DreamSpring Welcomes Kim Peone, Celebrated Champion of Indigenous Entrepreneurs
For Immediate Release
Contact: Amber Kani, Director of Communications
akani@dreamspring.org | 505-317-5154
Albuquerque (January 26, 2022) – DreamSpring, a New-Mexico based nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that supports underserved small businesses across the nation, announced the appointment of Kim Peone, Executive Director of Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), to its board of directors.
As a national advocate of indigenous communities and entrepreneurs, Peone will support DreamSpring’s board leadership as the organization scales to fill unmet capital needs among underserved small businesses. Peone is the first Native woman to serve as Executive Director of SWAIA in its 100-year history and during the pandemic she led the digitization of the organization’s hallmark event with tremendous success.
She brings her passion for inclusive leadership and experience in Tribal government service to the DreamSpring board. Prior to leading SWAIA, Peone was the Chief Corporate Financial Officer for the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation, where she ran 12 enterprises. She has also served the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Colville Confederated Tribes, Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and others over the course of her extensive career.
“DreamSpring works to break down barriers indigenous entrepreneurs face,” said Peone. “I’ve experienced firsthand how essential capital is for organizations to exist and thrive. I look forward to working with DreamSpring to expand solutions to inequities that have spanned generations. I am confident our work will make our community and economy stronger.” SWAIA worked collaboratively with DreamSpring to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds during the pandemic.
“We are thrilled to welcome such an impactful leader into the DreamSpring family,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Anne Haines. “Kim’s work to create inclusive opportunities for indigenous entrepreneurs is deeply threaded into the work we do. Her expertise and passion will elevate our impact.”
DreamSpring’s board of directors is comprised of volunteer leaders who exhibit national leadership and relevant industry expertise to advance financial inclusion. A full list of DreamSpring board members is available online at DreamSpring.org
About DreamSpring
DreamSpring is a nonprofit community lender dedicated to eliminating systemic wealth inequities and accelerating the economic inclusion and strength of underserved communities. Founded in 1994, the organization, which operates in 19 states, provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to the most vulnerable small business owners, focusing on communities including people of color, women, low- to moderate-income earners, people with disabilities, and start-ups. To date, DreamSpring has issued more than 42,000 loans totaling over $465 million to small businesses that support an estimated 72,000 jobs. Learn more at DreamSpring.org.