Welcome to Our Visioner's Story
I’m so glad you’re here. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s shaped everything we’re doing at Urban Green Homes Community Redevelopment Collective. From overcoming personal obstacles to discovering a deeper purpose in transforming communities, there’s a story behind the mission. I invite you to read on and learn more about the passion, challenges, and vision that drive this work. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
My Story
From Vision to Mission:
The Story Behind Urban Green Homes CRC
As a young adult, I could read books, but I couldn’t see the faces of my children unless they were right in front of me. Steps appeared flat, and distances were a blur. Life, quite literally, was out of focus.
I was diagnosed with Keratoconus, a condition that left me legally blind. As a young mother of four—two boys and two girls—now an empty nester, I faced countless obstacles, but I refused to let my blindness define my future.
Not only blindness, I struggled with focus and organization in ways I couldn't explain at the time. My thoughts often scattered, and it felt like I was trying to catch up with myself. I later came to understand that these challenges were tied to undiagnosed ADHD, which made both everyday tasks and long-term projects feel overwhelming. But just like with my vision, I refused to let it limit my potential. Despite these challenges, I held onto the belief that something greater was ahead.
While I may have struggled to focus at times, my passion for learning, helping others, and creating change always kept me grounded. It’s part of what drove me to succeed in my education and in real estate, and it continues to fuel my mission to transform urban spaces into thriving, sustainable communities.
Finding Purpose Through Education and Work
During my studies, one of my capstone projects was Holloman Home Investments, a concept focused on “Following New Technologies in ‘Green Homes’: Environmentally Sustainable Real Estate Investing.” Life, however, took me in a different direction—I started my career at a political firm before moving into state and local government offices. While mastering office technology, I continued pursuing my passion for real estate, earning my license and spending my free time helping families find homes that were both affordable and sustainable.
While working as a real estate agent, I began to notice a troubling pattern—abandoned homes, neglected neighborhoods, and untapped potential in communities that deserved reinvestment. At the same time, many prospective homeowners were searching not just for housing, but for lasting affordability through lower utility costs and long-term value. That realization inspired a new purpose for my work in real estate.
I launched Urban Green Homes Community Redevelopment Collective (CRC) to transform vacant starter homes into eco-friendly, energy-efficient properties designed for sustainable homeownership. By prioritizing cost-effective construction and reduced long-term operating expenses, we aim to make owning a home both attainable and financially advantageous.
Our vision extends beyond individual homes. By integrating coworking and event spaces into redeveloped areas, we support local entrepreneurs and small businesses, fostering vibrant neighborhoods where economic opportunity, sustainability, and community growth go hand in hand.
Overcoming Challenges, One Step at a Time
My journey wasn’t easy. Despite my visual impairment and adhd, I was determined to keep moving forward. My doctor encouraged me to continue my education, so I earned my first certificate as a professional typist from the Association for the Blind—an achievement I was incredibly proud of. While awaiting surgeries, I pursued and earned an Associate’s Degree in Executive Secretarial Studies, knowing that administrative work would be within my reach despite my limited vision.
After undergoing two corneal transplants, I regained my sight—an unbelievable miracle. With renewed determination, I went on to earn a second Associate’s Degree in Information Systems Management. Later, while working full-time, I pursued and achieved a Bachelor’s Degree, followed by two Master’s Degrees—one in Business and another in Real Estate.
A Vision for Change
Having faced and overcome my own challenges, I am now dedicated to transforming abandoned starter homes into vibrant, thriving communities—one home, one family, and one neighborhood at a time. With two associate degrees, an MBA, and an MS under my belt, I’m ready to take on the biggest capstone project of my life. It may sound ambitious, even a little delusional, but if I can make this vision a reality, I can do anything.
My vision for green home revitalization and eco-friendly coworking spaces is deeply personal. I’ve lived in homes with high utility bills and inefficient energy use, so I understand firsthand the impact that sustainability and cost-effective living can have on families. Likewise, I’ve worked in various office settings and built my own entrepreneurial journey, so I know the challenges that small businesses face in securing affordable, functional spaces.
That’s why I’m creating a coworking space that offers an affordable, collaborative, and eco-friendly environment—reducing operating costs for entrepreneurs while promoting sustainability.
By merging green home revitalization with affordable business space, we empower individuals and businesses to succeed while making a positive environmental impact.
Join Us in Making a Difference
I invite you to be part of this journey. Whether you’re looking to join our team, volunteer your skills, or donate, your support plays a key role in creating lasting, positive change for families and communities.
Let’s make green urban revitalization a reality—together.
Donna L. Holloman
Donna L. Holloman, mba, ms
Founder, Director of Research & Development
Urban Green Homes Community Redevelopment Collective(CRC)
Meet Donna — & the Avatars Behind the Vision
The Woman • The Founder • The Vision ❤️👓
You’ll see different versions of me throughout my projects—big red glasses, dreadlocks, business suits, beach vibes and everything in between. They’re my avatars, but behind every one is the real Donna L. Holloman, MBA, MS—founder, creator, lifelong learner and dreamer.
Those big red glasses mean more than branding. After living legally blind with keratoconus and eventually receiving two corneal transplants, vision has a very personal meaning to me. ❤️👓
Today, the glasses represent not only the gift of sight, but my determination to keep seeing possibilities—in people, ideas, homes and communities.
I earned my MBA and MS to put them to work. Now I'm combining education, decades of experience and a whole lot of imagination to bring the projects I've carried for years into the world.
“Education is the key to making a small box a little larger… until the box disappears and possibilities become endless.”
— Donna L. Holloman, MBA, MS READ MORE on FACEBOOK
See All of Donna's Projects @ DonnaLHolloman.com
Let us know what you think.
If you would like to learn how to get involved, email me.