Our WellSpring

In this episode of Our WellSpring, we sit down with Markita Morris-Louis, Esq. to explore her deep commitment to ending asset poverty for families with low incomes through her body of work including her current role as CEO at Compass Working Capital. Markita reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her career path and sheds light on the critical turning point in her life that redefined her leadership and purpose.

As she navigates a fundamental transition within her organization, Markita shares insights on the importance of proximity—staying close to the communities we serve—and the readiness required to embrace new opportunities when the timing is right. She discusses the role of intuition and discernment as essential leadership competencies, unpacking how self-trust influences decision-making at every level.

A remarkable leader, strategist and storyteller, Markita offers a powerful perspective on modeling the behaviors we expect from our teams and leading with authenticity. Whether you're a leader or board member in transition, a champion for economic justice, or someone seeking to deepen your leadership practice, this conversation will leave you inspired to listen to and lean on the voice of your own intuition, embrace change, and lead with purpose.

Tune in for a conversation about transformational leadership, self-trust, and the power of being in the right place at the right time when you are optimally prepared.

Guest/s
Markita Morris-Louis, Esq., proudly serves as Chief Executive Officer for Compass Working Capital, a national nonprofit engaging in policy advocacy, direct service, and capacity building to end asset poverty for families with low-incomes and to narrow the racial and gender wealth divides. Markita leads a dynamic team that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the families Compass serves. Her leadership is focused on centering equity in every aspect of Compass’ work, leveraging asset building as a pathway out of poverty, and amplifying the voices of those Compass serves to shift narratives about communities experiencing poverty and financial challenge. Prior to becoming CEO, Markita was Compass’ founding Chief Strategy Officer, leading the organization’s national strategy for scale and impact.

Before Compass, Markita served as Interim Executive Director of the Arts + Business Council for Greater Philadelphia where she brought a data and outcomes-driven framework to the organization’s work connecting Philadelphia’s business and arts communities to grow the region’s creative economy.

Markita gained significant financial capability experience while serving as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Clarifi, a nonprofit housing and financial counseling agency. At Clarifi, Markita led a team of financial and housing counselors serving 15,000 clients annually and built and managed multiple strategic alliances and partnerships.

Before Clarifi, Markita spent a dozen years in roles related to real estate law, impact litigation and community development, including several years advocating for fair lending, housing and employment practices and supporting affordable housing transactions.

Our WellSpring Host
Uva Coles, Chief Learning Officer

Uva Coles serves as Chief Learning Officer for Spring Point Partners. As the organization's external communications and  learning steward, Uva’s leadership ensures that inclusion, human-centered leadership, and narrative change are woven through every aspect of SPP’s partner-based learning deliveries. A writer, speaker, inclusive organizational strategist, and lifelong learner, Uva believes every room we step into is a classroom. Sometimes we are teachers; but always, we are students. 

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