Susan Henry,
Director, Community Impact and Financial Inclusion

susan.henry@alterna.ca
416.575.5862

BACKGROUND

Susan Henry has over 25 years’ experience working with underserved, underrepresented individuals and communities. Her passion and dedication focus on the foundation of “Financial Inclusion for all”. Susan was instrumental in leading the launch of Alterna Savings’ award-winning Community Microfinance Program and the Community Loan Funds Partnership Programs. Since its inception in 2000, over $9.9 million in loans have been disbursed, directly improving the economic participation of underserved communities and groups such as BIPOC, new and racialized Canadians, women, and others who face barriers to financing.

Susan’s expertise was honed through participation in Harvard University’s Executive Programs through courses such as ‘Rethinking Financial Inclusion’.

As a leader in the field of Community Economic Development, Susan has advised policy makers, practitioners, Canadian and US credit unions in Microfinance and Social Finance tools. She played a pivotal role in the design of the Government of Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund Micro Loan Pilot. Susan currently sits on the Advisory Council for the Financial Resilience Institute, is an advisory member of the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s Economic Development Committee and is on the Boann Social Impact Investment Committee.

In her role at Alterna, Susan is responsible for the strategic direction of Alterna’s Community Impact Department, which comprises oversight of the Community Financial Resiliency Program including the nonprofit, charitable, co-operative, and affordable housing portfolio, the Community Microfinance Program, the Community & Financial Inclusion Granting Programs, and Community Financial Education Program.