A Vision for Public Good in Real Estate: Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons

In episode 220 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers by reimagining and rebuilding forgotten spaces into high-quality homes.

About Derwin Sisnett

Derwin Sisnett is the founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, a pioneering real estate development and investment firm focused on transforming public spaces for the greater good.

Before establishing Adaptive Commons, Derwin co-founded and led Maslow Development Inc., a firm dedicated to advising, designing, and developing mixed-use communities centered around high-quality schools.

As the co-founder and former CEO of Gestalt Community Schools, a charter management organization in Memphis, Tennessee, Derwin played a crucial role in developing a network of high-performing, community-based charter schools.

His leadership earned recognition from the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, and he spearheaded a mixed-use development encompassing over 40 acres, which included a performing arts center and affordable housing.

In partnership with the Menkiti Group, Derwin co-founded the Obsidian Catalyst Fund, a real estate investment vehicle under Grove Social Impact Partners, aimed at empowering Black real estate developers and driving neighborhood-level social impact.

About Adaptive Commons

Adaptive Commons is addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers by reimagining and rebuilding forgotten spaces into high-quality homes. This initiative is critical as many teachers, healthcare professionals, and civic workers struggle to find affordable living options near their workplaces.

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