Giovana brings almost 20 years of community development experience. She joined La Fuerza in 2009 and later became the Executive Director in 2012. Her responsibilities are to provide overall management and development of the CDFI in the fulfillment of its mission and purpose set by the Board of Directors. Ms. Bracchi works tirelessly to promote sustainable economic growth that will result in the creation of jobs and long-term community assets. Under her leadership, the organization has realized important goals in small business development. Notables are the establishment and growth of the CDFI small business portfolio, an SBA Intermediary Lending Program, a NYS Revolving Loan Fund, and a Consumer Credit Building program. Through her leadership, La Fuerza has helped thousands of local minority and women-owned small businesses. As director, she is also responsible for building relationships and partnerships that enhance the organization and its ability to meet the needs of its diverse constituency. Giovana sits on Ponce Bank’s Advisory Board and the New York State CDFI Coalition Board.

Giovana was born in Chile and came to the US at age 11 with her family to live in Long Island. She lives in Merrick, LI with her husband and daughter.