


Executive Director

Director of Investor Relations, Impact and Operations

Programs Manager


Technical Assistance Navigator
AJ ShaikhCommercial Lender

Portfolio Manager
Yani RodriguezLending Specialist






AJ Shaikh
Yani Rodriguez
Who We are


FSWCF will allow me to help small entrepreneurs follow their dreams, as I have by becoming Director of Lending. It is an honor to be serve the small business of Southwest Colorado, and to ensure their generational wealth will endure the test of time.

Samantha "Sam" Corkern serves as Director of Investor Relations, Impact, and Operations at First Southwest Community Fund (FSWCF), where she leads efforts to strengthen investor partnerships, advance organizational strategy, and maximize the impact of community investments across rural Colorado. Raised in Elbert County, Colorado, Sam developed a deep appreciation for the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities, shaping her commitment to expanding access to capital and fostering resilient local economies.
At FSWCF, Sam oversees investor relations, impact measurement, operational strategy, and organizational planning. She works closely with investors, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that capital is deployed effectively and that the organization's grants, loans, and programs deliver measurable outcomes for businesses, families, and communities throughout the region. Sam brings experience across local government, the legal sector, international nonprofits, and technology startups, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of finance, operations, and community development. She holds degrees in Business Administration and Human Services, as well as a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University, and is passionate about leveraging strategic investment, strong partnerships, and effective systems to create lasting economic opportunity across rural Colorado.

rebeca snowden
Programs Manager
Rebeca is a bilingual-bicultural professional with a strong background in program management, leadership, education, and community development.
Originally trained and working as an architect in El Salvador for nearly a decade, she brings a unique perspective to her work in the U.S., where she has spent the last 18 years supporting Spanish-speaking communities through culturally responsive services. Her experience includes close collaboration with non-profits, schools, and community partners, always centering the voices and strengths of the communities she serves. With certifications in 12 adult education curricula, she has led programs that empower families to navigate systems, overcome barriers, and access vital resources. Most recently her work with new entrepreneurs has helped launch several cohorts of startups in Colorado, as well as strengthening partnerships with several key stakeholders and business development organizations.
Rebeca is excited to contribute to the mission of FSWCF, supporting rural entrepreneurship in Colorado, and is deeply committed to fostering education, networking, and meaningful growth with businesses of all stages and industries.

lauren harris
Technical Assistance Navigator
Lauren has experience working with entrepreneurs to prepare them for the financial and emotional aspects of business management.
Lauren moved to Colorado in 2024 from Texas, where her background spans many industries, including finance and non-profit. Combining her love for financial education with that of non-profit work, she has spent many years helping entrepreneurs prepare for business ownership. She has experience teaching business classes in topics such as operations, management, and marketing, as well as coordinating grant and loan applications for nonprofits in both the Denver and Houston area.
With an undergraduate degree in Human Communication and Economics from Trinity University, as well as her CFP certification from Rice University, Lauren has spent most of her time working with entrepreneurs to prepare them for the financial and emotional aspects of business management.
In her free time, she volunteers with SCORE, Junior Achievement, and RMMFI as a mentor and coach. She also enjoys exploring Colorado and being outside teaching tennis.

AJ brings a strong commitment to inclusive economic development and small business growth. He currently serves as President & CEO of the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, where he leads statewide initiatives that support entrepreneurship, supplier diversity, and cross-sector collaboration.
His civic leadership includes service on the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) Minority Business Office Advisory Council and the board of Urban Peak, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth experiencing homelessness.
AJ is known for his ability to bridge finance, policy, and community impact, helping organizations advance equitable access to capital and opportunity across Colorado.

