Voice of Leadership: CEO Bonita Harrison Expands Reach and Shares Expertise with Stakeholders in the First Quarter of 2026
The first quarter of 2026 marked a dynamic and impactful period for Bonita Harrison, Founder and CEO of Sunshine Management and Owner and Managing Broker of KBM Realty, as she continued to expand her reach and share her expertise across academic, professional, and community-focused platforms. Through panels, lectures, and mentorship initiatives, Harrison reinforced her commitment to equitable development, strategic growth, and empowering the next generation of real estate leaders.
Advancing Women’s Leadership in Multifamily Housing
On March 24, 2026, Harrison joined a distinguished panel for the Women Pioneers in Chicago Neighborhood Multifamily Housing discussion, an event spotlighting the influential role of women in shaping Chicago’s neighborhood development landscape. Hosted by Women Housing & Income Providers and the Rogers Park Builders Group, with opening remarks from Maria Hadden, the event convened industry leaders to explore critical aspects of the multifamily housing ecosystem.
Harrison contributed her expertise on development, joining fellow panelists who addressed lending and investment perspectives. The discussion offered attendees a comprehensive look at how capital, strategy, and execution intersect to drive neighborhood housing initiatives. Her participation underscored her leadership in fostering inclusive dialogue and advancing women’s influence in real estate development.
Engaging Future Leaders from Harvard University
In another key engagement, Harrison met with 25 Master of Real Estate and Land Use students from Harvard University to discuss land use strategy and thoughtful design along Chicago’s Woodlawn Corridor. The session brought together prominent leaders, including representatives from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, as well as former Commissioner Maurice Cox and Managing Deputy Commissioner Dawveed Scully. Also present were Justin Peterson, Supervising Planner and Architect, Dr. Avis Devine, Associate Professor of Real Estate at Harvard Graduate School of Design; and fellow advisor Janelle Delfin. The conversation focused on how equitable development, community history, and intentional planning come together to shape vibrant, resilient, and sustainable neighborhoods.
Exploring Missing Middle Housing with UIC Students
Harrison also engaged with Master of Urban Planning and Policy students from the University of Illinois Chicago via Zoom to discuss the complexities of Missing Middle housing. Drawing from her extensive experience, she outlined the multifaceted challenges developers face, including land acquisition, layered financing structures, and appraisal constraints.
Through real-world scenarios, Harrison demonstrated how policy, market dynamics, and financial strategy converge to determine project viability. Her insights provided students with a grounded understanding of the barriers and opportunities involved in delivering attainable housing solutions.
Mentoring Emerging Developers through the EDI Program
As an adviser for the Capital Impact Partners Chicago EDI Developers Program Cohort 1, Harrison continued her work mentoring emerging developers. In a recent session, she shared her strategic journey and offered practical insights on team building, hiring decisions, contractor selection, navigating industry challenges, and designing projects with long-term neighborhood growth in mind.
Joining a panel of experienced professionals and representatives from organizations such as the Community Investment Corporation and the Chicago Community Loan Fund, Harrison helped equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to execute impactful development projects. The program combines expert-led training with tailored mentorship to strengthen participants’ strategic development and finance expertise. It also connects aspiring developers to professional networks and potential financing opportunities, accelerating the journey from project concept to successful execution.
Staying Connected to Industry Innovation
As part of her continued effort to stay aligned with emerging trends in housing and construction, Harrison recently engaged with executive leadership from Lowe’s Home Improvement to discuss insights from the International Builders’ Show (IBS), held February 17–19, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
Hosted by the National Association of Home Builders, IBS is widely regarded as the premier annual event for residential construction, bringing together industry leaders to explore innovation, share expertise, and examine trends shaping the future of housing.
Across each engagement, a consistent theme emerged: Harrison’s dedication to building with purpose. Whether addressing students, mentoring developers, or participating in industry panels, she continues to advocate for development practices that prioritize community, equity, and long-term impact. Her work throughout the first quarter of 2026 reflects not only an expansion of influence but also a deepening commitment to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable real estate development landscape.