Building Prosperity and Community: Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures’ Innovative Approach to Community Development

By ICIC | January 28, 2025

Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures (NREUV) is making waves in community development, taking a holistic approach to revitalizing under-resourced neighborhoods. Their dedication to creating inclusive, affordable housing and fostering economic empowerment has earned them the prestigious IC100 Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award—a recognition of their deep-rooted commitment to making a difference where it matters most.

The IC100 Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Community Impact

The Inner City 100 (IC100) Awards, presented annually by ICIC, celebrate the fastest-growing small businesses in under-resourced communities. The Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award stands out among these accolades, honoring businesses that go beyond profit to generate measurable, lasting change in their communities. The award evaluates businesses on key impact metrics such as job creation, local hiring, employee benefits, community engagement, and support for local economies.

David Feldman of Chevron, who presented the award to NREUV during the virtual awards ceremony, states, “Thriving businesses located in under-resourced areas enhance their communities…A diverse, inclusive, and equitable supply chain not only supports local economies but also improves business outcomes.”

NREUV embodies this mission, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to lifting communities through thoughtful real estate development and workforce empowerment.

Empowering Communities Through Real Estate and Workforce Development

At its core, NREUV is more than just a real estate development firm—it is a catalyst for change. Led by Dr. Gina Merritt, the organization specializes in affordable housing and innovative workforce initiatives through Project Community Capital (PCC). This social capital platform connects individuals in low-income areas with career opportunities, bridging gaps in employment, training, and resources.

Dr. Merritt, reflecting on her journey and mission, shares, “I knew once I started in this space and began working in communities like where I grew up, that I could make a difference.”

Through programs like Employment Plug, Workforce Leverage, FirmAdvantage, and Heighten the Hustle, NREUV ensures that subcontractors can access a diverse, skilled workforce while providing individuals with the necessary tools to succeed.

Karen Johnson, an NREUV team member, highlighted the company’s dynamic and hands-on approach: “It’s such a dynamic group of independent starters who are taking on a large responsibility, managing major projects that have a huge impact.”

Creating Hope and Purpose in Underserved Areas

What sets NREUV apart is its human-centered development strategy. Rather than simply constructing buildings, the organization actively engages with the communities it serves—understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions.

“We unlock opportunity for the overlooked and underestimated.” – Dr. Gina Merritt

LaShae Gordon Strickland, an NREUV employee, underscored the organization’s commitment to underserved areas: “We take on projects and go into communities that other developers really don’t want to. These communities are getting investment—financially and in many other ways—that they wouldn’t have otherwise gotten.”

The impact of NREUV extends beyond housing and workforce initiatives. Recognizing that many individuals face barriers to employment due to trauma, NREUV integrates mental health services into their housing developments. Dr. Merritt described one of their initiatives: “We have a mental health suite at one of our properties where we bring people from other properties to ensure they receive the services they need. After addressing these challenges, we’re able to help them secure jobs and change their lives.”

A Personal Impact: Changing Lives One Opportunity at a Time

For many individuals, NREUV’s initiatives have been life-changing. Ashley, a participant in Project Community Capital, shares, “Working with PCC was tremendous for my growth. I’ve been with my company for two years, and I’ve already received three raises and two promotions. This opportunity changed my life.”

Ashley’s experience is just one of many. She emphasized how NREUV goes the extra mile, providing resources like work clothes, babysitting, and resume assistance—small yet powerful gestures that make a profound impact.

A Vision for the Future

NREUV’s work is far from over. Looking ahead, Dr. Merritt envisions expanding their reach: “In ten years, we’d love to help more than 10,000 people find employment. If we could help 1,000 people per year, we would be changing the lives of their families by multiples. That is our ultimate goal—to help as many people as we can.”

As a BIPOC- and woman-owned business headquartered in Washington, D.C., NREUV is setting the standard for community-driven development. Their IC100 award is not just a recognition of past achievements—it is a testament to the transformative power of their work. Winning the IC100 Chevron Dorothy A. Terrell Community Impact Award reaffirms what many already knew—Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures is changing lives, uplifting communities, and redefining what real estate development can achieve.

Through innovation, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to economic empowerment, NREUV is proving that community-focused development is not just possible—it is essential.

About the IC100 Awards

Since 1999, ICIC has identified and honored the 100 fastest-growing businesses located in under-resourced communities through the prestigious Inner City 100 (IC100) awards. Throughout this period, ICIC has had the privilege of learning about and highlighting more than 1,000 remarkable business leaders and companies from across the United States. These firms have proven to be catalysts for job growth and promoters of a thriving, inclusive economy, even amidst challenging circumstances. Furthermore, they have actively contributed to the enhancement of their communities by generously donating their time and resources to local organizations and charitable causes.

Learn more about the IC100 Awards and eligibility criteria for this year’s list at icic.org/ic100.