In the heart of South Los Angeles, amidst a backdrop of systemic challenges, stands a source of disruptive innovation led by Sherri Francois, a visionary Black female executive. After leading an Emmy-nominated career in entertainment and journalism, she decided to return to the community in which she was born and spent her childhood driven by a profound “Why”: to ensure that all youth in South LA have access to opportunities that enable them to build a better life for their family. This commitment drove Sherri to establish The SoLa Foundation in 2018 as the nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact. Together, these entities are redefining the landscape of social impact through uniting mission-driven capital and a place-based approach to solving the two challenges most affecting Los Angeles: homelessness and the housing crisis.
SoLa Impact exemplifies seeing enormous potential where others are afraid to invest. Founded by Martin Muoto in 2015, with Sherri joining as Chief Impact Officer two years later, SoLa has grown into one of America’s largest Black-run housing developers. SoLa’s investment thesis is simple: at the end of the day, folks want a safe place to live and raise their kids. SoLa set out to build high-quality, affordable, and workforce housing in historically underinvested and under-resourced communities. It has grown to become one of the largest private housers of the formerly homeless in Los Angeles and is building wrap-around supportive services to ensure their residents remain housed for the long term.
The unique ecosystem SoLa Impact and The SoLa Foundation have built thrives on collaboration across sectors—corporate partners like Riot Games and Live Nation Entertainment, non-profit allies such as LA Promise Fund, and traditional philanthropy. Each partnership is mission-aligned and carefully curated to serve each individual holistically.
Sherri led the formation of The SoLa Foundation on a simple premise: “If You Can See It, You Can Be It.” SoLa’s marquee initiative, The SoLa Tech and Entrepreneurship Center Powered by Riot Games, is inspiring the next generation of tech and entrepreneurship leaders and entrepreneurs. From offering skills-based education and certification opportunities for ages 7 to 30 to establishing scholarship funds for first-generation college students, every action is taken to end intergenerational poverty and create access to economic opportunity.
A pivotal element of the SoLa ecosystem is the focus on digital inclusion. Recognizing that South LA’s status as a digital desert hinders economic opportunities, SoLa has spearheaded initiatives like providing free internet devices and launching state-of-the-art tech centers as crucial steps toward closing this gap. With specialized programs in technology, entrepreneurship, arts, media & entertainment, and esports and video game design, students are not only introduced to new career pathways but equipped with skills required by industry leaders like Snap and Microsoft, ensuring their competitiveness in fast-growing sectors.
At its core lies an unwavering commitment from Sherri Francois, who is not just an executive but also a role model for young women of color. Her leadership style—fostering disruptive innovation, camaraderie among her team members, and a “get to yes” approach —is reflective of her deep connection to her work: “This isn’t just a job…It’s personal.”
As one delves deeper into SoLa’s accomplishments—over 1,300 formerly homeless housed since 2020; $1.7M awarded in college scholarships; 5,000 students served since 2022; significant expansions like the upcoming Technology and Entertainment Center powered by Live Nation—it becomes clear that SoLa’s impact transcends numbers. It represents what becomes possible when communities have access to education, economic opportunities, and stable housing when they are seen not for their current circumstances but for their potential.
Sherri’s parting message resonates deeply: “I wouldn’t be here without one word: Access.” It encapsulates her drive to bring more investment and opportunity to a community she loves.
SoLa brings you closer to understanding how integrated efforts can make monumental strides toward solving complex societal issues while encouraging others across sectors to join hands in making a difference. As Sherri aptly puts it: “We’re just getting started.”
Published By: Aize Perez
