A Force for Economic Justice

Leah Fremouw is a champion of inclusive financing, driving positive change in Virginia.

Leah Fremouw, a well-known figure in the Commonwealth’s business and

economic development landscape, is driving inclusive financial opportunities in her role as the President & CEO of Bridging Virginia, a burgeoning community development loan fund. With a diverse background spanning multiple sectors, Fremouw has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to support positive change in her community.

Before her current position, Fremouw served as the Senior Vice President and Director of Community Innovation at Virginia Community Capital, a community development financial institution (CDFI). She oversaw talent management and cultural initiatives for CarLotz, a rapidly growing business in Richmond. She also worked as an organizational development consultant with the Performance Management Group at Virginia Commonwealth University, and dedicated three years to working in Richmond's public housing communities at the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA).

Fremouw's passion for her community extends into various regional and state initiatives. She played a pivotal role in the relaunch of the Richmond region's small business development center in 2020. In 2021, her efforts led to the acquisition of $10 million from the General Assembly to establish and fund the state’s new VA CDFI Fund. Notably, Fremouw helped found and chairs the VA CDFI Coalition, a nonprofit entity aimed at being the voice of the CDFI industry in Virginia.

Fremouw's impact extends beyond her professional roles, as evidenced by her involvement in various initiatives and organizations. She sits on the board of ChamberRVA and is a member of Virginia Tech's Center of Economic and Community Engagement Advisory Board. Fremouw is known for launching the Renegade Capital podcast in 2021, and for her leadership roles at TEDxRVA and Impact 100 Richmond. Recognized for her contributions, Fremouw received the VCU Top 10 Under 10 award in 2019, was selected as Wilder Graduate Fellow in 2008 & 2009 and was appointed by Governor Ralph Northam to the state-wide Growth and Opportunity Virginia (GO Virginia) Board. She was reappointed to this board in 2021, a testament to her ongoing dedication to her community.

Now, at the helm of Bridging Virginia, Fremouw embarks on her most ambitious endeavor yet. Bridging Virginia emerged in 2020 as a response to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black-, women-, and minority-owned small businesses. The institution focuses on providing low-interest, patient loans and other capital services to qualifying small businesses in the metropolitan Richmond area and across the state.

Fremouw's vision for Bridging Virginia includes not only expanding its services, including growing its “small dollar” (under $100, 000) direct lending program for small businesses, real estate financing, and burgeoning industries but also offering wealth-building opportunities through community investment transactions. As Bridging Virginia's first full-time employee, she is set to leave an indelible mark on every facet of the organization.

Her approach to effecting change aligns with the incremental nature of community progress and transformation. The West Virginia native, with a past of academic failures and limited success, is no stranger to the incremental work it takes to foster transformation. Fremouw emphasizes the importance of consistent focus, creativity, flexibility, and action in achieving successful community investments.

Her commitment to addressing economic disparities and fostering inclusive development at the grassroots level is a driving force that continues to shape her career and inspire those around her.

Leah Fremouw's ascent to the role of CEO at Bridging Virginia marks another chapter in her journey of advocating for economic justice, community empowerment, and sustainable growth. Her impact reverberates through organizations, initiatives, and policies that uplift communities and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future. - M.M.G

To learn more about Leah Fremouw and Bridging Virginia, please visit BridgingVirginia.org.