(GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network) – Posted by Michael Lamb – Echelon Magazine

As CEO of Boston Community Capital, Elyse Cherry has overseen the investment of more than $900 million into struggling communities nationwide.

These investments have helped build affordable housing, schools and community facilities, renewable energy systems, and businesses creating jobs and opportunities in low-income communities.

“Investors come to us expecting a financial return, but also knowing that social returns – access to housing, education, health care and quality jobs – are a key part of our mission,” Cherry said.

“We believe low-income people are entitled to the same expertise and expectations of excellence as their wealthier neighbors,” Cherry said. “We deliver that excellence by using the same tools of finance that often work against the interests of low-income people and turning them around to create access to credit and expertise.”

Fighting systems of inequality is a lifelong commitment for Cherry.

A former director of GLAD, she chaired the board of MassEquality during its successful campaign for marriage equality in Massachusetts.  She plays an active role in advocating for the LGBT community politically, and recently became active in LPAC, a political action committee created to support candidates who champion issues impacting lesbians and their families.

“The struggle for equality goes beyond equal rights – we must also fight for equal opportunity,” said Cherry. “

“There’s a clear connection between the work I do for LGBT rights and the work I do to lift up low-income communities.”

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