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
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Emma González Roberts
Chief Operating Officer
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Michelle E.L. Merritt
Community and Economic Development Consultant
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Monita Blunt-Daniel
Administrative Manager
Board of Directors
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Chinwe Onyeagoro
CEO & Co-Founder, PocketSuite | Board Chair, TREND CDC
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Margie Schaps
Executive Director, Health & Medicine Policy Research Group | Secretary, TREND CDC
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Donna Gaines
President, SAGE Collective | Treasurer, TREND CDC
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Andre Brumfield
Principal and Global Director of Cities + Urban Design, Gensler | Director, TREND CDC
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Deon Lucas
President, E.G. Woode | Director, TREND CDC
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Michael Mitchell
Director, Mitchell Development Consultants, Inc. | Director, TREND CDC
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Sean McIntosh
Senior Vice President of Asset Management, Viking Companies | Director, TREND CDC
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Lyneir Richardson
CEO and Co-Founder, Chicago TREND | Director (Ex-Officio)
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Robert Weissbourd
President, RW Ventures, LLC & Co-Founder, Chicago TREND | Director (Ex-Officio)