As a new graduate student in the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Real Estate Development Program, Gabrielle Hapi ’15, MBA & MRED ‘21 often passed by Baltimore’s glassy high-rises wondering, “How can I help people who can’t afford these rents?” She didn’t know that she’d find her answer first at UMD, then creating vibrant, affordable housing as the development manager for The NHP Foundation (NHPF).
Hapi admits that real estate wasn’t on her radar when she returned to UMD in 2018 to pursue a Master‘s in Business Administration. But, when she explored possible dual degree options, the Master of Real Estate Development program piqued her interest. An internship with NHPF during her last year of graduate school in 2021 demonstrated how she could leverage her degree to make a transformative impact for people and communities.
“Affordable housing was always something I wanted to help with,” Hapi said. “I just didn't know how. So, when NHPF came along I thought, ‘Oh, this is the opportunity…[It] was given to me and I took it and I ran with it.’”
Along with her colleagues and her manager, Mansur Abdul-Malik MRED ‘12,–Hapi, who joined NHPF fulltime in 2022, is making major strides in Baltimore’s affordable housing sector, where 51% of renters struggle to meet the city’s exorbitant housing costs. In her role, Hapi touches virtually every aspect of the development process, including raising capital, creating design-build teams and coordinating construction developments.
In May, NHPF debuted The Terraces at Park Heights, a $52 million affordable housing development for seniors located in Northwest Baltimore. The project is a part of a larger initiative led by the NHPF in collaboration with The Henson Development Company to redevelop and revitalize more than 17 acres of the Park Heights area, an underfunded community in the city.
”I love my job," Hapi said. “You know you love your job when you would do it even if they didn't pay you.”
She is doing similar work six miles down the road in her own neighborhood along the Edmonson corridor as the treasurer of the Hope Harbor Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding and revitalizing the area. The nonprofit has a “big vision” to ignite change and leverage expertise to build capital investment and redevelop vacant homes along the corridor.
“There’s something special about [bringing knowledge] and giving back to the community where you live,” Hapi said.
Below, she talks about a skill that helps her succeed in the industry, a historical event she wished she’d witnessed and advice she’d give to her 18-year-old self:
The quotes have been condensed and edited for clarity.
What is one skill you possess that helps you succeed in real estate?
My ability to see opportunities in different areas. In real estate, sometimes [someone can offer you a deal], and many people may not see the possibilities, but [I] look at it from different angles [and] see how I can actually make it work.
What historical event would you want to witness or be a part of?
When Jesus was born. I think it would've been fun just to see what it was like during those days and just to be able to see what his life was like. You can read the Bible and read what people thought of him, but [I would want to see] firsthand how people actually treated him.
How does it feel to impact so many people's lives?
It’s incredibly rewarding to make a meaningful impact—especially by doing something others may not be able to do for themselves. I take pride in being a voice for those who can’t advocate for themselves. Many people don’t have the platform or opportunity to engage with some officials or push for change in their communities. But I can. I can advocate on their behalf, and it’s fulfilling to see that advocacy translate into real, tangible results.
How has the MRED program impacted your career?
The MRED program gave me a strong foundation for what I do today, particularly in underwriting. While those skills were further sharpened through real-world experience, the academic groundwork was essential. I also engage with legal matters daily in my projects, so the law course has been especially valuable—along with the construction management course. Honestly, every class I took has contributed in some way, shape, or form to the work I do now.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Stop stressing so much. Everything will be okay. Live life!