Chanell Scott Contreras is CEO of the Build from Within Alliance (BfWA), a national network advancing entrepreneurship to revitalize disinvested neighborhoods from within. She leads efforts to strengthen small business ecosystems, expand access to capital, and ensure entrepreneurs in low-income communities have the tools to create wealth and transform their neighborhoods. 

With 20 years of experience in community economic development, Chanell is known for equity-driven leadership. Prior to BfWA, she served as CEO of Michigan Saves, where she expanded equitable access to energy efficiency and clean energy financing. As Executive Director of ProsperUs Detroit, Chanell led the organization’s transformation into Michigan’s first Black-led certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan fund. 

Earlier in her career, Chanell worked with Evergreen Cooperatives and as a National Urban Fellow at The Cleveland Foundation. A University of Michigan alumna, she also holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College (CUNY).