Community Development Experts 2025

Extensive commercial real estate development experience focusing on retail, light industrial and multi-family projects. Responsible for managing a development team and portfolio of active light industrial projects in various stages of development including: site evaluation, due diligence, entitlements, design, permitting, construction and stabilization. Current ULI member active in ULI Next and the ULI Arizona Office & Industrial Development Local Product Council. Past member of the ULI Arizona Adaptive Reuse Local Product Council, Chair of the ULI Young Leaders Communication and Marketing Committee and past co-chair of the ULI Main Communications and Marketing Committee. Current member of AZ CREW and member of the Membership Committee. Previously held leadership roles in developing and managing best practice policies and standard operating procedures to create and execute successful national roll-out programs for multiple retail clients. These systems and procedures have been successfully utilized by multiple development teams across multiple states. Previously held a Senior Development Management role on a multi-parcel redevelopment site in Tucson, Arizona, which was nominated as a finalist for a Metropolitan Pima Alliance Common Ground Award for bringing together all stakeholders to develop a retail site that started with stiff opposition and resulted in a win-win solution for all stakeholders involved. Graduated with highest honors from the ASU WP Carey School of Business with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Marketing.

I'm a self-motivated and resourceful marketing professional with years of experience in the field and a proven knowledge of client relations. With a background in education, I view digital marketing as an opportunity to pivot my passion for sharing information into a format that meets today's tech driven society. I am committed to creating content for diverse communities and markets and have successfully built meaningful customer relationships and engaging solutions across traditional and digital media in the past. Currently seeking the opportunity to leverage my skills and fill the Marketing or Community Engagement role at a new company.

Building technology to power the future of recreation.

Kishore Bitra is a veteran in the IT industry with over 15 years of experience, specializing in end-user technologies, Cloud Infrastructure, Data Center operations, and Enterprise Security. Currently, he serves a crucial role in local government in the United States. A proven leader, Kishore has successfully spearheaded major IT transformations, including complex infrastructure migration projects, ransomware recovery efforts, and system integrations during corporate mergers and acquisitions. Beyond his professional work, he is passionate about demystifying advanced security and AI adoption, making them practical for organizations from local governments to SMBs. He regularly shares real-world insights through writing, speaking, and volunteering on crucial topics like data protection, cyber resilience, and secure finance operations.

At Alice Lab, I specialize in bridging cultures, communities, and companies across the US and Asia. With extensive experience driving B2B growth, building long-term partnerships, and leading high-engagement international programs, I’ve helped startups, nonprofits, and innovation teams deepen relationships and successfully expand into new markets. My background spans event management, international business, partnership development, and customer success—allowing me to create impactful experiences and go-to-market strategies that resonate across diverse cultural and professional environments. I have led 50+ international programs across 15 countries, advised early-stage founders on networking, branding, and pitch communication, and supported cross-functional teams through accelerator management, B2B sales, and community development. As former Secretary-General of NATEA, I organized large-scale forums, women-in-leadership summits, and high-tech industry panels—moderating discussions with global leaders from organizations like 500 Global and Foxconn. My work centers on relationship building, cross-border collaboration, and fostering communities that thrive long-term. In addition to my work in the startup ecosystem, I bring a secondary expertise in language education. I teach Business English to professionals—focusing on email communication, meeting facilitation, and cross-cultural workplace communication—and I also teach Mandarin Chinese to young children to inspire early cultural curiosity. This blend of global business experience and language teaching allows me to offer unique insights into international work culture, multicultural teamwork, and communication across borders. #GlobalCollaboration #CrossCulturalCommunication #StrategicPartnerships #StartupEcosystem #BusinessEnglishTeaching

Jenny Wiley is the Director of Programming and Community Growth at Active Choices, Inc., where she leads IEP Method programs, live experiences, and strategic initiatives to build, re-energize, and support leaders and organizations seeking sustainable growth. As a certified life coach specializing in Community Coaching, Jenny helps organizations cultivate strong, values-driven workforces and communities that thrive on meaningful connections.In addition to being an experienced facilitator and relationship builder, Jenny has a keen eye for details, logistics, and project management, ensuring that every initiative she leads is executed with precision and thoughtfulness. She excels at crafting impactful 1-on-1 and group coaching experiences, guiding retreats, and fostering environments that promote open, growth-oriented interactions. Her approach is rooted in the belief that social capital is key to community success, and she integrates this philosophy into all of her coaching and leadership efforts.With a diverse coaching skill set and unique expertise, Jenny has an exceptional ability to connect and activate groups, even during sensitive transitions. She creates engaging content, leads guided meditations, facilitates grounding exercises, and cultivates an atmosphere of trust and playfulness, enabling communities to grow and evolve together.Jenny is also an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) and has lead transformational book clubs, retreats, and meditation groups. She is an experienced presenter and is comfortable developing and presenting workshops and speaking on topics such as leadership, personal growth, and community building, all while ensuring that the details and logistics of each event are meticulously handled.

Stephanie Zabriskie is a global finance and development executive and the founder of Humanculture, an Indigenous-led nonprofit advancing sustainable humanitarian work, cultural preservation, and African and Indigenous representation internationally. Her career spans more than two decades across international strategy, luxury destination development, government advisory, and community-centered initiatives in regions including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Through Humanculture, Stephanie partners with communities across the Global South to increase access to safe water, food security, education, health services, ecological conservation, and economic opportunity for women. The organization works through long-term, community-led models that prioritize Indigenous leadership, cultural sovereignty, and regenerative resilience. Her work is grounded in a belief that economic systems and cultural identity must be aligned to create sustainable progress. She focuses on bridging commercial strategy with human-centered impact, building frameworks that strengthen agency, preserve knowledge, and support self-determined development. In her executive career, Stephanie has led large-scale luxury destination projects and advised governments on finance, tourism, and development. She serves as Managing Director for major resort developments including Albany Bahamas and Harmony Cove Jamaica and previously played a key leadership role in the development of the Lake Nona Region and Lake Nona Medical City in Florida. She has advised ministries and development authorities in Jamaica, The Bahamas, China, Tanzania, and the UAE on investment strategy, public–private partnerships, and long-term planning. Beyond her executive work, Stephanie is a writer and cultural curator exploring themes of identity, land, community, and cross-cultural perspective. She has curated exhibitions amplifying Indigenous voices, co-authored children’s books preserving traditional fables, and written for publications including the New York Post and Page Six. Her work reflects a commitment to Indigenous leadership, cultural preservation, and reshaping global narratives about development, community, and belonging.

"Better, together." My founding principal and approach to working within corporate, nonprofit and even social settings. As a long-time connector, I focus on community building through mediums that include communication, events and more. My experience across multiple industries is amplified by my foundation in communication and my MBA training. I take visions and make them reality. Core Functions include but are not limited to: Communication & Marketing, Strategic Event Design, Real-time Digital Content, Business Development, Coaching (Leaders, Individual Contributors and Entrepreneurs), Business Consulting (marketing analysis and strategy development), Grants Management, Community Partnerships and Special Project Management.

Mike Roberts is the founder and CEO of Creating Coding Careers (CCC), a trailblazer in the technology apprenticeship space. He has dedicated his career to helping underrepresented individuals enter the tech industry, and making apprenticeship models accessible and manageable for organizations of all sizes. With over four decades of experience as a software engineer and educator, he stands at the intersection of technology and workforce development. His work focuses on helping companies implement earn-and-learn programs that transform their approach to talent acquisition and development. He is an expert on securing apprenticeship funding and incentives, often seamlessly incorporating them into a company's existing training programs.

I challenge the status quo and inspire others to take a positive step towards progress. I do this through facilitating leadership development courses and coaching leaders through proven brain-based methods.

Aaron Chichioco brings a wealth of expertise in IT solutions designed to streamline business operations, enhance cybersecurity, and improve overall efficiency. As an IT Specialist at Partner Systems, he develops forward-thinking tech strategies that foster growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Driven by his passion for innovation and effective problem-solving, Aaron provides strategic insights into network infrastructure, cloud computing, and IT best practices, ensuring companies remain secure, agile, and competitive.

Max Avery, a dynamic business development executive at Digital Ascension Group, drives growth across industries with a sharp focus on market leadership. His deep knowledge of traditional and emerging financial markets, backed by certifications like Capital Markets & Securities Analyst (CMSA)® and FinTech Industry Professional (FTIP)™, informs his strategic approach. Since 2016, he has excelled in raising capital and structuring deals in private equity and real estate. Appointed to the District Export Council by Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in 2018, and a member of the National Small Business Association’s Economic Development Committee, Avery shapes policies for business growth. Guided by a philosophy of excellence, he turns complex challenges into practical solutions, establishing himself as a trusted strategist committed to lasting impact.

From a past marked by transracial adoption, the loss of a parent, a traumatic assault, and teen incarceration, A. Margot Blair emerged with unwavering resilience, determined not to be defined by her hardships. Today, she is a respected Bible Teacher, Learning and Development Specialist at a technology company, Leadership Consultant, and Retreat Host. With over a decade of experience and currently pursuing her Doctorate in Leadership, she empowers women at the intersection of faith and leadership. As a trained and seasoned consultant, A. Margot coaches, mentors, and consults with women leaders across various sectors. Her expertise has fueled a 23-city tour, three professional development conferences, a $500K+ partnership portfolio, and the creation of seven personal and professional development resources—including books and courses. She has been honored as a Top 40 Under 40 Leader, a Top 35 Millennial Influencer, and the recipient of three state proclamations presented by Phoenix mayors. Her clients have included Comerica Bank, Grand Canyon University’s Honors College, and employees from LinkedIn, the Dallas Mavericks, ADP, Toyota, Prudential, and more. A former Forbes Business Coach and contributor, she teaches companies and leaders how to implement the blueprint that helped her build a thriving, multi-6-figure partnership portfolio. A. Margot’s work has been featured on The 700 Club, Fast Company, Esther Press, Lifeway, Goodwill AZ, Zapier, SCORE, and America’s Small Business Development Center. She is also a regular content partner for the YouVersion Bible App—with over 10 Bible plans—and a contributor to Esther Press, Journey Magazine, and other publications. Most importantly, A. Margot Blair is the wife of Vincent and the proud mother of her bonus children, Esaias and Alyvia, and her preschooler, Luke.

A Tucson creative who fell in love with the art of brand storytelling at Eller and never looked back. These days, you'll find me dreaming up visual narratives and crafting brand experiences that connect with real people - because at the heart of every great marketing campaign is a story that resonates. Currently bringing fresh perspectives to Bourn Companies' real estate portfolio, where each property has its own unique story waiting to be told. Whether it's through thoughtful design, engaging content, or immersive experiences, I love finding authentic ways to bring brands to life. I've been fortunate to work with some amazing teams who've helped shape my journey from campus marketing enthusiast to brand strategist. Each project has taught me something new about the power of creative thinking and genuine connections. When I'm not sketching out campaign ideas or collaborating on brand designs, you'll find me soaking up inspiration from Tucson's vibrant art and music scene.

Leader in Marketing & Communications Strategy, Brand Development & Client Management. I possess a unique blend of cross‑functional expertise to provide innovative, results‑oriented solutions coupled with a strategic, creative, and proactive mindset. As an inspiring, loyalty‑ and trust‑building leader, I have built and led teams through change management with passion, collaboration, and innovative thinking. My background as a leader in sales and marketing, cross‑functional project management, and team and employee management, across both for‑profit and not‑for‑profit organizations, makes me a versatile and impactful professional able to drive organizational growth, strengthen brand presence, and deliver measurable results in fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving environments.

With over two decades of business development and global talent leadership, Lara Forchuk helps organizations build high-performing remote teams through DOXA Talent’s Conscious Outsourcing™ model. She specializes in bridging cultural differences between employers and offshore teams, integrating AI-based workflows, and sourcing under-leveraged global talent pools for cost-efficient scaling. Lara works with U.S. companies seeking to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and strengthen cross-functional communication across distributed teams.

As Founder and Chairman of Cavan Companies and Cavan Family Office, I’ve spent over 50 years focused on long-term, purpose-driven real estate development. We’re known for creating durable communities grounded in how people actually want to live. Since 2016, we’ve focused exclusively on Build-to-Rent through our Bungalows® brand—developing single-story, detached rental neighborhoods in high-growth markets across the Southwest and Midwest. We manage the entire process in-house, from land acquisition to long-term operations. At Cavan Family Office, we remain committed to strategic, direct investments in real estate. I continue to guide our vision and work closely with aligned capital partners, including family offices and institutions, to shape the future of housing.

Martha Caldwell is the co-founder of iChange Collaborative, a BIPOC and women owned consulting business that develops inclusive leaders in innovative learning communities. A veteran teacher, Martha has trained thousands of professionals in iChange's unique approach to the diversity, equity, and inclusion learning. She is the co-author of three books - Let's Get Real: Exploring Race, Class and Gender Identities in the Classroom, Facilitating Conversations about Race in the Classroom, and Gender and Sexuality: An Educator's Guide - as well as numerous professional articles about diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Specialties: Diversity, equity and inclusion consulting, coaching, and training; inclusive leadership development; and strategic design.

Saddam Hosen Also Known As SHSaad is a full-stack web developer, product builder, and founder of Free Document Maker — a free, AI-powered web platform that helps users generate professional documents, convert files, and manage PDFs with ease. With over 30+ browser-based tools including invoice creators, image converters, resume builders, and PDF editors, Free Document Maker is used globally by freelancers, students, and businesses looking for fast, mobile-optimized productivity tools without the need to install software or pay for subscriptions. With a strong foundation in Laravel, Tailwind CSS, Vite, and Alpine.js, Saddam builds scalable, high-performance web applications optimized for SEO, accessibility, and user experience. His development philosophy combines clean architecture, speed-first frontends, and intuitive UX. From structured data implementation to core web vitals optimization, Saddam ensures every site and tool performs seamlessly across devices. Beyond development, he actively publishes technical blogs on Medium, Blogspot, and his own platform to help others learn about free AI tools, smart document workflows, and emerging tech. His platform has been featured on ProductHunt, AlternativeTo, SaaSHub, and across multiple developer communities for its usability and performance. Currently based in Bangladesh, Saddam is focused on building globally useful tools with minimal dependencies and maximum reach. Whether it’s simplifying a business contract or converting a JPG to WebP instantly, his mission is to make intelligent document processing available to everyone — free, secure, and accessible.