The Color of Money | Transformative Conversations for Wealth Building

106. Start, Persevere, Impact: How Rocio Hermosillo & Kuuku Saah Revitalize Communities in Des Moines

Aug 20, 2025

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From immigrant roots to transformative real estate projects, Rocio Hermosillo and Kuuku Saah are revitalizing the River Bend neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa. Rocio—leader of Team Ella and one of NAHREP’s top 100 Latino real estate professionals—built her career by prioritizing “work to learn” over “work to earn,” gaining mentorship, and using real estate as a tool for community impact. Kuuku, an immigrant from Ghana with a background in investment management, shifted from building wealth for corporations to creating lasting change in diverse urban neighborhoods.

Together, they’re restoring the historic North Des Moines Town Hall into affordable housing and a coffee shop, while adding a 24-unit apartment building with a food hall to help local food entrepreneurs thrive. In this episode, they share how aligning on values, engaging community voices, and navigating complex funding can turn vision into reality—and why reframing failure, staying disciplined, and acting on your mission are essential for making a lasting difference.

Resources:

Learn more at The Color of Money
Follow Rocio Hermosillo on Zillow
Become a real estate agent HERE

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