Markita Morris-Louis

Markita Morris-Louis (Lou-wee), Esq. proudly serves as Chief Executive Officer for Compass Working Capital, a national nonprofit engaging in policy advocacy, direct service, and capacity building to end asset poverty for families with low-incomes and to narrow the racial and gender wealth divides. Markita leads a dynamic team that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the families Compass serves. Her leadership is focused on centering equity in every aspect of Compass’ work, leveraging asset building as a pathway out of poverty, and amplifying the voices of those Compass serves to shift narratives about communities experiencing poverty. Prior to becoming CEO, Markita was Compass’ founding Chief Strategy Officer, leading the organization’s national strategy for scale and impact.

Markita’s 25 year career spans real estate law, community development, economic justice, consumer protection, and asset building. Markita has served on numerous boards including previously chairing the Affordable Housing Advisory Council of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and being appointed by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to serve as a trustee of the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts Board. She currently serves on the Board of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and on the Consumer Advisory Board of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. For her service to Greater Philadelphia, Markita has been named a Woman of Distinction by the Philadelphia Business Journal, a Social Mobility Innovator by the Social Innovations Journal, and was named to the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Power 100 list. Markita is a daughter, wife, mother of Black sons, a sister, a sister-friend, and a mentor. She grew up in subsidized housing in North Philadelphia and believes that reparative justice, including financial reparations for descendants of American enslavement, is necessary to close the racial wealth gap.

Markita holds degrees from Brown University and NYU School of Law and studied at the University of Natal in Durban, Republic of South Africa.

AC25 Session: Improving Financial Stability for Low-Income Renters