Jhana Valentine (she/her) is a social finance professional with the overarching goal to alleviate income inequality and further a more equitable and environmentally sustainable society. Since 2016, she has led innovative initiatives and critical business functions in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across the west coast. In her current role as Lending Officer with Working Solutions CDFI, Jhana is increasing access to capital and business consulting for the small businesses that make our local economy thrive.
Jhana began her career in social finance, leading the B Corp certification process for Albina Community Bank in Portland, Oregon, which resulted in a “Best for the World” ranking. She went on to launch and scale the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program by facilitating a public-private partnership between the California Air Resources Board and Beneficial State Bank, which helped over four thousand low-income Californians transition to electric vehicles with the help of grants and low-interest auto loans.
Born and raised in Iowa, Jhana now lives in Oakland, California. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Lewis & Clark College. She is an avid hiker, rock climber, and reader.