Join an elite network of Maryland Home Developers Committed to Building Stronger Communities and Brighter Futures
Take your Development skills to the next level with our transformative five-day training experience October 21-23 and October 26-27, 2026 in Baltimore Metro area.
Be one of the 30 developers shaping the future of Maryland
Limited seats available.
Join an elite network of Maryland Home Developers Committed to Building Stronger Communities and Brighter Futures
Take your Development skills to the next level with our transformative five-day training experience October 21-23 and October 26-27, 2026 in Baltimore Metro area.
Be one of the 30 developers shaping the future of Maryland
Struggling with Your Mortgage? We’re Here to Help.
Navigate Financial Hardships with Confidence - Expert Mortgage Assistance for Those Facing Job Loss and Other Challenges.
What You Will Gain
The Academy is just the beginning. Join a community of emerging developers with the knowledge, connections, and support to keep building long after graduation.
Communities are Being Developed.
Will You Have a Seat at the Table?
Successful real estate developer takes more than vision. You need the right knowledge, a strong development team, access to capital, and relationships with the people who can help move your project forward.
Develop the Developer℠ Academy equips emerging real estate developers with the knowledge, relationships, and financing strategies needed to successfully develop single-family or multifamily housing and scale sustainable real estate businesses. Through expert-led training, direct access to lenders, and ongoing post-program support, participants gain the tools to move confidently from project planning to execution.
Participants will learn:
Through expert-led instruction, hands-on exercises, real-world examples, and direct conversations with industry professionals, participants will explore:
- Financing strategies, loan products, and capital sourcing for development projects
- How to build a bankable deal package that attracts lenders and investors
- Best practices for budgeting, project management, and construction oversight
- Strategies for building long-term relationships with lenders, investors, and industry partners
- How to successfully launch, manage, and grow a real estate development business
Important Information:
- Application Details: Your application is the first step in this journey to achieve Develop the Developer Academy eligibility status. Apply Today.
- Please note the following: Your Application Fee Application Fee is $39 (non-refundable).
- Application Package Submission Deadline: September 18th, 2026
- Academy Focus: The Fall 2026 Academy will focus primarily on multifamily development, including project feasibility, financing, property acquisition, zoning, permitting, construction oversight, and building a bankable development package.
- Questions? email Events@HomeFreeUSA.org and we will get back to you within 2 business days
Enrollment Dates
- September 18th – Applications Due
- September 21 – 24th – Application Reviewed
- September 25th – Acceptance Notices Out
- October 16th – Tuition due in full (or payment plan in place)
- October 21th – First Day of Academy at 8201 Corporate Drive, Landover, MD 20785
- November 13th – Capstone Project Presentation
FAQs About the Development Training:
Develop the Developer℠ Academy is designed for aspiring and emerging real estate developers, investors, contractors, housing professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who want to develop projects in Maryland and create lasting community impact.
Yes. However, the Fall 2026 cohort will focus on multifamily development, which may be more advanced for someone completely new to real estate development. We encourage beginners to join our email list to stay updated on the next single-family cohort, which will provide a stronger foundation for new developers.
Yes. The Academy is ideal for emerging developers looking to expand into larger or more complex projects. Even experienced participants benefit from expert instruction, local market insights, industry connections, and access to lenders and development professionals.
- Community-focused development strategies
- Building your development team
- Multifamily development and construction
- Zoning, permitting, and local regulations
- Property acquisition and due diligence
- Building a bankable development project
- Development financing and capital access
- Real estate development fundamentalsParticipants will gain practical knowledge in:
The Academy is held in person in Maryland, creating valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and hands-on learning with industry professionals. We offer virtual support and ongoing classes after the cohort.
The Develop the Developer Training Academy is a total of five impactful days
October 21-23 and October 26-27, 2026
The Develop the Developer℠ Academy is more than a training program, it's an ongoing partnership. Graduates receive continued guidance through quarterly check-ins, specialized technical assistance, and connections to financing opportunities designed to help turn real projects into completed developments. Whether participants need support preparing a loan package, overcoming project challenges, or accessing industry experts, the Academy remains a resource throughout their development journey.
Tuition for the Develop the Developer℠ Academy is $1,299 per participant. A four-payment installment plan will be available.
A nonrefundable $39 application fee is required when submitting your application. If you are accepted into the program, the application fee will be applied toward your tuition balance.
All payments will be processed digitally. Please note that personal checks will not be accepted.
Only 30 participants will be selected, creating an interactive learning experience and allowing for meaningful networking and personalized engagement with instructors.
For the best experience, you will need a computer with reliable internet access and the latest version of a supported web browser. Basic to intermediate computer skills are recommended. You should also have access to presentation and spreadsheet software, such as Google Slides, Canva, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Sheets, or Microsoft Excel. Virtual sessions will be hosted through Zoom, which works best with Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. You will also need an up-to-date smartphone to download GroupMe, connect with current and previous cohort participants, and receive important program updates.
Participants are required to attend the full five-day, in-person Academy from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.
After the Academy, participants must work with their assigned group to complete and submit a capstone project by November 13, 2026. Participants should also be prepared to engage in follow-up sessions, activities, and initiatives designed to strengthen their understanding of key development concepts and support their continued progress.
Participants will also be required to complete quarterly progress reports so HomeFree-USA can track project development, milestones, challenges, and outcomes
Meet the Team
Get to know the professionals behind the Developer Training Academy. Our team works together to provide expert instruction, seamless program support, meaningful networking opportunities, and an exceptional participant experience every step of the way.
Jim is a pioneering and accomplished leader who established the first African-American mortgage servicing company. With more than 55 years in the mortgage banking industry, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing affordable housing and empowering communities. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in mortgage lending, specialized loan program management, inner-city real estate development, housing consulting, and providing transitional housing and support for homeless families.
His impact extends beyond domestic efforts. Jim has served as a trusted financial advisor and public housing policy consultant to organizations including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, and numerous city, state, and foreign governments. His work has helped shape housing policies and initiatives both in the United States and internationally.
In the mid-1970s, Jim shifted his focus to addressing the economic challenges faced by underserved communities by expanding access to homeownership. This vision led to the founding of HomeFree-USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to increasing homeownership through comprehensive preparation, education, and support.
Jim also plays an active role in shaping the next generation of developers through the Develop the Developer Academy. He provides strategic guidance, helps structure the program, and advises on curriculum to ensure participants gain the knowledge and tools needed to successfully navigate real estate development and access capital.
Kolawole “Emmanuel” Egunjobi is a construction executive, licensed general contractor, and affordable housing specialist with over a decade of experience in residential development, rehabilitation, and nonprofit housing operations. Based in Baltimore, he serves as the Project Manager & Designer for the construction department at HomeFree-USA, where he leads the execution of housing rehabilitation projects that support low-to-moderate-income homeowners and first-time buyers.
As the founding leader of the organization’s construction department, Emmanuel built the operational systems, vendor management frameworks, and quality control processes that drive project delivery today. In parallel, he is the Founder and Principal Developer of Maven Homes LLC, where he has successfully completed over 200 residential projects totaling more than $40 million in development value.
Emmanuel brings deep expertise in HUD/FHA 203K compliance, contractor oversight, budget management, and multi-site project coordination. His work consistently bridges the gap between design, construction, and community impact, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and at a high standard of quality.
He also plays an active role in the Develop the Developer Academy, where he provides hands-on education to cohort participants. As a mentor, Emmanuel offers real-world guidance, answers questions, and helps developers navigate challenges they encounter throughout the development process, giving them practical insight they can actually use in the field
Tisa J.D. Clark is a nationally recognized real estate development consultant, executive coach, educator, and Associate Broker with more than 30 years of experience in mortgage banking, affordable housing, community development, and small business leadership.
As President and CEO of J.D. Clark Consulting, L.L.C. and J.D. Clark Professional Services, LLC, she advises entrepreneurs, developers, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies on business growth, real estate development, leadership, and strategic planning. She is also an active real estate developer and licensed general contractor, bringing firsthand experience managing redevelopment projects from acquisition through construction.
Prior to launching her companies, Tisa served in executive leadership at Freddie Mac, where she led initiatives supporting affordable housing, mortgage finance, and community development. She recently earned the prestigious Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB®) designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association, one of the industry's highest professional credentials.
As Chief Operations Officer at HomeFree-USA, Milan Griffin is committed to amplifying the organization’s mission to create new homebuyers, support sustainable homeownership, develop affordable housing, and revitalize communities. She does this by driving production across the organization, strengthening strategic partnerships, and deepening community engagement.
In response to the low Black homeownership rate, the widening wealth gap, and the rapid wave of gentrification in cities nationwide, Milan has led multiple initiatives designed to equip marginalized communities with the tools to become homeowners, prevent foreclosure, and support emerging real estate developers in growing their businesses. Recognizing the importance of early preparation, she co-founded the Center for Financial Advancement (CFA), a national financial readiness, talent development, and recruitment program at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In just seven years, CFA has expanded to 16 HBCUs and has professionally developed 1,678 students.
Milan also provides operational oversight for the Develop the Developer Academy, ensuring the program runs effectively and continues to deliver high-impact training for aspiring real estate developers. Her leadership helps maintain program quality, strengthen execution, and support participants in successfully navigating the development pipeline.
Milan holds a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College and a Master of Arts from Tufts University. She has also completed executive education programs at Stanford University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Fabianna Diaz is the Marketing Manager at HomeFree-USA, where she leads strategic communications, branding, and outreach efforts that support the organization’s mission to expand homeownership, build financial strength, and revitalize communities nationwide. She also plays a key role in promoting initiatives such as the Develop the Developer Academy.
With more than 20 years of experience in graphic design and marketing—primarily within the nonprofit sector—Fabianna brings a deep understanding of purpose-driven storytelling and brand development. She has worked with organizations such as the South Florida Chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities and has specialized in building impactful brands that inspire action and community engagement.
Fabianna holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, graduating magna cum laude from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, which gives her a unique and authentic perspective in reaching and engaging Hispanic communities. Passionate about meaningful work, Fabianna has devoted her career to nonprofits—using creativity and strategy to make a difference, empower communities, and help individuals build a better future.
Melanie Mack is an accomplished events professional with 10+ years of experience leading conferences, meetings, tradeshows, and large-scale special events. She is recognized for managing complex logistics, cross-functional collaboration, vendor relations, and delivering seamless, high-impact experiences that advance organizational goals. In her current role as Senior Events & Special Projects Manager at HomeFree-USA she oversees national conferences, executive meetings, and community-focused initiatives while managing multimillion-dollar budgets and end-to-end event execution.
Melanie manages the logistics of the DTDA training and capstone, ensuring trainees have well-planned venues, appropriate amenities, and a high-quality learning experience.
Nicole Richardson is the Events and Projects Specialist at HomeFree-USA, where she leads the planning and execution of all virtual events, ensuring seamless, engaging experiences for participants nationwide. With a strong focus on organization and delivery, she plays a key role in bringing the organization’s programs and initiatives to life.
For the Develop the Developer Academy, Nicole serves as Project Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring the program runs efficiently from start to finish. She is dedicated to creating a high-quality experience for participants, making sure they have the structure, support, and resources needed to succeed.
Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). With over seven years of experience in project management and event coordination, she brings a detail-oriented, solutions-driven approach to every initiative she leads.
Thank you to Our Partners
Interested in supporting Develop the Developer Academy? Contact developmentHFUSA@homefreeusa.org
Ready to Build More Than Properties?
Ready to Build More Than Properties?
Become one of just 30 developers selected to join Maryland's premier real estate development academy.
If you're ready to gain the knowledge, build the right connections, and develop projects that create lasting community impact, this is your opportunity.
Take the first step toward becoming a successful real estate developer.
Become one of just 30 developers selected to join Maryland's premier real estate development academy.
If you're ready to gain the knowledge, build the right connections, and develop projects that create lasting community impact, this is your opportunity.
Take the first step toward becoming a successful real estate developer.
What People Say
Real Participant Testimonials
“I'm sure there are Ivy League MBA students who are not getting the exposure and access the Develop the Developer℠ offers. I 've been in the industry for years and learned a lot in the Academy"
Vern V.
“This program challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow—both professionally and personally. My knowledge expanded, my network grew, and I’m walking away more confident in my future than ever.”
Gresha P.
HomeFree-USA are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization & proud Platinum Member in good standing of GuideStar.
Copyright © 2026 homefreeusa.org | All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2026 homefreeusa.org
All Rights Reserved.