Mikaila Dahlseng
Joined the Board of Directors in 2026
A common thread throughout my career has been supporting mission-driven financial institutions whose work fills gaps in the mainstream finance industry and seeks to make a broader, more equitable financial ecosystem that works for everyone.
My first hands-on experience with ethical, fair financial practices occurred shortly after college, and after reading Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ book about microfinance, when I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Nicaragua for an internship with a local microfinance organization that worked with historically underserved communities.
Since then, I’ve worked in a variety of roles at financial institutions in the US, including at several community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Since 2018, I’ve worked in the CDFI industry at the funder level on Wells Fargo’s Community Development Finance team, which provides enterprise-level capital to CDFIs across the country.
I studied Spanish and international business at Northwestern College in Iowa and later earned an MBA in economic development from Eastern University in Pennsylvania, where I focused on un- and underbanked communities.
I’m happy to call Minneapolis home and I enjoy spending time outdoors in all seasons, especially camping on the North Shore and cross-country skiing.
Considering the overlap with my interests, Exodus Lending was introduced to me at various points and from numerous people since I first moved to Minneapolis in 2009. When Anne invited me to be on the board, I was thrilled for the opportunity to get involved in an organization whose mission of closing the lending gap so closely aligns with my professional experience.
Who is one person who inspires you and why?
A dear friend who always showed up wholeheartedly in every interaction. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel truly seen and heard, and her example reminds me of the power of being fully present with others.