April Hot Topic
Building Brighter Communities: Celebrating the Graduates of the JPMC Diverse Developers Program
On March 29, 2025, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the first group of participants in the JPMC Diverse Developers Program, an initiative designed to spark transformation in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods through the power of community-based real estate development. Supported by JPMorgan Chase and presented in partnership with SOUL Works, the program brought together a diverse group of real estate professionals, small-scale developers, contractors, and entrepreneurs committed to reshaping their communities from the ground up.
Over a series of four intensive hybrid workshops held between February and March, participants explored a range of essential topics - from site evaluation and market analysis to energy-efficient retrofits and strategies for accessing capital. The program went beyond teaching fundamentals. It fostered a collaborative space where future developers gained not only the technical skills, but also the confidence, connections, and mentorship needed to take on transformative housing and commercial projects in their neighborhoods.
Terry Perdue, a graduate of the program and longtime real estate broker, shared her motivation for joining: “I drive around through the South and West sides of Chicago, and I see so much potential in real estate that is just waiting for developing. I imagine how communities can be changed, people can be housed, businesses can open, and blight can be turned into bright. My motivation to join the JPMC Diverse Development program was to learn more about this industry and see how I can be a part of the solution.” For Terry, the BuilderTrend workshop stood out most. Learning to assess the cost-effectiveness of a project and understanding timelines, budgets, and goals gave her the push she needed to act on a long-considered rehab project. “I have a single-family home that I keep hesitating to get started on but I am more inclined to give it a go.”
Stories like Terry’s highlight the heart of this program: real people investing in real communities. With the support of Sunshine Enterprises, these graduates are not only ready to take the next steps in their development careers - they’re equipped to lead change in their neighborhoods. From group coaching to access to financial and legal advisory services, graduates continue to receive support well beyond the final workshop session.
The JPMC Diverse Developers Program is just the beginning. Sunshine’s vision over the next five years is to build a thriving pipeline of profitable, community-rooted developers whose work creates generational wealth, increases access to affordable housing, and boosts local economic vitality. This pilot program has laid the foundation, and the momentum continues with a NEW Property Developers cohort launching in Fall 2025 - a tailored Community Business Academy track for real estate developers.
Congratulations to our 2025 jpmc diverse developer graduates.
You are the future of Chicago’s neighborhoods, and we’re honored to be part of your journey.
Kevin Madison - Madison Enterprises Inc
Paula Harris - Eventide Property Management
Christine Carr - Carr Properties National Group
Lisa Thompson - LA Thompson, LLC
Stephanie Blakley - The Brand The Artist The Mogul Foundation dba The DEINA Foundation
Shawn Essex - Advantage Construction Management Inc.
Gale Saulsberry - Legacy PAM, LLC
Denise Nelson - Kandu Real Estate Development
Billy McGhee - BMA RESOURCES
Terry Perdue - HOUSE 2 HOME LLC
Roxanna Daniel - Taj Development Co. Inc
Melvin Henley - PAC Leaders Construction LLC
Michael Petway - MLP Electric LLC
Derrell Black - Blacktech Solutions Corp
“I would say the more you know the more you will grow. Join, read, and connect with other like minds. You want to be in the room where it is happening so that you can navigate a rehab project and determine if this is something that you want to get into.”
Interested in our Community Business Academy’s Property Developers cohort being offered this fall?
Attend an info session for more information: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER