About Us
Our Staff and Board
A dynamic group of four women is building Sisters of Economic Action from the ground up! We’re empowering women of color, fostering economic growth, and creating impactful change in our communities. Join us on this journey! 🌟 #SistersofEconomicAction
Belle A. Espinal, Executive Director & President
Belle A. Espinal is a dedicated economic development professional, founder, and advocate for community empowerment. With an Executive MBA in progress at Cleveland State University (Spring 2025), she holds an M.A. in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in Comparative American Studies from Oberlin College. Belle’s leadership spans founding Consult Espinal and Sisters of Economic Action, initiatives focused on supporting women of color and fostering equitable community growth. Her career includes impactful roles with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, the City of Cleveland, and Future Heights. A bilingual mentor with CollegeNow, she also champions creative collaborations, like a Afrofuturism events. Belle leverages expertise in real estate development and digital tools to drive lasting change. Passionate about disrupting norms and expanding opportunities, her work empowers individuals and communities to thrive.
LarKesha Burns, Vice President
To be added soon.
Natika Anderson, Secretary
Natika Anderson is a dedicated community leader and banking professional. As PNC's Community Development Officer and VP for the Northern Ohio market, she is committed to driving positive change in the community. Natika actively serves on the boards of PANN Inc. Tutorial Service, The Way, the Truth, and the Life Ministries, and Sisters of Economic Action, leveraging her expertise to address local needs. Outside of her professional and volunteer roles, Natika enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring new culinary delights.
Kishia Townsend, Treasurer
Kishia Townsend has worked in the world of sales, marketing, real estate, and small business growth for over 10 years. She enjoys shaping successful ventures and empowering others to thrive. A strategic thinker and passionate advocate for women’s advancement, she has cultivated a reputation for delivering creative marketing solutions and helping small businesses scale and succeed.
Outside of her professional roles, Kishia is a vibrant social media personality, using her platforms to uplift and inspire women as an advocate for confidence, authenticity, and personal transformation. When she’s not sharing advice online, you might spot her on the small screen as a commercial actor sharing positive energy extending beyond the boardroom!
Destiny Doan, Intern
Destiny Doan is a student at Oberlin College with a passion for service and community engagement. In addition to her work at SEA, she is a Bonner and STRONG Scholar, a social media content creator for OC, a volunteer for Reflection Point, and a researcher studying the impact of mindset and confidence in dog training. Through the involvement in these various fields, Destiny is committed to bring meaningful change and uplifting underrepresented communities.
Our History
Who We Are
Sisters of Economic Action was born out of a shared experience of resilience and a vision for equity. The idea emerged during a pivotal moment when several prominent women of color leaders faced unjust terminations, the organization’s eventual executive director endured being overlooked for key opportunities, and peers across sectors shared stories of being underpaid and overworked.
Recognizing a pattern of systemic inequities, these women came together to transform frustration into action. They envisioned a space where women of color could thrive economically and professionally without the constant barriers imposed by inequitable systems. Through collective determination, Sisters of Economic Action was founded as a platform for advocacy, empowerment, and opportunity, aiming to disrupt the status quo and rewrite the narrative for women of color in leadership and economic spaces.
Today, we continue to fight for change, driven by the belief that our communities deserve better—and that we have the power to build it together.
Our Partners
