Marlene Guzman

About Marlene Guzman

I’m a real estate development and finance professional with a Master’s in Urban Planning & Public Policy from UIC and a background in Environmental Studies from Lewis & Clark College. At Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives/Greenwood Archer Capital, I’ve underwritten and originated $3M in business loans, and supported the development of 12+ active single-family redevelopment projects. My expertise in financial modeling, market analysis, and ArcGIS mapping has informed acquisitions, funding strategies, and redevelopment decisions across parcels in the Roseland and Pullman neighborhoods. My work is guided by a commitment to urban planning and creating great places for communities to thrive. At Farpoint Development, I contributed to feasibility analysis and master planning for the 13-acre Bronzeville Lakefront, helping shape a vision that integrates affordable housing, activated retail, and job opportunities. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant at UIC, I developed coursework on sustainable and climate-resilient urban development. Previously, as a Community Organizer with Jane Addams Senior Caucus, I led housing advocacy campaigns and organized community engagement meetings with residents and elected officials to advance affordable housing initiatives. Grounded in both technical rigor and community engagement, I am passionate about advancing real estate development that strengthens neighborhoods, expands access to housing, and builds inclusive, thriving communities.

Experience

1. Loan Officer

   Greenwood Archer Capital

   May 2024 — Present

Education

• Westridge School

  High School Diploma

• University of Illinois at Chicago - Graduate College

  Masters of Urban Planning and Public Policy

• Lewis & Clark College

  Environmental Studies, City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning

  2015 — 2019