The Women’s Sustainable Development Initiative (WSDI) is a Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2022. Our mission is to empower emerging women developers in commercial real estate, with a focus on projects in economically disadvantaged communities that integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Predevelopment Funding
We provide critical early-stage financial support—including up to $50,000 per project—to help women developers move projects forward in low-income communities.
Capacity-Building Training & Mentorship
In 2024, WSDI launched WE Build, an 11-month accelerator designed to equip women with the skills, tools, and networks needed to succeed. Participants receive technical guidance, mentorship, site visits, peer collaboration, and may qualify for a $50,000 recoverable grant to launch their projects.
Cohort-Based Developer Support
Launching in 2026, our WE Develop cohort will expand on this model—offering enhanced technical assistance, deeper mentorship, and peer networks tailored to emerging women developers ready to scale.
Expanding Networks & Visibility
WSDI builds credibility and connections for women developers by hosting community meetings, forging relationships with mission-aligned funders, and creating a supportive professional network dedicated to equity in commercial real estate.
Community of Emerging Developers
Since our launch, we have cultivated a network of over 140 emerging women developers, primarily in Michigan. Collectively, they are advancing more than $35 million in housing projects that have begun breaking ground within the past year.
Alumni Success Stories
Our participants demonstrate the power of WSDI’s model:
Focused Dialogue & Responsive Design
We actively engage with a community of women in commercial real estate, ensuring that WSDI’s programs directly address the real-world barriers women developers face.
Scan the QR code to make a one-time or monthly donation to the Women’s Sustainable Development Initiative (WSDI).
Your sponsorship or donation helps fund programs that empower emerging women developers through access to capital, technical support, and opportunities to lead community-focused real estate projects.
Every contribution makes an impact.
Whether you’re a corporate sponsor or an individual donor, your gift helps us create lasting change.
Scan. Support. Sustain.
Just point your phone at the QR code to get started.
Thank you for investing in women who build stronger, more inclusive communities
August 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Lisa Campbell, Executive Director
Email: contactus@womendevelop.org
Social: @wsdiwomendevelop
Website: www.womendevelop.org
Women’s Sustainable Development Initiative Announces Call for Applications for 2026 WE Develop™ Cohort Detroit, MI
August 2025 — The Women’s Sustainable Development Initiative, Inc. (WSDI) is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of WE Develop™, a 10-month accelerator program for small-scale commercial real estate developers in Michigan. Applications are open through September 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Now in its third year, WE Develop (formerly WE Build) equips early-stage developers with technical assistance, mentorship, and peer networking to advance neighborhood-scale real estate projects. The program supports WSDI’s mission to empower women and local changemakers to build inclusive, community-centered spaces.
Past participants include Ronita Coleman of LJ Golden Realty, currently leading a 50-unit historic apartment renovation in Pontiac, and ShaWanna Gajewski of Gajewski Homes, who recently broke ground on the first phase of a 72-unit single-family development in Inkster.
Closing the Access Gap in Real Estate Development
Barriers to entry in real estate development remain high, especially for those without legacy
industry connections. WE Develop helps emerging developers overcome challenges related
to site planning, zoning, financing, and project management by providing direct support and
resources.
“We believe the future of real estate is local and inclusive,” said Lisa Campbell, Executive
Director of WSDI. “WE Develop gives emerging developers the tools and relationships they
need to succeed—not only for themselves, but for the communities they serve.”
Program Features
WE Develop offers a cohort-based experience that includes:
• Real estate training and project-specific technical assistance
• One-on-one mentorship with experienced industry professionals
• Peer learning and collaboration opportunities
• Support with capital access and development strategy.
• Eligibility to apply for up to $50,000 in predevelopment funding. Funding is subject to application approval and availability of funds.
Participants also benefit from access to a growing network of local developers dedicated to building long-term value in their communities.
Eligibility Requirements
WE Develop is specifically designed for women who:
• Own and operate a real estate development business in Michigan.
• Have at least two years of commercial real estate or related business experience
• Hold site control (with no liens) for a small-scale commercial, mixed-use, or
community-oriented development project.
• Integrate sustainability in their development goals.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online at: www.womendevelop.org/apply-2026-we-develop
Deadline: September 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Cost to Participants: There is a one-time, non-refundable $200 membership fee required to
participate in the program.
About WSDI
The Women’s Sustainable Development Initiative (WSDI) supports women working to lead equitable, community-rooted real estate projects. Since its launch in 2022, WSDI has built a community of over 140 emerging women developers, primarily in Michigan and has been instrumental in over $35 million in Michigan housing projects breaking ground within the last year.
The next next cohort, WE DEVELOPE will be held in 2026.
For more information, please visit www.womendevelop.org.
"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
"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
"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