Secrets of the Sell ep. 34 

It was my distinct pleasure to interview the Managing Member of Brisa Builders, Ericka Keller. She Brings Affordable Housing Development to Brownsville between being a resident of several NYC communities, and the skillset and compassion she developed as a teacher, Ericka has become a true staple in community development and renaissance.One of Keller's most recent projects involves the erection of a 230-unit affordable housing building that will also include an addition of commercial units being built in the Brownsville community where Keller grew up. This development will provide housing to low-income seniors, formerly homeless families, and low-income residents

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To date, her company has built more than a thousand affordable housing units while simultaneously working with faith based leaders and organizations to bring these projects into fruition

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In 2019, Ericka is still merging her expertise as an educator and a developer. She sees and knows real estate as being an important aspect of wealth and economic empowerment. “Ownership is key! Blacks need to own. In the ’50s and ’60s many Blacks were homeowners and then we witnessed how the slow but sure re-gentrification of our communities began to creep in during the ’70s through ’00s. It is important for us to understand the 50-60 year cycles that happen in the inner-city and suburbs

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She has now moved her interest toward opening up this field to young Black youth to better prepare them for these opportunities; giving them greater access and greater equity in this industry; opening up their minds to the different professions in the real estate industry. Ericka sees her job as bridging the gap for Black people in this industry and is  currently working on developing a school in Brownsville for the youth of that community that will focus on the various real estate professions from development to architecture.

Maggie Austin is a Powerhouse. She is the Chief of Diversity and Inclusion of NYC's Department of Design and Construction, proud wife and mother of 4 adult girls. Out of 36 city agencies in NYC only 6 currently have Chief Diversity and Inclusion officers. One of her primary roles at DDC is to ensure M/WBE certified companies receives their fair share to compete and bid on city contracts. Maggie alongside her team has implemented measurable metrics to ensure of this and has successfully increased contracts being awarded to small businesses from 10% to 30 % in the last 5 years in office.

Shaquanna Brooks known as Ms. Business is the go to person when it comes to tax planning, entity formation, understanding tax codes to limit financial implications for her clients and she discusses other topics below:

1. Tax Codes

Chris Bramwell Jr. is the founder of CB Emmanuel Realty based in Queens NY. His company has over 15 years of affordable housing experience and over 25 years of Property Management experience. He is also the co-chair of Shinda Property Management which manages over 6,000 units in NYC. CB Emmanuel has developed over thousands of affordable housing units totaling millions of dollars  throughout the boroughs of NYC, and has expanded in the upstate and Atlanta markets. Tune into hear some of Chris's notable projects, challenges and how he has overcome to bring these projects into fruition.

Francilia Wilkins-Rahim is the owner of FW Consultants. Listen to this trailblazers story of how she turned rejection into power. During the recession after applying to over 200 companies and not receiving one response she decided to create her own table!!! Francilia is a trailblazer in her own right and power. FW Consultants has raised over $877 million for her clients through advocacy, grant writing, and fundraising. Her recent accomplishment includes being one of two companies to win the $13 billion JFK Redevelopment compliance consulting contract. Listen to her amazing story. You are in for a treat!

Entrepreneur Salone Monet discusses the inspiration and reasons why she created a shoe line for Women of Color. She delves into how conflicted she was with the idea of returning to corporate america or staying on the entrepreneurial course. 

The Salone Monet shoe line took a huge turning point when she discovered her shoes were worn by Beyonce at Game 3 of the NBA finals. Hear her story, and how perseverance and focus can spearhead insurmountable blessings in her business and yours.