Cinnaire has named Dionna Sargent as Vice President, Community Development, in the organization’s Wilmington, DE, office. In this position, Dionna will advance community-based comprehensive development objectives in Wilmington neighborhoods. She will continue to lead the CDFI Advisory Committee to identify community development needs and priorities, coordinate conferences and roundtable discussions on sustainable neighborhood revitalization practices and raise grant funding to support grassroots development projects in Wilmington.
“Dionna is consistently recognized as a true leader and changemaker both in her community and within our organization,” said Susan Frank, Cinnaire Executive Vice President. “This well-deserved promotion recognizes the leadership position Dionna has assumed in Cinnaire’s community development work through her own initiative and determination. Her passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and an inspiration to all who come in contact with her.”
Dionna recently led and coordinated the efforts of Equitable Wilmington, a collaborative partnership between Cinnaire, True Access Capital and the NCALL Loan Fund aimed at promoting inclusive growth in Wilmington’s West, East and Northeast neighborhoods. Under Dionna’s leadership, Equitable Wilmington recently received a competitive $4 million JPMorgan Chase Pro Neighborhood grant that will be used to support affordable housing development, small businesses and community facilities in Wilmington.
“I think one of the key things that makes her effective is that she really truly believes in the work that she does,” said Van Hampton, president & CEO of True Access Capital. “Dionna wants to effect change in the community. She’s made so many relationships. I’m always either bumping into her or she’s been there already. The three CDFIs in Delaware have been meeting regularly and Dionna has been the driving force, keeping meetings on track. We’ve all really come to depend on her.”
Dionna joined Cinnaire in 2014, most recently serving as Community Development Market Leader. A lifelong community advocate, she consistently searches for opportunities to serve and experience different cultures and experiences. In 2019, Dionna was selected by Leadership Delaware as a rising young leader in Delaware. She serves on the board of the Central Baptist Community Development Corporation, Conscious Connections Inc., and Theatrical Delights. Dionna is a proud member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Delaware Chapter, Junior League of Wilmington, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League Young Professionals, and Fund for Women founder. Dionna was recently recognized in a Delaware Business Times article for serving as Cinnaire’s linchpin, a person working to advance the growing collaborative spirit in Wilmington.
Dionna earned her B.B.A from Temple University and M.P.A. from the University of Delaware.
