission-driven organizations are under pressure to grow fast and do more. But is scaling always the right move—and at what cost? In this episode, we explore whether it’s possible to scale impact without losing your core mission and values.

With guest Amir Ali, the Founder and Principal of Clarity Impact Finance, a boutique consulting firm that partners with CDFIs and mission-driven lenders to advance equitable community outcomes through strategic capital deployment. He has led the deployment of over $150 million in CDFI capital to underserved communities, financing critical social infrastructure such as affordable housing, healthcare, early childhood education, and schools.

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In this episode, we sit down with Maggie Kulyk, seasoned financial advisor and the founder of Chicory Wealth, to explore what it really means to invest with your values in mind. While the capital markets don’t allow for “perfect” ethical investing, there are practical steps we can take to reduce harm and make more mindful choices with our money. We discuss strategies, mindsets, and real-world advice on how to align your investments with your values—without falling into the trap of perfectionism.

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In this episode, we unpack the far-reaching implications of what’s been called “The Big, Beautiful Bill” — and what it means for environmental efforts, green jobs, and especially the CDFI industry. As funding gets pulled back and priorities shift, the communities we serve are feeling the strain.

We take a hard look at how this legislation is impacting the momentum we've built, the investments already made, and the work still left to do. But this isn’t just about loss — it’s about resilience. If you’re feeling discouraged, you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this together, and there’s still power in collective action, even in uncertain times.

Whether you're in the CDFI space, working on climate justice, or just trying to understand how national policy is shaping the local work, this episode is for you.

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We know—it sounds like one of those topics: boring, scary, or just plain overwhelming. But in this episode, we flip the script on estate planning. In a world where so much feels out of our control, this is one area where we do have agency.

We're breaking the taboo and talking about it—openly, honestly, and with a little levity. You’ll learn why estate planning matters (even if you're not rich), what to consider, and how to take the first step without spiraling.

This isn’t just paperwork—it’s peace of mind.

In this episode, we reference the workbook "I'm Dead, Now What", a tool that Ebony has found helpful if you don't know where to start. You can access the book here: https://a.co/d/bN0b8qI

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