WESST Blog

Credit Builders Alliance (CBA) is an innovative national nonprofit network dedicated to building the capacity of a diverse and growing network of hundreds of nonprofits across the country. CBA was created by and for their nonprofit members as a bridge to the modern credit reporting system to help millions of individuals with poor or no credit participate in the mainstream financial system by building credit. WESST has been a CBA member since 2008 and the membership has helped us better serve our clients by reporting WESST borrow data to credit bureaus in a cost-efficient manner.

 

Melissa Toland Williams, WESST’s Loan Operations Officer, has worked with WESST for 10 years and was introduced to CBA in 2010. “CBA has helped me learn and grow in credit building, training, and economic inclusion and justice through various resources and programs that CBA has offered.” CBA offers curriculum called “Credit as an Asset,” a subject that is frequently covered with WESST clients seeking capital to help start and grow their businesses. Given her passion and expertise in this subject, Melissa went on to earn her CBA Master Trainer Certification, which enables experienced credit building practitioners like Melissa become credentialed to deliver CBA’s nationally recognized Credit as an Asset training to financial coaches, counselors, and other practitioners who support low-income and underserved communities in building strong credit profiles.

 

In June 2023, Credit Builders Alliance hosted their 10^th Annual CBA Credit Building Symposium, and this year’s theme was “Bridging the Credit Gap.” Hundreds of practitioners from across the country met in Washington, D.C., to learn about the latest innovations in the credit field, develop relationships with other credit building peers, exchange ideas, and share solutions to help unlock credit as an asset for all. Melissa joined with 2 other Certified Master Trainers to deliver a 3-hour session entitled “Credit as an Asset – Small Business”. This information was valuable for credit counselors who want to better serve their clients wanting to improve their credit.

 

“I really enjoyed the experience of leading a training with other Certified Master Trainers. We all brought our unique strengths and it made for an enjoyable, dynamic training experience.”

 

WESST is so proud of Melissa for earning her CBA Master Trainer certification! This credential officially certifies her expertise in financial capability and all things personal and business credit. Clients regularly approach WESST in search of support to help establish and/or build credit, so having an opportunity to receive coaching from a certified expert provides our clients with both high-quality, accurate advice and an extra layer of reassurance that they are taking the correct steps to strengthen their credit.