The Racial Wealth Gap: Understanding Housing's Role and Rewriting the Narrative

Dr. Audia Robinson, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the CEO and Founder of DeSylvia Investments, the company behind the holistic brand DeSylvia. What began as her love for travel, education, and wellness has grown into a mission to help others live with purpose, prosperity, and wholeness.

Through DeSylvia, Dr. Robinson provides opportunities and resources that empower individuals and communities to thrive—offering financial education, tailored travel experiences, and essentials that support everyday well-being. Her work is a reflection of her belief that true wealth extends beyond finances.

With over a decade of experience in financial services, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Penn State University and an MBA and a PhD in Community Engagement from Point Park University. Her doctoral research focuses on "Understanding the Lived Experiences of Building and Sustaining Generational Wealth Among Black Communities," underscoring her lifelong commitment to equity and empowerment.

A passionate speaker and mentor, she inspires audiences from elementary classrooms to universities, helping people of all ages see financial education, worldwide destinations, and wellness as pathways to transformation. She challenges us to not only dream of a better future, but to create it. Grounded in wellness, guided by wisdom, and enriched by experience, Dr. Audia Robinson continues to turn passion into impact, through DeSylvia.

Fred Banuelos | FHLBank Pittsburgh | Community Investment Business Development Manager

Prior to joining the Bank in 2018, Mr. Bañuelos worked for the Harrisburg Housing Authority, where he managed operations for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Public Housing Program and Capital Improvement Program. Prior to that, he was Deputy Director for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Executive Director of the Alliance for Building Communities, non-profit affordable housing development corporation and Realtor for over 25 years.

 Mr. Bañuelos is a member of several affordable housing organizations, including the Allentown Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Regional Housing Legal Services, the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and  PA Housing Alliance. He is also a founding member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley.