CASE STUDY

PROJECT:


Community Developers Roundtable

Launched by Innovan Neighborhoods, the Community Developers Roundtable is a cohort-based development program designed to strengthen access, peer networks, and professional capacity for emerging real estate developers.


Developed through an eight-month curriculum refined over a two-year pilot, the program earned strong support from financial institutions, community organizations, and industry associations.


PRAXIS partnered with Innovan to shape and deliver the program’s branding, communications, events, and operational infrastructure, supporting both the initial launch and long-term program growth.

Situation

Innovan's founder, Maggie Parker, had a vision for a collaborative network focused of providing access, structure, and education for developers of color. In partnership with BCL of Texas and underwritten by JP Morgan Chase, the program required intense strategy, branding, messaging, web development, and public relations for launch and execution.

Solution

Innovan’s founder, Maggie Parker, envisioned a collaborative platform that would provide developers with structured education, credible exposure, and access to capital networks.


Supported by regional partners and funders, the program required a coordinated launch strategy that integrated branding, messaging, digital platforms, and public engagement.


Key needs included:

  • Establishing program credibility with financial and civic partners
  • Creating clear participant pathways and selection processes
  • Building public-facing visibility for participating developers
  • Designing scalable communications and engagement systems


The initiative required both strategic framing and hands-on execution to ensure trust, consistency, and long-term viability.

Our Approach

PRAXIS worked alongside Innovan to design and manage a comprehensive program launch and delivery strategy.


Key areas of engagement included:

Program Positioning & Communications

  • Developed core messaging, narrative framework, and brand identity
  • Designed and launched the program website and digital presence
  • Led media outreach and public relations strategy


Launch & Engagement Strategy

  • Produced the program’s initial networking and activation events
  • Developed call-to-action campaigns, including video content
  • Coordinated partner, participant, and stakeholder engagement


Program Infrastructure & Materials

  • Designed application and selection systems
  • Created curriculum and marketing materials
  • Developed participant and partner communications workflows


Culminating Event Management

  • Led planning and execution of the multi-site project bus tour
  • Coordinated logistics, programming, and stakeholder participation
  • Produced closing engagement events for over 100 guests



Throughout the engagement, PRAXIS served as both strategic advisor and operational lead, ensuring alignment between program vision and day-to-day execution.

Results

The inaugural cohort launched in November 2022 with strong regional visibility and broad stakeholder participation.


Key outcomes included:

• Selection and support of the first cohort of fifteen developers

• Extensive local media coverage and partner engagement

• Successful delivery of the multi-site project showcase

• Strengthened relationships between developers, lenders, and civic partners


In 2022, PRAXIS led the funder update and Cohort 2 kickoff, produced an award-winning impact report, and delivered full-cycle communications, engagement, and program infrastructure for the second cohort.


PRAXIS continues to support the Roundtable through strategy, planning, communications, and participant engagement.

This engagement reflects how PRAXIS supports capacity-building initiatives from concept through scale. By aligning strategy, systems, and stakeholder relationships, we helped establish a durable platform for developer education, collaboration, and long-term growth.