The Women Empowered to Build (WE Build) program was created to accelerate the fundability, stability and growth of the women-led businesses and women-led nonprofit organizations in real estate development. Cinnaire and WSDI are committed to paving a new path toward local wealth building, an inclusive economic opportunity, and collective resources to help women developers grow their careers and support communities.
Deadline to apply, October 31, 2023.
Want to do more? Great! You can also donate monthly with WSDI's WOMENinCRE initiative.
To learn more and donate monthly, please click the link below.
Have a look around and learn all there is to know about WSDI
The Women's Sustainable Development Initiative (WSDI) is a non-profit organization based in Michigan with a clear mission: to empower emerging women in the field of commercial real estate development, particularly those from marginalized communities such as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), to undertake projects in economically disadvantaged areas that incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
WSDI is dedicated to achieving this mission by offering financial support, educational resources, and valuable networking opportunities exclusively to women involved in commercial real estate development, with a special emphasis on those who identify as BIPOC.
We serve as the next crucial step for women developers who have completed the necessary education and training required to embark on their independent business ventures and real estate projects.
"The WSDI Focus Group has been a great in terms of learning and building my development skills. It is a safe place to comfortably expose your eficiencies/shortcoming, get positive feedback and grow your understanding and knowledge. I love the synergy of the group and look forward to the creative ideas and innovations that always come out of our discussions". - Beverly Beard
"WSDI has been such a gamer changer for me. I have learned so much from everyone involved. The founding board members have gone above and beyond to making themselves available for any guidance or expertise I needed. WSDI has opened my eyes to some many things in the land use/ development sector. I am so grateful to be apart of this amazing group and to know these phenomenal women". - Aftan Malone
"I have been working in various fields of real estate for over 20 years. I worked for real estate developers for over 10 years and I learn something new in every session with WSDI. I’m embarking upon my own first new construction developments and having WSDI as a source of information for things that arise gives me confidence that I can successfully navigate the development process. Truly a blessing ". – Samantha Jenkins
"The insights I have learned from this group has help me move my project forward with a greater understanding of what's needed to reach the finish line. The inspiration of hearing other women's journey and the resources they freely share is priceless. We were provided access to the ULI Spring event, and I was able to have a vendor table to show my renderings and discuss my project with the attendees. I am looking forward to being in this empowering group until I break ground". -
Kimle Nailer, Nail-Rite Construction Company, Inc.
" Whether the developer is in the ideate or construction phase, WSDI has provided a relevant safe meeting place for emerging female developers. WSDI has provided not only resources, but a sisterhood of mentors and mentees that offers support in assisting emerging developers over the hurdles of Michigan development processes and encouragement when navigating what can seem like tough terrain in new territory". -Ronita Coleman
Interested in making an even greater impact? Fantastic! Consider joining our monthly donation program through WSDI's 100WOMENinCRE initiative. To find out more and make monthly contributions, simply click on the link below. Your sustained support means the world to us!
We kindly invite you to contribute to WSDI and support our important mission. Your donation is eligible for tax deduction. To make a one-time donation, please click on the link below.