Oct 313 min read

Desiree’ Wilkins Finch: Leading Tacoma’s Journey for Equity and Growth

Through Tacoma Urban League and Rise LWP, Desiree’ drives impactful change across the community

By Like Media Team

Desiree’ Wilkins Finch’s dedication to equity and community empowerment has made her a driving force in Tacoma. As the founder of Rise Leadership With Purpose (Rise LWP), The Tacoma Black Fund, and the newly appointed CEO of Tacoma Urban League, Desiree’s path reflects resilience. Transitioning from union organizing to organizational development, Desiree’ faced obstacles that fueled her determination to launch Rise LWP. This organization provides executive coaching and organizational development through her ‘Examine, Explore, Transform’ model, offering leaders space to reflect, embrace new ideas, and lead impactful change.

The Pathways to Power executive leadership program, a flagship initiative of Rise LWP, focuses on emotional intelligence, resilience, and identity, guiding Black, Latino, and Indigenous (BLI) leaders through growth and empowerment. Meanwhile, The Tacoma Black Fund, a community-led initiative, funds projects celebrating Black creativity and innovation. Desiree’ proudly highlights how, in its first year alone, The Tacoma Black Fund raised and distributed over $50,000 to support Tacoma’s Black entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries.

Desiree’s work led to her role as President and CEO of Tacoma Urban League, which she describes as “following in the footsteps of great leaders under the legacy of Tom Dixon.” Originally from Chicago, Desiree’ moved to Washington in 2011 and settled in Tacoma in 2017. With a background including certification from the National Urban League and collaborations with local leaders and organizations, she has built a deep connection to Tacoma, serving on boards and advisory councils and leading community initiatives while maintaining ties with her family and mentors.

As she steps into her role at the Tacoma Urban League, Desiree’s priorities are clear. She has crafted a 100-day plan focusing on financial and program audits, engaging with community leaders, and creating a sustainable fundraising strategy for impactful, long-term initiatives. She envisions Tacoma Urban League as a model for growth, fostering a resilient foundation to meet Tacoma’s evolving needs. Her focus on creating a continuous learning and development culture underscores her commitment to sustainable, adaptable community support.

Desiree’ acknowledges the challenges of change in management, especially when introducing new directions. She plans to address these openly, aligning her team around shared goals and fostering an environment where difficult conversations are welcomed. Her thoughtful approach,

combined with her dedication to joy and resilience, fosters trust and creates a strong foundation for a lasting impact.

Community involvement is central to Desiree’s vision. She invites local businesses and individuals to support Tacoma Urban League by contributing financially, engaging in community initiatives, and collaborating as partners. Her advice to young leaders in Tacoma, especially women of color, is to “prioritize self-care and pursue careers aligned with your passions. Financial success often follows when personal joy and purpose drive one’s work.”

Exciting initiatives are on the horizon for Tacoma Urban League and Rise LWP. Tacoma Urban League’s 11th annual Holiday Luau will take place on December 7, and The Tacoma Black Fund is planning its First Annual Fundraiser for February 6, 2025. Rise LWP’s Pathways to Power program is set to begin a new cohort in January, fostering a new wave of empowered leaders.

In her closing words, Desiree’ expresses gratitude for her support system, including her family— her mom, who relocated from Chicago, and her 10-year-old son Lotez Jr.—her close friends, ALF XXVII and LT 20 cohorts, and mentors. She feels blessed by their encouragement and shared wisdom, which remind her to keep faith at the forefront: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

For more information on how to get involved or support these transformative initiatives, visit Tacoma Urban League at TheTacomaUrbanLeague.org, The Tacoma Black Fund at TacomaBlackFund.com, or Rise LWP at RiseLWP.com.