Big Bet: Build generational wealth by enabling small dollar investments in community-owned housing developments.
Project: Newark’s Housing Cooperative Economics project enables low-to-moderate income (LMI) Newark residents to invest in community owned housing developments, fostering cooperative economic growth. It goes beyond “affordable housing,” giving small-dollar investors ($1,000 or less) a stake in the development itself — a true investment opportunity that can generate returns, build assets, and create generational wealth.
Catherine Wilson is providing opportunities for low-to-moderate income residents to invest in community developed housing, generating financial returns for the residents, creating a cooperative economy. Since 2015, she has led initiatives including the Newark Asset Building Coalition and the Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative, raising over $3 million for outreach, education, and vaccine distribution in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Catherine holds degrees from Rowan University and Rutgers, and executive certificates from Harvard Kennedy School. She serves on multiple nonprofit boards in Newark.