Baltimore, MD: Baltimore's Journey to a Revitalized Ecosystem

Sponsored by the Real Estate & Finance Affinities

Join us for a conversation as we creatively examine challenges facing cities, such as Baltimore, and how collaborations between private industry and community-driven organizations can create solutions and opportunities to improve the ecosystem. Disparities in wealth, scarcity of employment opportunities, and the lack of affordable housing are some of the issues that must be remedied if the social and economic landscape is to change. We'll explore the ways communities can engage with private industries to address blight and poverty through investment and development. Let's talk about solutions to these challenges together. In addition to our panel discussion, light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. 

MEET OUR MODERATOR
Lindsay Thompson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

Lindsay Thompson is an academic ethicist and associate professor with joint appointments at the Carey Business School and the Bloomberg School of Public Health at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.  Her research and teaching interests center on values, leadership, and social change in business, society, and corporate culture.  Current research interests include: 1) Human wellbeing and integrity in complex, risk-laden social contexts of contested value systems, economic stress, technology-dependence, and hyper-competition; 2) The livability of cities and a sustainable urban future for humanity and the planet; 3) The role of individuals, institutions, and wisdom traditions in shaping public discourse and civic conscience in a secular society; and 4) Intersectional social equity and inclusion in business, professions, and society. 

Lindsay serves on the Executive Committee of the Johns Hopkins 21st Century Cities Initiative and is the founder and director of CityLabs USA, an urban social impact business innovation collaborative focused on livable neighborhoods: Sustainable habitat, healthy people, cohesive communities, engaged citizens, and inclusive prosperity.  Anchored in transitional urban neighborhoods in Baltimore, Washington DC, and other cities, CityLabs USA is a network of university students, alumni, and faculty working to restore entrepreneurial business cultures, incubate new businesses, and create socially-purposed wealth that transforms struggling neighborhoods by reconnecting them to the mainstream economy through business ventures in real estate and infrastructure, entrepreneurial finance, materials design and production, healthcare and bioinformatics, and enterprise risk management. 

Lindsay created and teaches a signature course required for all Carey Business School students, Business Leadership and Human Values, and the Health Policy Design and Implementation Practicum in the MS Healthcare Management program.  As an academic thought and practice leader, Lindsay regularly presents her research and serves in leadership roles in academic societies such as the Society for Business Ethics and the International Society for Business Economics and Ethics.

Lindsay lives in a transitional neighborhood in Baltimore where she collaborates in citywide efforts to involve businesses, civic organizations, public officials, and private citizens in transforming distressed, struggling city neighborhoods into thriving urban communities.  Her service engagements include the Maryland Humanities Council, Johns Hopkins 21st Century Cities Initiative, Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute, Historic Jonestown Corporation, Big Questions Media, Lambda Alpha International (Land Economics), and the National Society of Colonial Dames of America.

MEET OUR PANELISTS

LaQuida Chancey
Founder, Smalltimore Homes
Owner, Xavier Estates, LLC 

LaQuida is an experienced real estate investor, entrepreneur, IT manager, and owner of Xavier Estates, LLC, a full service real estate company. In February of 2018, LaQuida started Smalltimore Homes, an affordable housing and sustainable living solution focusing on enhancing community living and improving neighborhoods by creating alternative ownership opportunities and financial literacy workshops.

The mission of Smalltimore Homes is to provide those living below the poverty level, specifically those experiencing homelessness, with micro shelter and tine home solutions. Providing families with individualized supportive wrap around services, as well as tailored housing solutions with a goal of obtaining and maintaining affordable housing. Their ownership programs and volunteer building activities are a catalyst to help community members reach their goals and fulfill their potential.

LaQuida holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Mathematics minor from Spelman College. 

Kelvin Fu (Business '17)
Co-founder & Partner, GL Capital

Kelvin Fu is a Partner and Co-Founder at GL Capital, a local real estate investor and developer focused on multifamily, student housing, and mixed-use properties. Fu's investment has made it possible for Brown's Arcade to improve and become a more efficient, cleaner, healthier building through C-PACE.

C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) is a type of financing that makes green energy upgrades more accessible and affordable. Building owners borrow money for energy efficiency, renewable energy, or other projects and make repayments via an assessment on their property tax bill. C-PACE may be funded by private investors or government programs. This innovative financing program is accelerating the green energy movement, and making a positive impact on many different stakeholders in Baltimore.

Brown’s Arcade is currently a mixed-use commercial building encompassing both retail and business offices. It was constructed in the 18th century and is therefore listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, but this is not the only thing that makes it so unique. It is the only building of its kind left in the City of Baltimore, and the last known building of its kind in the state. Its historic roots shine through in embellished Colonial Revival details, which help to keep the history of Baltimore alive. C-PACE allowed for energy efficiency improvements that will help Brown’s Arcade thrive for years to come.

Dana Henson
Vice President, The Henson Development Company, Inc.
 

Dana Henson has more than 25 years of project management and real estate development experience.  As the Vice President of The Henson Development Company, Inc. (THC), she is responsible for management of all business operations/business development and community relations and engagement for the company. She also oversees the coordination/recruitment and management of M/WBE and community hires, and the development of strategic business and government partnerships.

THC is a 100% family owned and operated minority-owned business enterprise that has been building high-quality, affordable, workforce and market-rate rental developments for the past 19 years and whose projects demonstrate its tremendous capacity and track record for successful large-scale residential and mixed-use developments, including public/private partnerships and privatization initiatives for public housing authorities. The firm specializes in creating affordable market-rate quality residential communities, using the same quality materials, furnishings and construction techniques as it does for its private sector market rate homes. 

THC also excels in structuring and obtaining sophisticated mixed financing that includes LIHTCs, bonds, HUD grants, municipal funds, developer equity and other private and public sources in both the District of Columbia and Maryland, Florida and North Carolina. The firm’s diverse portfolio includes over $600 Million in developments of low-to-moderate income rental and homeownership units, elderly housing, grand-families housing, garden and high-rise facilities, and townhouses.  THC is currently one of four partners working on the $1 Billion dollar Choice Neighborhood redevelopment of Perkins-Somerset-Oldtown (PSO) in Baltimore, Maryland.  THC has been recognized with awards for all of its multi-family projects, including, most recently, the Gold in the 2019 MHN Excellence Awards for Affordable Development and Design for Plaza West, a 233 unit affordable grand-families high-rise located at 4th and K Streets in Washington, DC.

Ms. Henson is also the Owner and President of Platform Construction, LLC, a 100% woman-minority-owned construction business specializing in doors, hardware, and all finish trades for new construction commercial projects. Platform is sought after for Ms. Henson’s hands on oversight and attention to detail.  Platform has grown to working on multi-million dollar projects after only three years in business.  Platform is currently working on Wills Wharf, a Hilton Canopy Hotel, and WeWorks office space located in Harbor Point, Baltimore, Maryland.

Being a serial entrepreneur has allowed Ms. Henson to expand her brand to offer consulting services to those starting businesses.  Ms. Henson has held executive marketing and project management positions with IBM and Xerox Corporation and as the previous Deputy Executive Director of Maryland/ District of Columbia Minority Supplier Development Council (MD/DC MSDC), Founder and Executive Director of her own foundation, and former Business Manager for retired NFL player, Chris McAlister, and various other consulting positions.

Dana is a Cum Laude graduate of Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Administration and minor in Accounting, completing her degree in 3 years.  Her civic involvement encompasses working with non-profit organizations and community organizations. In addition, Ms. Henson holds several Board positions, including Port Discovery, where she serves on the Governance Committee.

Brad Rogers
Executive Director, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership

Brad is the Executive Director of the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership. Established in 2016, the Partnership uses casino revenue to drive innovative change and create community development in South and Southwest Baltimore. Under the Partnership’s strategic plan, the organization is focused on three crucial elements of the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan: Environmental Sustainability, Health and Wellness, and Community Development and Revitalization. The organization has also divided its work into three program areas: Community Grants, Enhanced Services, and Transformational Projects.

Brad earned his B.A. from Haverford College and his J.D. and Masters of Environmental Management from Duke University. He is also a member of Leadership Maryland, Class of 2016.