ALICIA DIAZ
Detroit, Michigan

AFFILIATION: Executive Director, Shorebank Enterprise, Detroit

AREA OF EXPERTISE: Urban disinvestment and poverty

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE: Alicia is executive director of Shorebank Enterprise, Detroit, a nonprofit affiliate of the Shorebank Corporation, a community and economic development financial institution. The mission of Shorebank Enterprise, Detroit includes affordable real estate development within Detroit's Empowerment Zone, small business enterprise lending, first-time homebuyer assistance, and education and workforce development. Prior to joining Shorebank Enterprise, Alicia practiced law with a specialization in commercial and product liability. She has also held positions at Focus: HOPE and on the staff of City of Detroit Mayor Dennis W. Archer. Alicia serves on several local boards of directors and speaks regularly on issues concerning relations between Latinos and African Americans.

RESEARCH INTERESTS: For her Knight Program research, Alicia is examining the lack of alliances between affordable housing stakeholders and New Urbanists and exploring the possibility of organizing an event to bring together key players from these areas to foster alliances.