We are empowering communities, nurturing small businesses and championing fairness and opportunity for all.
Southland Equity Initiative (SEI) is a high-impact community developer focused on transformative projects in the South Suburbs of Chicago that enliven and enrich neighborhoods and build communities. Our mission is to establish projects that are catalysts for change and foster equitable economic empowerment throughout the region.
We have established a collaborative team of experts that are experienced in all aspects of complex developments. Our team is engaged and insightful because they live and are invested in the communities we serve. Through strategic developments and community-driven initiatives SEI works to revitalize neighborhoods and create economic opportunities that drive positive and sustainable futures.
We uplift the Southland region by closing the wealth gap through affordable housing, small business support, and workforce development.
We do Product Design. A TEAM OF DESIGNERS AND PRODUCERS SPECIALISING IN CREATING HIGH-IMPACT EVENTS AND ENVIRONMENTS
We do Product Design. A TEAM OF DESIGNERS AND PRODUCERS SPECIALISING IN CREATING HIGH-IMPACT EVENTS AND ENVIRONMENTS
Meet the Executive Team
Pastor Lawrence blackful
Chief Executive Officer
Rev. Lawrence Blackful, Jr. has been the Senior Pastor at St. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and CEO of Bethel Family Resource Center since 2013. He has a deep commitment to community service and workforce development, having impacted over 200 individuals through career training programs. Pastor Blackful advocates for strong community ties and has a history of leadership in various social and civic organizations.
Jim Psyhogios
Chief Development Officer
Jim Psyhogios is a prominent Chicago real estate expert with 35+ years in developing the South Loop and surrounding areas. He has overseen multimillion-dollar projects and played a key role in the X/O Condominiums. Jim’s passion extends to training new brokers, and his extensive knowledge ensures robust community development.
Jay Readey
Chief Investment Officer and Legal Counsel
Jay Readey, an advocate for racial and socioeconomic equity, serves as the founder and CEO of The Metro Alliance. His work focuses on revitalizing communities in Chicago’s South Side and suburbs through innovative for-profit and nonprofit strategies. A Yale graduate with degrees in law and business, Jay also practices community development finance law and teaches at DePaul University School of Law.
Tim Scott
Chief Financial Officer
Tim Scott is a business consultant and expert in financial strategy with extensive experience in the insurance industry. He operates his own consulting firm, aiding insurance brokers in growth through mergers and acquisitions. Previously a CFO in several companies, Tim has spearheaded improvements in client services, operational processes, and technology integration, enhancing organizational productivity and morale.
edward peck
Chief Design Officer
Edward M. Peck is a distinguished architect and urban planner with 25+ years in innovative design. He founded Edward PECK DESIGN, focusing on high-performance architecture and sustainable projects. His diverse portfolio includes educational, cultural, and residential projects, and he actively teaches and lectures on design at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Victoria Wilson
Chief Sustainability Officer
Victoria has over 15 years of environmental experience in the areas of Health and Safety, Construction Project Management and Analytical Reporting, Victoria has notable career accomplishments which include Superfund Site Assessments for soil, air and water. Other areas of interest is indoor quality which includes her applicable knowledge of compliance within state, federal and local standard and regulations.
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