We believe in the impact credit unions have on local communities
Secoya Partners is a consulting firm that serves credit unions across the United States, with a focus on mission-driven institutions that are dedicated to serving the underserved, including low-income, Hispanic, Black, Native, and Asian communities. Our services are designed to help credit unions gain deeper insights into their communities and obtain grant funding to expand their services in these underserved markets.
The name Secoya is inspired by the sequoia trees that are connected in both visible and invisible ways, holding and supporting each through their roots. We believe that the credit union movement is a crucial method of supporting each other from the ground up and the economic growth of all members of a community.
Through Secoya Partners, you have access to expert guidance every step of the way on your credit union’s journey, from understanding the key requirements of becoming CDFI-certified, to accessing CDFI grant funds, CDFI data reporting, developing financial counseling programs, and building green loan products.
Meet the Team
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Blake Myers
Blake is a seasoned credit union expert with a passion for empowering credit unions to improve members’ lives and revitalize neighborhoods through community-focused lending.
He has over 20 years of experience consulting with credit unions and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Blake has extensive experience in strategic planning, data analysis, and reporting for the CDFI FA/TA, CDFI RRP, Treasury ECIP, and ERP programs. To date, he has worked with more than 150 credit unions across the United States and secured over $100 million in grant funding.
Before launching Secoya Partners, Blake served as Director of FinTech for Inclusiv, a non-profit association of credit unions serving disenfranchised communities. He also has served as Executive Director of MCG Tech.
Originally from Ithaca, NY, Blake currently lives in Milan, Italy, with his wife and cat, Leche. He is an artist and ardent gardener. He holds a Bachelor's degree, cum laude, in Applied Economics & Management and Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.
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Ann Solomon
For the last 20 years, Ann has been working with credit unions, community-based 501(c)3s, and think tanks on community development. She is committed to promoting equity and economic justice through her work.
Before joining Secoya, Ann served on the Inclusiv leadership team, working with a network of over 500 credit unions on innovative programs to expand credit unions’ impact in low-income communities. While at Inclusiv, Ann led the launch of the Pathways to Financial Empowerment platform and the Financial Empowerment Learning Center, which supports the growth of best practice financial coaching. She also oversaw Inclusiv’s fintech partnerships and Inclusiv’s racial equity grant program, which supported over 90 Minority Depository Institutions and Puerto Rican Cooperativas.
Before Inclusiv, Ann was a researcher in sustainable and responsible investing. She started her career developing affordable housing for low-income people in Brooklyn, NY.
Ann lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her wife and her two energetic kids. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from Amherst College and a Master’s degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.