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Jai Patel

Jai Patel

Jai Patel

Manager of Financial Analysis
Why do you do what you do?

I always found finance to be really interesting. It’s one of the bedrock of our society, and after university, I began working at Wells Fargo in the special assets/loan workout group. After two years at the bank, I decided to spend 18 months backpacking across Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America. During that time, I realized that I wanted to utilize my knowledge of finance to better the communities that I lived in. When I returned to the states, I entered the world of affordable housing and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) prior to joining the finance team at the foundation!

What drew you to the foundation?

What drew me to the foundation was seeing the impact that catalytic capital played in creating service programs, supporting innovative affordable housing solutions, and launching new loan funds. I wanted to support the organization that was creating so much good in our society. I was also drawn to the foundation’s equity agenda since it is a very thought-out systems approach in helping communities thrive.

Are you involved in any volunteer activities?

I served as Board Treasurer for the Purple Tree Café in Davis, CA. The organization created community-based employment for people with disabilities and brings people with and without disabilities together through food, art, and music.

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