The true power of ownership

Growing up in a family of ten, love was abundant—but money? Not so much. I remember my mom inspecting our shoes at the start of every school year, praying some could make it just a bit longer.

Fast-forward to my first entry-level job in New York, the city of big dreams (and sky-high rents) and my very first year-end bonus—money that wasn’t immediately swallowed by rent or bills. What if this small windfall could be something bigger? What if it could take me from just surviving to building for the future?

Here’s the thing: ownership isn’t just about money or assets—it’s a mindset. It’s about owning your narrative, your future.

Even a small stake in something can ignite a massive shift in how you engage with the world. I felt like everyday obstacles turned into stepping stones for future growth, as many people do when they invest in stocks, C.D.'s or a home. Plus, owning assets is a generational wealth game-changer. Small investments today can create lasting legacies for tomorrow, helping break those old cycles of economic insecurity.

That's why I'm excited to share my latest work in my Shared Growth series, New Community Development Solutions: The Time is Now. The concepts address communities as co-investors in the growth and prosperity of their neighborhoods.

The Beltline, which started with wayfaring and art, is now an upscale development colossus.

It’s not just talk: it’s about putting teeth into community benefit agreements by creating community ownership vehicles (COVs) that make ownership accessible to all.

It may seem daunting, but this kind of community-focused ownership isn’t as difficult as it first seems. It all begins by seeing ourselves not as bystanders or beneficiaries, but as active stakeholders with the power to shape our own futures.

Join me in exploring this journey—and let’s create lasting impact for ourselves and for generations to come.