Who We Are

TREND CDC is committed to equity, inclusion, and shared ownership in urban economic development. Our work focuses on strategic real estate development, inclusive economic growth, and small business support, ensuring that historically marginalized communities benefit directly from neighborhood revitalization.

We are an independent non-profit, guided by a diverse and experienced Board of Directors with deep expertise in community and economic development. We collaborate with a network of subject-matter experts including the TREND team, ensuring that our initiatives are informed by leading knowledge and best practices.

Staff and Strategic Experts

  • Emma González Roberts headshot

    Emma González Roberts

    Chief Operating Officer

  • Michelle Merritt headshot

    Michelle E.L. Merritt

    Community and Economic Development Consultant

  • Monita Blunt-Daniel headshot

    Monita Blunt-Daniel

    Administrative Manager

Board of Directors

  • Chinwe Onyeagoro headshot

    Chinwe Onyeagoro

    CEO & Co-Founder, PocketSuite | Board Chair, TREND CDC

  • Margie Schaps headshot

    Margie Schaps

    Executive Director, Health & Medicine Policy Research Group | Secretary, TREND CDC

  • Donna Gaines headshot

    Donna Gaines

    President, SAGE Collective | Treasurer, TREND CDC

  • Andre Brumfield headshot

    Andre Brumfield

    Principal and Global Director of Cities + Urban Design, Gensler | Director, TREND CDC

  • Deon Lucas headshot

    Deon Lucas

    President, E.G. Woode | Director, TREND CDC

  • Michael Mitchell headshot

    Michael Mitchell

    Director, Mitchell Development Consultants, Inc. | Director, TREND CDC

  • Sean McIntosh headshot

    Sean McIntosh

    Senior Vice President of Asset Management, Viking Companies | Director, TREND CDC

  • Lyneir Richardson headshot

    Lyneir Richardson

    CEO and Co-Founder, Chicago TREND | Director (Ex-Officio)

  • Robert Weissbourd headshot

    Robert Weissbourd

    President, RW Ventures, LLC & Co-Founder, Chicago TREND | Director (Ex-Officio)