Dr. Gina Merritt, MBA, is an expert in affordable housing and community development, known for her leadership in social capital and employment for the underserved. Her award-winning projects provide safe housing and job opportunities.

Five years after earning her MBA, she founded her real estate practice, consulting on over $2B in projects and structuring over $5B in transactions. She has overseen the development of 7,500 housing units, excelling in entitlement, financing, design, and construction. Her financial structuring expertise has elevated her profile, including underwriting $5B in transactions for CDFIs.

After earning her doctorate, Dr. Merritt launched Project Community Capital® (PCC), a platform bridging social capital gaps for underserved communities. PCC helps achieve socio-economic goals by connecting employers with ready workers and leveraging community capital. Dr. Merritt’s work continues to drive social impact and economic empowerment.

Dr. Gina Merritt grew up in affordable housing in the Bronx, New York, and helped raise three siblings. She earned her BBA from Howard University and worked at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley before obtaining her MBA from the University of Virginia. Dr. Merritt mentors for Innovation Works and supports the Youth Empowered Society in Baltimore, focusing on entrepreneurship and aiding homeless youth. Recognized for her leadership in affordable housing, she has received multiple accolades, including Built by Women awards for North Capitol Commons and The Nannie Helen at 4800, and Stevie Awards for Social Changemaker of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Dr. Merritt is dedicated to achieving equality through her innovative platforms and community efforts.