Today we’d like to introduce you to Myrlande “Lande” Simeon.
Hi Myrlande “Lande”, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
was born and raised in Miami to immigrant Haitian parents who taught me the value of hard work, faith and resilience. Their sacrifices shaped everything about who I am and pushed me to build a life rooted in purpose and service.
My career in finance began, where I spent years learning how to truly support entrepreneurs and families with the right financial tools. I eventually became a top business banker at Bank of America, managing a strong portfolio and helping small businesses grow. That experience opened the door for my transition to community development finance, which is where my passion and purpose came together.
Today I serve as the South Florida Regional Director for BBIF Capital. In this role I lead lending and technical assistance efforts across the region and have deployed over fifteen million dollars in the last three years to small businesses and developers of affordable housing. I take a lot of pride in being part of work that strengthens communities and expands economic opportunity.
I am also the founder of Elevate Her Foundation, a youth organization dedicated to empowering young girls through sports, mentorship and education. Elevate Her has become one of my greatest joys because it allows me to pour into the next generation the same way my parents and community poured into me.
My journey has been shaped by faith, perseverance and a deep commitment to making sure those who look like me have access, opportunity and support. I’m grateful for every step that brought me here and even more grateful for the work I get to do every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I grew up in an environment that came with its own challenges, but my mother made sure those challenges never became excuses. She worked tirelessly to pave the way for my success and created a foundation of strength, faith and determination that carried me through every season of my life.
Throughout my career I have faced obstacles that many in my community experience, including moments of subtle and not-so-subtle racism, social barriers and professional resistance. I’ve also encountered resentment from individuals who did not always understand my drive or my purpose. These moments were difficult, but they pushed me to be better, stay focused and continue opening doors for others.
Every challenge became part of my story and helped shape the leader I am today. Each setback taught me something and reinforced my commitment to uplift my community, create access and continue moving forward with integrity and purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Regional Director at BBIF Capital where I lead lending across South Florida. I specialize in business lending, community development and affordable housing finance. My work centers on helping underserved communities gain access to capital and the resources they need to grow. In the last three years, I have deployed over fifteen million dollars to small businesses and developers of affordable housing. I am known for combining financial expertise with a community-centered approach that keeps people at the heart of every decision.
I’m also the founder of Elevate Her Foundation, a youth organization that empowers girls through sports, mentorship and education. Through Elevate Her, I create safe spaces where young girls can learn discipline, build confidence and see possibilities beyond their environment. Watching these girls grow into strong leaders is one of my proudest accomplishments.
What sets me apart is my lived experience and my commitment to purpose. I understand what it means to come from a place where opportunities are scarce. I understand the weight of responsibility when you are the first to break barriers in your family. I bring that perspective into every room I walk into. I lead with empathy, strategy and a deep desire to create pathways for those who often get overlooked.
My work is not just about numbers or programs. It is about impact. It is about legacy. That is what drives me every day.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned is that resilience will take you further than pressure. Life will test you, people will doubt you and the path will not always be fair, but your ability to keep moving forward determines everything. I have also learned the power of staying rooted in purpose. When your work is aligned with who you are and who you serve, every challenge becomes part of the mission and every success becomes bigger than you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landythebrand?igsh=MXE0cHcwZnF2emJjeg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myrlande-simeon-7556a5a0?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
