Since its founding in 2015, Madison365 has annually recognized Wisconsin’s most influential Black and Latino leaders. This September, the publication is once again highlighting outstanding professionals from across the state’s Latino communities — honoring elected officials, business leaders, and community advocates who are making a lasting impact in their local areas.
Forward Community Investments is proud to share that a member of our Board of Directors and a representative of our organization has been recognized among Madison365’s Most Influential Latino Leaders in Wisconsin.

Jasmine Mercado
Jasmine Mercado is vice president and commercial lender at Spring Bank Wisconsin. Over the past 10 years, she’s held similar positions at Town Bank, US Bank, Waukesha State Bank and Huntington National Bank. She is a member of the executive board and treasurer of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority; a board member of Forward Community Investments; vice president of the Local 212 MATC Believe in Students Fast Fund; and a member of the board of the International Institute of Wisconsin. She’s served on more than a dozen other boards and committees over the past decade. In 2025, BizTimes Milwaukee named her a Notable BIPOC Executive, and in 2024 a Notable Commercial Banking Leader. She holds an MBA from Alverno College.
About Forward Community Investments
Forward Community Investments (FCI) is a statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to igniting the future of nonprofits, real estate entrepreneurs, and small business owners by providing financial support that allows them to thrive. Our work investing in the communities and neighborhoods that need it most promotes a future where all Wisconsin residents have access to the resources, partnerships, and capital needed to build a prosperous, self-sustaining future.