About the RTPark Community Impact Fund
In 2021, the Research and Technology Park (RTPark) launched the Community Impact Fund Corporation (CIF)—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to increase economic opportunity, build a vibrant local economy, and improve quality of life across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The CIF addresses a critical challenge in the Virgin Islands: access to capital for local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community-based organizations.
Our Mission
The mission of the RTPark CIF is to build a vibrant local economy in the United States Virgin Islands by:
- Providing funding and financing that supports local entrepreneurs and businesses;
- Delivering technical assistance to help entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations build capacity and achieve long-term sustainability;
- Enhancing the economic viability of the U.S. Virgin Islands; and
- Collaborating with nonprofit organizations and other partners to advance equitable economic development initiatives and strengthen the community.
Why CIF Matters
Many business development programs are designed for large firms, lack wraparound services, and often overlook local entrepreneurs. CIF meets local entrepreneurs where they are—and helps them grow from there.
Barriers to Funding
CIF Solution
CIF Impact Model—A Catalyst for Business Growth and Community Wealth Building
Collaborative
Specialized technical support via one-on-one advisory in key impact areas.
Contextual
Individualized, place-based capacity strengthening for small island economies.
Connective
Sector-based cohort learning to strengthen entrepreneurial and industry eco-system.
Leadership & Team
Board of Directors
Aminah Saleem
Strategic leader with extensive experience in community development and nonprofit governance across the Virgin Islands.
Eric Sonnier
Accomplished business executive with deep roots in economic development and financial stewardship in the territory.
Cassandra Dunn
Seasoned communications professional dedicated to fiscal responsibility and transparent operations for community organizations.
Rohit Khiani
Leverages strong business operations expertise across cash management, vendor selection, location procurement, partner development, compliance management, service operations, and facility maintenance.
Gechani Martinez De Bengoa
Dedicated community leader and volunteer recognized for fostering collaboration, empowering individuals, and supporting programs that enhance quality of life and economic opportunity.
Malorie Winne Diaz
An experienced legal professional dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. Brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to governance, ensuring organizations operate in accordance with legal requirements and industry best practices.
Nathan Purdome
An accomplished banking leader with a passion for supporting underserved businesses and entrepreneurs by promoting access to resources, capital, and sustainable growth opportunities that contribute to long-term community development.
Ronnie Jones
A local business owner committed to promoting sound financial practices, accountability, and long-term sustainability while providing strategic guidance that strengthens organizational effectiveness and community impact.
Tamra James
A nonprofit leader with extensive fundraising experience and a passion for helping businesses and organizations maximize their resources and secure sustainable funding opportunities.
Executive Team
Dr. Patricia Morris
Expert in economic and social development with over 25 years of leadership experience in non-profit management, global advocacy, and higher education.
Ronnie Johnson
Oversees the Fund's lending strategy, credit analysis, and portfolio performance to ensure strong financial stewardship and equitable access to capital for all entrepreneurs.
Rebekah Hughston
Over a decade of office management experience including project and budget management, event planning, community engagement and training design and development.
Akem Durand
Seasoned financial professional and U.S. Air Force veteran with over a decade of experience in business and real-estate lending across multiple sectors.
Nikky Cole
Strong background in financial services with experience in personal banking, grants management, and residential loan origination supporting community financial inclusion.
T. Omi Pennick
Seasoned public health and organizational development professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting nonprofit and community-based initiatives.
Dr. Patricia Morris
Dr. Patricia T. Morris is an expert in economic and social development with over 25 years of leadership experience across non-profit management, global advocacy, and higher education. As Executive Director of the RTPark Community Impact Fund, Dr. Morris leads initiatives that expand access to capital and strengthen community-based economic growth throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is deeply committed to inclusive economic development across the territory—guided by the belief that strong local businesses build strong communities.
A native of St. Croix, Dr. Morris brings a global perspective, having guided global development programs in more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. She is the creator of InterAction's Gender Audit—an internationally recognized tool for advancing inclusion and institutional transformation.
Before joining the Fund, she served as President of the Equilo Foundation and taught in the International Development Program at American University. Dr. Morris holds a Ph.D. in International Politics from Florida State University and is the 2025 recipient of the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum HERS Award.
Akem Durand
Akem J. Durand is a seasoned financial professional and U.S. Air Force veteran with over a decade of experience in business and real-estate lending. As Loan Officer for the RTPark Community Impact Fund, he supports entrepreneurs and small businesses across the U.S. Virgin Islands by facilitating access to capital and guiding sustainable growth.
Before joining the Fund, Akem served as Vice President and Business Development Officer at Colony Bank, originating more than $30 million in new transactions within his first year. He also founded Swift Capital Options, a financial services firm focused on technology-driven lending and client empowerment.
Akem holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Shaw University and is pursuing his MBA at North Carolina State University. His expertise in financial analysis, SBA loan origination, and relationship management reflects his commitment to inclusive economic development.
Rebekah Hughston
Rebekah Hughston brings over a decade of office management experience including project and budget management, event planning, community engagement and training design and development. A graduate of Brooklyn College, Rebekah has worked with organizations and businesses in various states on the mainland as an Executive Assistant, Corporate Receptionist, Community Events Coordinator and Training Coordinator.
Her background as a Training and Community Events Coordinator allows her to fuse her passion for the arts while promoting recovery and healing spaces in underserved communities. Bekah's background in planning and coordinating events centers a focus on awareness, learning, and healing. Her passion has brought peoples from all walks of life within environments that encourage individual and community wellness.
She is delighted to bring her office management and healing skills to the CIF team.
Nikky Cole
Nikky Cole provides essential support to the Community Impact Fund's Loan Unit, managing client communications and assisting with loan processing to ensure a seamless borrower experience. She brings a strong background in financial services, with experience in personal banking, grants management, and residential loan origination.
A graduate of the University of the Virgin Islands with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Finance concentration), Nikky also holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia Southern University. Her combined training in finance and public service allows her to balance fiscal precision with community-driven values.
Committed to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy, Nikky contributes daily to the Fund's mission of expanding financial inclusion and supporting sustainable business growth across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tiffany "Omi" Pennick, MPH
Tiffany "Omi" Pennick is a seasoned public health and organizational development professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting nonprofit and community-based initiatives across the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa.
A native of St. Croix, Omi is the founder and CEO of Developing Solutions Consulting Agency, where she has secured over $7 million in grant funding for clients and led strategic planning, program design, and leadership training initiatives.
Her work centers on building sustainable organizations and fostering economic and social resilience through inclusive program and partnership development. Omi holds a Master of Public Health from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science from Xavier University of Louisiana.
Ronnie Johnson
Ronnie N. Johnson serves as Chief Financial Officer for the RTPark Community Impact Fund, Inc. (CIFVI), where he oversees the Fund's lending strategy, credit analysis, and portfolio performance to ensure strong financial stewardship and equitable access to capital.
He brings extensive experience in financial services and risk management, guiding the Fund's efforts to provide gap-financing and business lending that fuel innovation, job creation, and economic resilience throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Ronnie's leadership has been instrumental in advancing the Virgin Islands Catalyst Fund, supporting ventures in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and sustainable development. His deep commitment to economic empowerment and community growth reflects the Fund's mission to expand financial inclusion and strengthen the territory's entrepreneurial ecosystem.