GULFPORT, Miss. – Renaissance Community Loan Fund (RCLF) is proud to congratulate President and CEO Kimberly LaRosa on being recognized as one of Gulf Coast Woman Magazine’s 100 Successful Women to Know for 2026.
LaRosa was honored during the annual celebration held on June 12 at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, where more than 600 women from across South Mississippi gathered to recognize the remarkable achievements of female leaders making a difference throughout the region. This year’s honorees were selected from nearly 1,000 nominations, making the recognition especially meaningful.
The 100 Successful Women to Know campaign was created by Gulf Coast Woman Magazine to shine a spotlight on influential and impactful women whose leadership strengthens South Mississippi communities. The annual initiative recognizes accomplished women representing a wide range of sectors, including nonprofit organizations, the arts, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, business, and community development.
As President and CEO of Renaissance Community Loan Fund, LaRosa has dedicated her career to expanding economic opportunity, increasing access to capital, and strengthening communities across Mississippi and Alabama. Under her leadership, RCLF has continued to grow its impact through affordable housing initiatives, small business lending, financial education, and community development programs that help individuals, families, and entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
“Kimberly leads with vision, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities we serve,” said the RCLF team. “Her ability to build partnerships, inspire innovation, and create opportunities for others has transformed countless lives and strengthened communities throughout our service area.”
LaRosa’s leadership has helped position RCLF as a trusted community development financial institution, recognized for its commitment to creating pathways to homeownership, supporting entrepreneurs, and advancing economic mobility.
“While this recognition celebrates Kimberly’s accomplishments, it also reflects the collective work of our staff, partners, clients, and stakeholders who share a passion for building stronger communities,” said RCLF. “We are honored to see her leadership recognized alongside so many extraordinary women across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
RCLF extends its congratulations to all of the women recognized through this year’s 100 Successful Women to Know campaign and celebrates their contributions to making South Mississippi a stronger and more vibrant place to live, work, and grow.
About Renaissance Community Loan Fund
Renaissance Community Loan Fund facilitates the development of communities that provide safe, quality housing and create economic opportunities in the communities it serves. As a nonprofit community development financial institution, RCLF provides lending, education, counseling, and business support services throughout Mississippi and Alabama.
