About Marcia
About Marcia
Entrepreneurial. Driven. Passionate. Marcia Griffin vibrantly radiates all of these qualities as the leader of and driving force behind HomeFree-USA – a HUD intermediary on the front lines of closing the wealth gap in America.
As CEO, Marcia empowers low-to-moderate-income (LMI), middle-income, and households of color to achieve and sustain homeownership. Soon entering its 4th decade in operation, HomeFree-USA has grown substantially with an affiliate network spanning 21 states. Driven by Marcia’s leadership, the organization supports more than 35,000 households annually. Even more remarkable, though, is a 0% foreclosure rate among families who have participated in HomeFree-USA’s programs.
Recognizing the immense value homeownership brings to increasing wealth among POC, and the need for financial education earlier in life, Marcia launched the Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA) in 2017. Serving students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, CFA nurtures leadership skills, bridges gaps in financial literacy, and connects students to financially rewarding internships and careers. Now in its 6th year, CFA extends to 16 HBCUs and has served more than 10,000 students.
Through her decades in the pursuit of empowering families, Marcia is recognized as an expert in homeownership, reaching LMI and POC communities, and one of the most engaging keynote speakers around. She serves on numerous boards and committees as a valued advisor. And in 2022, she became the host of $mart Money Moves: Building Wealth for Everyday People – a TV show dedicated to money management as a means for building wealth.
For Marcia, her organization is part of her family, and her family is part of her organization. Her husband Jim serves as HomeFree-USA’s CFO and her daughters, Simone and Milan, are leading the way for the next generation of Griffins to lead the company.
Marcia Griffin – Wife. Mother. Grandmother. And a tireless advocate for closing the racial wealth gap, one new homeowner at a time.
Keynote Speaker
Whether speaking to corporate leaders, financial institutions, nonprofits, universities, or community organizations, Marcia delivers practical insights that inspire action and create measurable results.
She brings unique insight on topics including:
Wealth Starts at Home – Building Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
Homeownership remains one of the most powerful tools for creating financial stability and generational wealth. Marcia shares practical strategies, industry insights, and real-world solutions that help families move from renting to owning and from surviving to thriving.
The Missing Millions – Reaching Untapped Consumers and Communities
Millions of capable individuals are overlooked by traditional systems despite being financially ready to succeed. Marcia explores how businesses, lenders, nonprofits, and community leaders can create meaningful connections, expand opportunity, and unlock growth in underserved markets.
From Vision to Legacy – Lessons from a Woman Who Built a National Movement
What does it take to build an organization, a brand, and a mission that lasts? Marcia shares her journey as a woman entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and national leader, offering powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, innovation, and staying true to your purpose while scaling impact.
The Future Belongs to the Prepared – Financial Empowerment in a Changing World
The rules of money, credit, homeownership, and wealth-building are evolving. Marcia helps audiences understand the shifts happening today and how individuals, families, and organizations can position themselves for long-term success in tomorrow’s economy.
A seasoned speaker, Marcia has graced stages across the U.S., been interviewed across platforms, and regularly presents to some of the most influential organizations in the world.
Recent Awards
Wealth Watchers President’s Award – 2026
Women with Vision Award – 2026
Joseph Wharton Awards – 2024
The President Joseph R. Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award – 2023
The Alliance Partner – First Home Alliance – 2018
Women of Influence Award – HousingWire – 2015
Legacy Leadership Award – For Outstanding Leadership and Exceptional Vision – Central Jersey CDC – 2011
Heart & Soul Magazine – Woman of Substance Award – 2011
Non-Profit Partner of the Year – United Communities Against Poverty – 2009
In The Media
$MART MONEY MOVES: Wealth Building for Everyday People offers viewers tips and tricks to improve their finances no matter what their personal economic situation—so they can breathe easier and live better.
Marcia speaks to Patty Arvielo, co-founded and leads the nation’s largest Latina-owned mortgage company, New American Funding.
Fighting to protect the dream of black homeownership.
Book - Win Or Learn, The Naked Truth
Marcia joins some of the mortgage industries’ most influential women leaders to share secrets to their business and personal success.
When you look at the line up in this book you just know that the information is going to be powerful and valuable to read.