Build from Within Alliance Names Chanell Scott Contreras as President & CEO

The Build from Within Alliance (BfWA) proudly announces the appointment of Chanell Scott Contreras as its new President and CEO, succeeding founding leader Mihailo Temali, a pioneer in community economic development who is retiring after an extraordinary 40-year career.

The transition comes as BfWA marks its 10^th anniversary – a milestone that is being celebrated at its National Convening in Denver, May 14-17, 2025. The event is co-hosted by local BfWA member, Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC), and provides attendees with an on-the-ground look at their innovative community development initiatives. The gathering is bringing together over 100 practitioners, partners, and funders dedicated to advancing neighborhood transformation through comprehensive entrepreneurship support and resources. It serves as both a forward-looking gathering and a meaningful moment to honor Temali’s lasting impact and legacy.

Chanell Scott Contreras brings over 15 years of experience advancing strategies to build thriving communities through entrepreneurship, inclusive finance, and community economic development. Most recently, she served as CEO of Michigan Saves, where she championed accessible financing for clean and efficient energy solutions. Before that, she led ProsperUs Detroit, a BfWA member focused on supporting entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods. Contreras led ProsperUs’ spin out from its former parent agency and grew it into one of the first Black-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan funds in Michigan. Contreras co-owns a small real estate company and previously owned a fair-trade ecommerce business. She was recognized by Crain’s Detroit as a 2024 Notable Black Business Leader and included among their prestigious 40 Under 40 in 2021. She was selected as Leader of the Year by Community Economic Development Advocates of Michigan in 2021.

“Chanell is a transformative leader whose deep commitment to entrepreneurship, equity, cultural competence, and community-rooted innovation makes her the ideal person to lead BfWA into its next chapter,” said Temali. “Her work reflects the heart of this alliance — building local talent, investing in neighborhoods, and creating systems that truly work for all.”

Under Contreras’ leadership, BfWA will continue to grow its national network of local organizations focused on building economic power and neighborhood transformation from within — cultivating entrepreneurship, training local talent, and supporting small business in economically disinvested communities across the country.

“I am honored and excited to step into this role,” said Contreras. “I’ve seen firsthand the power of investing in people and neighborhoods. BfWA is a national movement rooted in local genius, and I look forward to growing our collective impact alongside incredible leaders and partners.”

Also founder of the Neighborhood Development Center and Midtown Global Market in the Twin Cities, Temali leaves a legacy of unwavering commitment to community wealth-building. Under his guidance, BfWA has grown into a vibrant alliance advancing economic self-determination with 22 member organizations nationwide.

About Build from Within Alliance

Build from Within Alliance (BfWA) is a national network of community development organizations supporting local entrepreneurship in neighborhoods across the country. Drawing on the Neighborhood Development Center’s pioneering model of concentrated small business resources and high-touch support, BfWA strengthens local economies in both urban and rural communities. Since its organic beginnings in 2015, BfWA has become a national leader in small business development and entrepreneurship ecosystem building. The Alliance includes 22 member organizations, has trained 4,500 entrepreneurs, and deployed $27.8 million in loan capital over the past five years – supporting the generation of $12 million in commercial rent and $45 million in payroll annually.

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