After almost two decades of working in the for-profit lending sector, I was searching for a more meaningful and fulfilling way to utilize my skills and knowledge. That’s when I discovered NFF. I’m thrilled and invigorated for the next chapter of my career. It is truly motivating to collaborate with colleagues who aim for every aspect of our work to advance racial equity.
As an underwriter, I guide loan requests through the underwriting process, helping borrowers navigate the pathways of financial evaluation and credit approval. But this role goes far beyond just paperwork and calculations. Along with my fellow NFFers, I listen to understand nonprofit and community leaders’ unique stories and aspirations and advocate for those seeking funding. I form a partnership, and that partnership informs everything. My days of evaluating cookie-cutter loans are behind me. I’m now empowered to create customized loan structures designed to address the exact funding gap an organization is facing.
When I’m not underwriting loans, I’m spending time with my husband and son at our home in Boston. If it’s the weekend, then we’re probably making (and eating) pizza from scratch, oftentimes with friends. Yup – a pizza party nearly every weekend. We have family in Italy and spend as much time there as possible – particularly in the summer and during the end-of-the-year holidays. If you are ever in Rome, then there’s a near-certain chance that you’ll find me gorging myself with gelato at Giolitti.
Bio: As a manager in the underwriting group, LeNola (she/her) is responsible for driving projects forward from early-stage conversations through to closing. This includes structuring loans to fit the specific needs of the borrower, underwriting, and assisting in the loan closing process. Most importantly, she helps ensure NFF’s financing is aligned with its mission and strategic direction of supporting community-centered nonprofits led by and serving people of color.
Prior to NFF, LeNola worked for large asset managers, including Fidelity Investments, MFS, and State Street Bank, for over two decades. She was a research analyst covering bonds backed by commercial real estate mortgages, other loans, and assets.
She graduated from Bryant University with a double concentration in applied actuarial mathematics and computer information systems and a minor in sociology. At the time LeNola joined NFF, she was a CFA®️ charterholder.
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