The Economic Development Committee is dedicated to fostering economic stability, promoting community wealth building, and enhancing resilience within our community and our members.

Our mission, rooted in the Financial Fortitude initiative, is to promote the standard of living and economic health of African American and historically marginalized communities. We focus specifically on Washington D.C.'s Wards 5, 7, and 8 by strategically supporting local and Black-owned businesses and empowering residents with financial education and targeted support to enhance community wealth-building and resilience.

We achieve this through a range of initiatives designed to promote the understanding of all aspects of the financial system, including budgeting, personal wealth management, entrepreneurship, and the steps to financial freedom.

Discover just a few of the ways we are putting our mission into action:

• The Economic Empowerment Expo: A Day to Empower Your Financial Future! This dynamic day provides the community with the knowledge and tools for informed financial decisions. Attend engaging workshops on Entrepreneurship & Franchising, Estate Planning, the Psychology of Money, and Retirement Planning, and explore services from a variety of participating financial vendors.

• DFREE Learning Series: Based on the "Say Yes to No Debt" curriculum, this series equips participants with practical, values-based principles for achieving financial freedom. Learning includes managing finances, saving, investing, and retirement planning. We supplement the learning with four in-person growth group sessions, culminating in a graduation at the Economic Empowerment Expo.

• FCAC Financial Fortitude: Designed to "put our money where out mouth is" and empower our members, this program aims to increase the percentage of sorors with essential financial planning documents and habits, such as an estate plan/will, advanced directives, a budget, and emergency savings.

• 40-Day Abundance Journey: A transformative, sustained program implemented to help Sorors cultivate a mindset of joy, prosperity, and financial optimism. Through daily focus and reflection, participants recognize the abundance that already lies within and strengthen the mental foundation necessary for long-term financial fortitude and success.  

• Buy Black Week: We are committed to spending a portion of chapter funds with Black-Owned businesses and use our social media to encourage others to do the same. During Buy Black Week, we run a special social media campaign to drive support to these vital enterprises, especially those in our community.