About Us

The Intersection of Scholar and Activist

Ujima Developers, LLC is a solution for finding the middle ground between blight and gentrification. Our model of holistic equitable development respects the intersections among history and the future, health and housing, economic mobility and structural barriers to equity. Our approach is to move beyond description of plight toward movements of positive change. We believe your zip code should not determine your access to opportunity nor should it determine your lifespan. We seek to contribute to changing this reality for many of our neighbors across the United States.

As solutionists we each sit among intersections of scholar and activist, scientist and practitioner, capitalist and social entrepreneur, survivor and thriver among other things. This company was founded with the ethic of ‘be the change you want to see.’ We are taking on the role of social impact real estate development because we believe that urban and rural communities can transform with development that is intended to provide a community return on investment.

The Team

At Ujima Developers (which means collective work and responsibility) our company culture is structured to embody the principles inherent in the name. Our team and partnerships cover diverse skill sets to deliver consulting, real estate development, and residential services.

Our Logo

The symbol of our logo is heavily inspired by the Adinkra symbol meaning “TRANSFORMATION - change or transform your character”. Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Akan of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa, that represent concepts or original thoughts. Adinkra are used on fabric, walls, in pottery, woodcarvings and logos. Fabric adinkra are often made by woodcut sign writing as well as screen printing.

Overview

Ujima’s holistic equitable development approach identifies and leverages a community’s human capital as assets to stimulate economic mobility in under-invested communities.

Find out more

Dr. Leon Caldwell, Founder

Dr. Leon D. Caldwell is an award-winning community-based-researcher, social entrepreneur and transformational leader. Ujima Developers was founded on the premise that communities can be transformed with intentional investments to improve the life outcomes of residents. Leon has been involved in real estate as a developer, builder, investor, and property manager since 1999.

A West Philadelphia native, Leon graduated from Our Mother of Sorrows, the William Penn Charter School, then received a BA in Economics and M.Ed. in School Counseling from Lehigh University and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Penn State. Following earning his doctorate, he was a staff psychologist at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He has held rank and tenure as an Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln; the University of Memphis and directed a community research center at Rhodes College. After a successful career as an Associate Professor, award-winning community-based researcher, national thought leader on Black men and boys health, social entrepreneur and Senior Leader in the Philanthropic sector and author with over 50 national and international publications, he established Ujima Developers, LLC as a public health intervention for blighted neighborhoods. His recent work has been published by SAMHSA, the National League of Cities and the Association of Black Foundation Executives.

Excited to return to his home, Philadelphia, Leon seeks to contribute his unique approach to holistic equitable development in re-designing neighborhoods for the optimal wellbeing of residents.

Housing is health! Leon understands the influence of real estate developers on the health and economic mobility of a zip code. Ujima Developers’ approach to social innovation is re-designing neighborhoods for the optimal health of residents.