Chelsea Oruche - REDF

Our Vision
- Our VisionAn economy that works. for everyone.
- Who We BackWe partner with social entrepreneurs to amplify the success of their businesses and the people they employ.
- How We Do ItWe help our enterprises grow further, faster through a combination of capital, capacity building, and community support.
- ImpactOur partnership accelerates the growth and impact of the enterprises we back.
- InsightsWe evaluate what works and share our learnings to spark action for policy and systems change.
Our Work
- Our WorkWe invest in businesses that reveal and reinforce the talent of people breaking through barriers to employment.
- AcceleratorA six-month cohort-based learning experience for leaders of early-stage enterprises to springboard growth.
- Growth PortfolioA multi-year investment in growth-stage employment social enterprises to help them scale sustainably.
- Impact Investing FundFlexible loan capital for employment social entrepreneurs whose lived expertise is their collateral.
- Gov. Partnerships & PolicyAdvocacy and public sector partnerships to advance the field.
- CommunityCurated space and resources to help our social enterprise partners connect, grow, and lead.
- WorkshopREDFworkshop is an open, free virtual capacity building toolbox to help you build, grow, and sustain high-impact employment social enterprises.
Investments
About
- AboutWe envision a thriving and inclusive society where all people have the jobs and the support they need to realize their full potential.
- Mission & CultureIt’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it that matters.
- Our PeopleWe’re a motley crew of leaders and learners dedicated to building an economy that works. For everyone.
- CareersKnowing your work is improving lives is not the only benefit of the job. View opportunities to join our team.
- Farber FellowshipGrad students bring cutting-edge skills and passion to help employment social enterprises reach their full potential.
- SupportersOur generous funders and individual donors make this work possible.
- HistorySince 1997, REDF has been using business as a force for good.
- FinancialsREDF achieves the highest levels of accountability and transparency.
News

Chelsea Oruche is the senior manager, legal & business development supporting REDF’s Impact Investing Fund (RIIF), where she is responsible for advancing strong legal, compliance, and policy practices. Chelsea also leads outreach and business development with prospective borrowers and partners, supports loan closings, and oversees contracts and external legal counsel across RIIF’s lending activities. She also contributes to policy development efforts that strengthen RIIF’s impact-first lending approach.

In addition to her work with RIIF, Chelsea supports REDF’s Government Partnerships & Policy (GPP) programs by leading and advising on contracting and efforts tied to public funding and government partnerships.

Chelsea is inspired by the ability of employment social enterprise to expand economic opportunity and equip people who have historically been excluded from the workforce with the right resources to take charge of their futures.

Prior to joining REDF, Chelsea worked in education reform, corporate social responsibility, and community development. She also spent two years living and working in El Salvador as a community development specialist with the Peace Corps.

Chelsea has earned a J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, an MPA from the University of Southern California, and a B.A. in international relations from CSU, Chico. She is an active member of the California Bar. Outside of work, she enjoys planning adventures in Los Angeles and abroad.