The Cleveland Equitable Development Initiative (CLE EDI) is empowering a new generation of real estate leaders in their visions to transform Cleveland neighborhoods.  

Last week, Cleveland Development Advisors - the real estate investment affiliate of Greater Cleveland Partnership - announced the top three awardees of this year’s cohort out of 12 members. These three recipients received significant investments to support the next stage of their development: 

• 1st Place - $50,000:  Jenice Contreras, Casa Central (Clark-Fulton) 

• 2nd Place - $30,000: Carnisha Rodgers, Glenville Street of Dreams (Glenville) 

• 3rd Place - $20,000: Ishmael Martin, Modern Housing (Maple Heights)  

“To actually get breakthroughs, to actually see my colleagues win and myself win, is truly inspiring,” said Contreras. 

Cleveland Development Advisors, in partnership with Village Capital and Capital Impact Partners, is honored to continue hosting CLE EDI - a program dedicated to cultivating equitable opportunities, empowering local talent, and accelerating inclusive growth in Cleveland’s real estate landscape. 

"Equity-centered development is more than just a trend, it’s a promise,” said CDA’s President and CEO Yvette Ittu as she addressed cohort members. “A promise that growth should lift all boats, that opportunity should reach every neighborhood and that the future of our city should be shaped by the people who live, work and dream here.” 

To learn more about CDA, click here.

To view photos from our networking reception, click here.

Watch our video recapping this incredible season: