Mercedes Gibson

Mercedes Gibson is an Economic Strategist at The Greenlining Institute, where she advances policies and initiatives that expand economic opportunity for small businesses of color. Her work sits at the intersection of racial equity, climate resilience, community development, and small business finance, with a focus on ensuring that historically excluded entrepreneurs can access the capital, resources, and networks they need to thrive.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, economic development, and advocacy, Mercedes helps shape strategies that strengthen equitable economic ecosystems. She currently helps lead the Climate, Community & Economic Resilience (CCER) Series, a statewide initiative exploring how lenders, policymakers, and community organizations can advance climate resilience and equitable financing solutions for small businesses.

A lifelong Oakland resident and small business owner, Mercedes brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Her approach is grounded in the belief that communities most impacted by inequity are also knowledge holders and essential partners in shaping the policies and systems that affect their lives and livelihoods.

Mercedes is also the founder of The Self Integrity Project, a coaching and leadership development practice that helps high-achieving women of color cultivate greater self-trust, alignment, and sustainable success in their careers and lives. Through strengths-based coaching, she supports women in building lives that reflect their values, strengths, and vision for the future. Across both her coaching and policy work, Mercedes is guided by a belief that lasting change requires both strong systems and empowered people.

To learn more about The Self Integrity Project, visit www.mercedesgibson.com/self-integrity.