BOSTON, MA – After three years of leadership, Colleen Fonseca will be stepping down as Executive Director of the Builders of Color Coalition (BCC). Colleen joined BCC in August 2021, amid a time of great change for the organization and deep social and economic uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic. Leading with grace, enthusiasm, curiosity, willingness to try new things, and the ability to connect with various stakeholders, Colleen provided a solid operational and programming foundation for BCC, ushering in a new phase of growth in the organization’s network, profile, and impact. BCC’s accomplishments during her tenure include:
- Hiring additional staff to enhance the organization’s capabilities
- Implementing BCC’s first four-year strategic plan
- Expanding BCC’s network, partnerships, and fundraising
- Establishing signature BCC events and offerings such as the Financing Forum, Land Access Forum, and Meet the Banks Initiative
- Launching three fellowship programs: the CORE Fellowship, Affordable Housing Developer Fellowship, and the Investment Analysis Fellowship
- Launching the Capital Task Force, the first of three task forces identifying and uplifting innovative solutions for advancing CRE investors and developers of color
- Gaining the commitment of 5 cities – Boston, Cambridge, Lynn, Salem, and Somerville – to increase DEI evaluation criteria in public and private projects through the Commonwealth Compact
“To ensure a smooth transition and BCC’s continued effectiveness, we are thrilled to announce that Kenneth Turner will be joining the Builders of Color Coalition as Interim Executive Director,” said Taylor Pederson, Board President at Builders of Color Coalition and Marketing Director, Colliers. “As former president and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and a driving force behind the “Massport Model” at the Massachusetts Port Authority, Kenn’s experience will be invaluable in building new relationships, refreshing BCC’s strategic plan, and strengthening our resources and capacity. We are grateful for Kenn’s guidance during this time.”
Colleen shared the following statement in her letter of resignation to the board of directors: “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry. BCC will continue to be a powerful force in this space, bringing innovative ideas and pioneering programs to our network across the state.”
Colleen will be leaving BCC to serve as Equity and Inclusion Manager with the Mayor’s Office of Housing for the City of Boston. “While we will miss Colleen’s leadership, we proudly look forward to seeing the positive changes she will make in the next stage of her career. Indeed, Colleen’s path is a microcosm and validation of BCC’s work to transform the commercial real estate industry, including by developing diverse talent for leadership roles. As we prepare to publish our 2024-2028 strategic plan, we will continue to focus on leadership development pipelines in our efforts to expand access and opportunity in commercial real estate,” added Pederson.
Stay tuned for more information about BCC’s search for a new executive director and how to apply in the coming days.
About Builders of Color Coalition:
Builders of Color Coalition (BCC) increases access and diversity in Boston’s commercial real estate sector to promote the economic well-being of minority businesses and the communities we serve. BCC convenes real estate professionals of color, private firms, government agencies, trade organizations and community nonprofits to collectively create greater opportunities for education, employment, partnership and financing. Our minority real estate network comprises developers, investors, architects, attorneys, bankers, contractors and brokers working across a range of firms, from family-owned enterprises to multinational companies. BCC collaborates closely with other initiatives working to diversify Boston’s real estate sector, including African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP), Minority Developers Association (MDA), Commercial Real Estate Success Training (CREST), Real Estate Executive Council (REEC), NAIOP, Urban Land Institute (ULI), Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB) and CREW Boston. For more information on BCC, please visit www.buildersofcolor.com.
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