I did not start my career in community development, finance, or even business. I began working in the sciences, and my goal at that time was to do something I was passionate about. Not long after I started my first job as an environmental scientist, I realized that my highest value to the company was helping them succeed financially. I worked in and for several small businesses, shifting my focus from science to finance and business operations. In addition to my career in small business and finance, I’ve had experiences that broadened my horizons in remarkable ways - whether it was picking 1.5 million pounds of bananas while working on a Kibbutz in IsraeI, leading back country expeditions in Central America, or sailing across the Atlantic. Through these experiences, I learned to listen to those around me (and their often unique view points) and, that in order to succeed, I needed to be flexible and able to adapt to rapid changes.My first role at MoFi was as a business advisor. Years of running and managing small businesses meant I could relate to the struggles our clients faced in their day to day lives. I loved helping our clients understand their specific strengths and limitations and then helping them apply those strengths to make their businesses successful.Working at MoFi, I have had the privilege to be a part of an awesome team that provides flexible, responsible capital and consulting to businesses, potential homeowners and communities across the Rocky Mountain West. As a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), our job is to invest in people and places that are left out of the financial mainstream and ultimately foster greater community prosperity.