Our fearless leader joins 39 other professionals across the nation working in community development as Enterprise celebrates 40 years of breaking boundaries and strengthening communities. María Elena Guerra (Meg) landed this recognition as she has worked tirelessly to create thriving communities for people of color for more than 15 years.

From the Enterprise website: Under Meg’s leadership, FHDC & Evolve work to ensure that opportunities for people of color to pursue prosperity and growth are as stable and abundant as the housing they build.

With more than 15 years’ experience in both property and asset management, Meg has worked alongside various stakeholders and communities across the affordable housing industry. Before becoming the executive director at Farmworker Housing Development Corporation and Evolve, Meg served as their asset and property manager, the portfolio manager for REACH CDC, and as the asset manager with Hacienda CDC.

Meg’s vision for the next 40 years in the affordable housing and community development sector is to foster true partnership among all sectors, including non-profits, government, and private, to provide opportunities for people of color and low-income families to thrive.

Currently serving on the Oregon Governor’s Racial Justice Council, Meg also sits on the Housing and Homelessness Committee and is co-chair of the Housing Oregon’s Rural Chapter. She is the proud recipient of Housing Oregon’s Star Player Award.

Meg holds a bachelor’s degree in Business administration from Espiritu Santo University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Portland State University.