Keepingly?

Keepingly?'s WOTD: ???? Honoring Dr. Gina Merritt: Champion of Inclusive Community Development ???? Today, we celebrate Dr. Gina Merritt, MBA, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming #underserved #communities through innovative #real #estate development and #economic #empowerment. As the founder and principal of Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures L.L.C. (NREUV), Dr. Merritt has over 27 years of experience in #real #estate development, #finance, and #asset #management. Her leadership has guided NREUV in managing projects valued at over $580 million, encompassing thousands of #housing units and #mixed-use spaces. Dr. Merritt's expertise spans #mixed-use developments, #affordable #housing, and public-private partnerships, with a track record of underwriting billions in #real #estate transactions. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to #social #equity. She founded Project Community Capital? (PCC), an #economic #empowerment platform that connects individuals in #low-income #communities with employment opportunities, ensuring contractors and developers meet socio-economic goals while providing real pathways to success. In recent years, Dr. Merritt has played a pivotal role in #initiatives supporting #minority #developers. She has been involved in programs designed to help #Black and #Latino #developers overcome #systemic barriers and scale their businesses. Her leadership also extends to revitalizing neighborhoods by transforming long-vacant buildings into contemporary #housing, demonstrating her commitment to #community-led #development. ?? Thank you, Dr. Gina Merritt, MBA, for your unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and relentless pursuit of social equity. Your contributions have not only advanced the fields of real estate and community development but have also positively impacted countless individuals and communities. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do. ?? #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #DrGinaMerritt #WomenInRealEstate #CommunityDevelopment #Leadership #AffordableHousing #Keepingly Dr. Gina Merritt, MBA Marcia Griffin Nicole Paulino Lisa Rice Laura Escobar Pamela Perry Joe Ventrone Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Nikitra Bailey Daniel Smith, MBA Sonya Rocvil, CPA Dawanna Williams Shaun Belle Karim Hutson Ola Oyinsan Hixon Gina Nisbeth Michael Amir Nelson Zambrano Bruce Marks Marietta Rodriguez

Keepingly?'s WOTD: ??? Celebrating Jennifer Castenson: A Visionary in Real Estate and Construction Innovation ??? Today, we honor Jennifer Castenson, a dynamic leader whose contributions have significantly influenced the realms of #real #estate, #homeownership, and #construction #technology. As the Vice President of Ambassador and Industry Partner Programs at Buildxact, Jennifer plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration across various sectors involved in custom #homebuilding and #remodeling. Her efforts are instrumental in guiding the #development of relevant #product #solutions that address the evolving needs of the industry. Jennifer’s career trajectory is marked by a series of impactful roles that showcase her dedication to advancing the housing sector. Prior to her tenure at Buildxact, she served as the Vice President of Programming at Zonda, a national media and data group, where she was responsible for curating content that resonated with industry professionals. Additionally, she is a contributing writer for Forbes, where she explores #innovative #solutions within the built environment, shedding light on emerging #trends and #technologies that are shaping the future of #housing. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jennifer is deeply committed to social causes. She serves on the board of Miracle Travel Works, a #nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families seeking medical treatment for their children by alleviating travel-related #financial burdens. This role underscores her compassionate nature and dedication to making a positive impact beyond the confines of her industry. In her current position at Buildxact, Jennifer continues to be a catalyst for change, leveraging her extensive experience to bridge gaps between various stakeholders in the #construction and #real #estate sectors. Her leadership is characterized by a forward-thinking approach that embraces #technology and #innovation, ensuring that industry professionals are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate an ever-evolving landscape. ?? Thank you, Jennifer Castenson, for your unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Your contributions have not only advanced the fields of real estate and construction but have also positively impacted countless individuals and communities. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do. ?? #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #JenniferCastenson #WomenInRealEstate #ConstructionInnovation #Leadership #Homebuilding #Keepingly Daniel Smith, MBA Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Lisa Rice Nikitra Bailey Marietta Rodriguez Marcia Griffin Joe Ventrone Laura Escobar Nicole Paulino Richard Venegar Gillian Marcelle, PhD

?? Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady Who Fought for Fair Housing Eleanor Roosevelt wasn’t just a First Lady—she was a fearless $advocate for public #housing and #fair #living conditions. In the 1930s, as millions of Americans faced #housing $insecurity, Eleanor championed #policies that provided #affordable #homes for struggling families. She played a key role in: ?? The 1937 Housing Act, which laid the foundation for public housing programs. ?????????? Fighting for racial integration in housing, defying segregation-era norms. ?? Demanding better living conditions for low-income families, using her platform to drive change. Her legacy reminds us that #safe, #affordable #housing is still an urgent issue today. ?? What Say You? What’s the biggest challenge facing public housing today, and how can we fix it? ??Share your thoughts in the comments!?? "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #PublicHousing #WomenInPolitics #Keepingly Joe Ventrone Gillian Marcelle, PhD Richard Venegar Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Nelson Zambrano Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer

??? Keepingly?’s Woman of the Day: Nykia Wright – A Transformative Leader in Real Estate ??? Today, we celebrate Nykia Wright, a trailblazer whose leadership is shaping the future of #real #estate and #homeownership. As the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of REALTORS? (NAR), Nykia is driving change, advocating for policies that promote #homeownership, and ensuring #real #estate #professionals are equipped for success in an evolving market. Her journey to NAR is marked by excellence in #leadership and #strategy. An Atlanta native, Nykia earned her bachelor’s degree in #finance from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from the The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. With a strong background in #financial services and operational transformation, she previously served as the CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times, leading the publication through a critical digital transformation. Since stepping into the role of NAR CEO, first in an interim capacity in 2023 and officially in 2024, Nykia has been at the forefront of #initiatives to enhance the association’s value to its members. She successfully led complex negotiations on broker commission claims and introduced the Culture Transformation Commission, focusing on fostering an #inclusive and #respectful environment in the #real #estate industry. Nykia’s advocacy extends beyond NAR, engaging directly with #lawmakers to push forward critical #housing #legislation. She has championed #policies like the More Homes on the Market Act, which increases capital gains exclusions for #home sellers, and the Yes In My Backyard Act, aimed at reducing barriers to #affordable #housing development. Her commitment to making #homeownership #accessible and #equitable continues to influence #housing #policies nationwide. She is also redefining the member experience at NAR, working closely with #real #estate #professionals to tailor programs that meet their evolving needs. By prioritizing dialogue, feedback, and innovation, she is ensuring that NAR remains a trusted resource for its members. ?? Thank you, Nykia Wright, for your bold #leadership, #vision, and #dedication to empowering #real #estate #professionals and #homeowners. Your work is making a lasting impact on the future of real estate! #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #NykiaWright #WomenInRealEstate #Homeownership #Leadership #Keepingly Sherry Chris Nykea Pippion McGriff, CIPS Marietta Rodriguez Lisa Rice Pamela Perry Sheryll Cashin Skylar Olsen National Association of REALTORS? Laura Escobar Laura Grannemann Kimberlee Cornett Marcia Griffin Nicole Paulino Joe Ventrone Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Nikitra Bailey Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Richard Venegar Vance K. Jackson Jr. Dr. Jessica Lautz

?? Serena Williams: Game, Set, Match—Building Wealth Beyond the Court Serena Williams isn’t just a sports legend—she’s a #real #estate investor, business mogul, and advocate for #financial #literacy among women. ?? Real Estate Investments: Serena has built a diverse #property portfolio, investing in luxury estates, commercial #properties, and #housing initiatives. ?? Venture Capital & Women’s Wealth: Through Serena Ventures, she funds women-led #startups and #financial #education programs. ?? Financial Literacy Advocacy: She encourages women to take control of their #financial futures, emphasizing #investment strategies and #generational #wealth-building. POLL TIME! ?? What’s the biggest financial barrier stopping more women from investing in real estate? Why? ?? Lack of financial education ?? Difficulty accessing capital ?? Fear of market risks ?? Gender bias in investing ?? Something else ?? Vote and share your thoughts in the comments! "Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on." – Serena Williams ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #FinancialLiteracy #WomenInvestors #Keepingly Onay Payne Abigail Smith Jenna Louie Anje Jackson, PHR Joe Ventrone Jonathan Lawless Michael Amir Nelson Zambrano Krissy Bilbrey Falia Justima Robin Bernstein Donna Isidora Ciante Bell Adam Gutmann, PA. Daniel Smith, MBA

Keepingly?'s Woman of the Day: Marisa Calderon – A Champion for Economic Equity and Homeownership ??? Today, we honor Marisa Calderon, a distinguished leader whose unwavering commitment to #economic justice has profoundly influenced the realms of #real #estate, #homeownership, and #public #policy. As the President and CEO of Prosperity Now, Marisa is at the forefront of advancing #racial and #ethnic #economic #equity. With over two decades of experience in #housing and #financial services, she has built a reputation as a national expert in #economic mobility, particularly in bridging the #racial #wealth gap. Since assuming leadership at Prosperity Now, Marisa has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including Prosperity Next, a groundbreaking program designed to tackle #economic disparities through strategic partnerships. This initiative focuses on small #business growth, increasing #homeownership access, and strengthening #financial opportunities for #underrepresented #communities. Her work ensures that more individuals have the means to build #generational #wealth and achieve #economic #stability. A strong advocate for #homeownership #equity, Marisa works to remove barriers that communities of color face in securing #housing. By addressing systemic issues in #lending and #capital access, she is creating more pathways for #sustainable #homeownership. In addition, she has championed national programs like the RISE Challenge, which promotes innovative solutions for #economic #empowerment, particularly for #minority #entrepreneurs. Marisa's impact has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as a 2024 Woman of Influence in #housing, and her #leadership continues to be celebrated by industry leaders for its lasting effect on #economic #justice. ?? Thank you, Marisa Calderon, for your visionary #leadership, #dedication, and relentless pursuit of #equity in #homeownership and #financial empowerment. Your work is paving the way for a more just and inclusive future!** #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #MarisaCalderon #EconomicEquity #Homeownership #ProsperityNow #WomenInLeadership #Keepingly Chrissi Johnson Lisa Rice Jeremy Potter Pamela Perry Skylar Olsen Joe Ventrone Noerena Limon Christa Murillo Jenna Louie Joe Sanchez Daniel Smith, MBA Edward Gorman Theresa Finney Dumais Christopher J. Tyson Jason P. Riveiro Laura V. Arce

?? The Homestead Act: A Forgotten Chapter in Women’s Land Ownership Did You Know? The Homestead Act of 1862 was one of the first legal avenues that allowed women to own land independently in the United States. At a time when married women had limited property rights, single women and widows could claim 160 acres of land, provided they: ?? Lived on and farmed the land for five years ?? Built a home and made improvements ?? Filed a land patent to gain full ownership By the early 1900s, more than 10% of homesteaders were women, making them landowners long before many other property rights were extended to them. These women were pioneers—literally and legally—helping shape the future of women’s property ownership and financial independence. ??: What lessons can today’s homeowners learn from the women who gained land ownership through homesteading? ???? Drop your thoughts below! ???? “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #WomenLandowners #HomesteadAct #Keepingly Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Gillian Marcelle, PhD Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Nelson Zambrano Onay Payne Donna Isidora Vance K. Jackson Jr. Maria R. P. Jenna Louie Joe Ventrone

?? Melinda French Gates: Championing Affordable Housing Through Philanthropy Which philanthropist has funded #housing initiatives that support #economic mobility for #women and #families? ? Melinda French Gates is a powerful advocate for #affordable #housing, investing in programs that: ?? Provide safe and stable homes for low-income families. ?? Fund research on housing insecurity and economic mobility. ?? Support women-led initiatives that address homelessness and housing affordability. What is she doing now? Melinda French Gates has expanded her impact through Pivotal Ventures, an organization she founded to advance #gender #equality and #economic opportunities for #women. She continues to fund #affordable #housing initiatives that support #families in need, focusing on #sustainable and #community-driven solutions. ?? What Say You? Should more philanthropists focus on affordable housing solutions? Share your thoughts below!???? "Philanthropy should be about solving problems, not just supporting causes." – Melinda French Gates ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #Philanthropy #AffordableLiving #Keepingly Falia Justima LaQuana M. Onay Payne Joe Ventrone Krissy Bilbrey Michael Amir Claudia M Garrell-Cadena, P.A Jenna Louie Ciante Bell Donna Isidora Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer JoAnne Poole

Keepingly?'s Woman of the Day: Laura Escobar – A Visionary Leader in Mortgage Banking ??? Today, we celebrate Laura Escobar, a powerhouse in the #mortgage industry whose #leadership has paved the way for countless individuals and families to achieve #homeownership. With over 35 years of experience in #mortgage banking, Laura has worked across both bank-owned and independent #mortgage companies, building a reputation for excellengce, innovation, and unwavering commitment to #accessibility in #homeownership. Her journey with Lennar Mortgage began in 2002 as a Branch Manager in Miami. Through her hard work and dedication, she quickgly rose through the ranks, becoming Senior Vice President in 2004, overseeigng the Eastern Region, and later serving as Executive Vice President, where she played a key role in operations and production for Lennar's Builder Division. In 2018, Laura was appointed President of Lennar Mortgage, now leading a team of over 1,100 associates across 54 locations in 26 states. Her leadership has strengthened the company’s role as a major player in the #housing industry, helping thousands #secure their dream #homes. Beyond her role at Lennar Mortgage, Laura is a trailblazer in the #mortgage industry. In October 2024, she was sworn in as the 2025 Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), a prestigious position that amplifies her influence in shaping #housing #policy and advocating for improved #homeownership opportunities nationwide. She has been vocal about challenges like the shortage of #affordable #homes and regulatory barriers, pushing for #policies that create more pathways to #homeownership. Her leadership in the MBA demonstrates her passion for maHVACking real estate more #accessible and #sustainable for all. Even in today’s fluctuating #housing market, Laura continues to guide Lennar Mortgage through uncertain times, ensuring that prospective #homeowners receive the support they need. Whether addressing #affordability concerns or leading through #economic shifts, she remains a steadfast advocate for #homeownership #accessibility. ?? Thank you, Laura Escobar, for your #leadership, #vision, and #dedication to empowering individuals and families through #homeownership. Your impact is profound, and your work continues to inspire change in the housing industry! Lennar Lennar Homes. #KeepinglysWomanOfTheDay #LauraEscobar #Homeownership #MortgageBanking #WomenInLeadership #Keepingly Lisa Rice Pamela Perry Marietta Rodriguez Charles Lowery Wendy Penn Joe Ventrone Sherry Chris Diego Rios Daniel Smith, MBA Courtenay Dunn Faith Schwartz Michael William Briggs

?? Charlotte Perkins Gilman: A Pioneer for Women’s Financial Independence Did You Know? There was a time when women couldn’t own #property, secure #mortgages, or build #wealth on their own. Charlotte Perkins Gilman fought to change that. She was more than a writer—she was a visionary for #economic #equality, pushing for #women’s right to #financial #independence and #homeownership. Her advocacy focused on: ?? #Homeownership as a path to self-sufficiency. ?? Challenging #economic systems that kept women #financially dependent. ?? Promoting #financial literacy to empower women to build #wealth. While her ideas helped spark #change, #gender gaps in #income, #lending, and #property ownership still persist. ??: What’s one great financial lesson that every woman should know before buying a home? Let’s discuss in the comments! “The home is the center and circumference, the start and the finish, of most of our lives.” – Charlotte Perkins Gilman ?? Manage, Maintain, and Grow with Keepingly.co. #FinancialFreedom #WomenInHistory #Keepingly Gillian Marcelle, PhD Joe Ventrone Onay Payne LaQuana M. Jonathan Lawless Michael Amir Falia Justima Ciante Bell Krissy Bilbrey Jenna Louie Maria R. P. Lisa (D'Allesandro) deMont Jasmin Shupper Nikki Fisher-Quittmeyer Daniel Smith, MBA Vance K. Jackson Jr. Richard Venegar