I’m an Oakland native, and before I joined the Emerging Developers Program at Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, I already had about a decade of experience as a realtor, along with some small construction work. What I didn’t have was a clear sense of how all of that could add up to something bigger. I didn’t immediately recognize the opportunity for community development within building. The program helped me see how my real estate experience and small construction work could translate into something much bigger.

The format made it possible for me to actually show up. The convenience of a virtual program was great for those of us who work during the day. The instructors gave us so much valuable information, from development history to legal aspects. We learned from their real experiences, the good and the not-so-good, and that amounted to invaluable lessons. Just as meaningful were the people in my cohort, a group of real estate professionals, builders, and affordable housing advocates I’m still connected to today.

Most of all, the program changed how I see my own role. I now feel more equipped to participate in discussions about affordable housing and homelessness. There’s so much opportunity within the solutions that development brings for our city.