Debra Wilson
Ms. Wilson has 30 years of experience in land acquisition, rehabilitation of housing, community engagement and market research. For 23 years she was the of Real Estate Development Manager for Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation, which is home to the renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She served in several capacities: project manager for development teams, prepared applications for State of Ohio Tax credit projects, liaison between government entities (City/State/County/Federal), banks and compliance reporting regarding funders. Her efforts resulted in over 500 million dollars in built-out construction.
She has a passion in addressing the needs of Cleveland, Ohio community residents and stake holders. In 2014 she became Co-Founder of All About Cleveland, a social enterprise marketing and research company for Cleveland distressed neighborhoods. In 2018 Innovation Real Estate & Business Solutions (IRBS), a social enterprise, was launched which she is Co-Founder and Managing Director. Its vision is to provide funding and support for small business that address pressing community issues such as opioid/alcohol addiction, affordable housing, workforce development and financial counseling.
Ms. Wilson has learned that it is critical that the community, or its representatives be at the meeting tables of institutions, organizations, and others when important issues/decisions are being made regarding their communities. She has also learned when you are at the table you must speak up and not be intimated by others that are at the table as well. This is extremely important when it comes to real estate development or other community concerns.
Over the years, Ms. Wilson has received certificates from Case Western Reserve’s WeatherHead School of Management, Emotional Intelligence and Sustainability. She has served on several boards and committees. She is a licensed real estate professional and currently serves on the Outreach committee for the Urban Land Institute. Ms. Wilson is a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Development program (NLDP), Real Estate Associate Program (REAP) for commercial real estate and Roots for Success. She attended Capitol University.