Developer Spotlight: Noemi Cagatin-Porter
At 1DROP, we’re proud to uplift BIPOC developers who are not only building housing—but reimagining who gets to belong, lead, and access opportunity. Our latest Developer Spotlight features Noemi Cagatin-Porter, a Filipina American immigrant, designer, and builder. As founder of CJK Community Homes, Noemi brings lived experience, compassion, and a deep commitment to equity.
With 13+ years in construction, she’s flipped over 70 homes and owns 25–30 properties in Pierce County. As a former Lowe’s contractor, she completed 330+ customer projects. Today, she leads equity-driven development that expands opportunity and stability for underserved communities.
Early Influences, Lasting Impact
Noemi’s path into construction is rooted in her family’s strength and sacrifice. Raised in the Philippines without running water or electricity, she immigrated to the U.S. with her family, supported by grandparents who worked as janitors. Her mother joined them and became a daycare provider, doing whatever it took to support her children. From their example, Noemi learned resilience, community, and the value of hard work.
CJK: Advancing Housing Equity
In 2020, Noemi founded CJK Community Homes, a nonprofit organization committed to expanding affordable housing opportunities and creating pathways to homeownership for BIPOC communities. “I’m excited about helping our BIPOC community build generational wealth,” she says. “Real estate is what allowed me to be where I am today.”
Education and design are central to her work. Noemi builds homes that elevate daily life—blending beauty, function, and community needs. One key project features multi-generational housing with ADA-accessible units, helping families age in place with dignity.
“It really just depends on my intention for that property and that project. I consider the intended residents and their unique housing requirements every step of the way, from design to development.” - Noemi Cagatin-Porter
Recognition Rooted in Service
Through CJK Community Homes, Noemi has led work that earned her honors including the City of Destiny Award, the Empowerment Award from the Tacoma Urban League, the Community Leader Award from the Tacoma NAACP, and most recently, formal recognition from the City of Tacoma at a city council meeting. Her leadership has also been featured in Puget Sound Business Journal, Tacoma Weekly, South Sound Magazine, and NW Asian Weekly, with PSBJ spotlighting her journey from homelessness to housing advocate.
CJK Community Homes receiving the City of Destiny Award—celebrating housing impact, progress, and the path to self-sufficiency.
Noemi was also recently awarded the Washington State Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her drive to expand housing access and strengthen communities. From teaching financial literacy to mentoring emerging leaders, Noemi approaches service as a lifelong commitment to systems change and self-sufficiency.
The Role of Strategic Partnerships
Despite these recognitions, Noemi's path has not been without barriers. Like many BIPOC developers, she has faced challenges—whether it’s limited access to funding, networks, or visibility. However, she has carved out her own path, driven by a commitment to seeking the right partnerships. For Noemi, trust is just as important as capital, and this mindset has helped her form meaningful, long-term collaborations with others who share her vision.
“We’re often told to wait our turn or fit into models that weren’t built for us, I’m not doing that anymore. We’re building new models.”
- Noemi Cagatin-Porter
Through 1DROP, she has found a space where collaboration replaces competition, and where shared values and collective power can guide the way forward.
Collective Power and Shared Learning
Noemi became a member of 1DROP not just to access resources but to connect with other developers who share her values. “Being in a space with other developers of color is transformative,” she said. “We can be real about the challenges we face, and we’re not competing—we’re building together.” This shift from isolation to community is reshaping how she approaches her work—ensuring that collaboration, transparency, and trust are always at the center.
Her work continues to grow. She is acquiring more land, designing intentional housing, and mentoring the next generation of leaders in the affordable housing space. Her advice for those just starting out?
“Start somewhere. Even if it’s small. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.” - Noemi Cagatin-Porter
It’s a mindset that has guided her throughout her career—and one that keeps her projects deeply rooted in people and place.
About 1DROP
1DROP is a collective of underrepresented real estate developers addressing the Puget Sound housing crisis. We are committed to empowering underrepresented developers to build housing for all wages, all stages, and all ages while growing access to generational in.
1DROP achieves its mission by, externally:
Advocating for funding for underrepresented developers and their projects.
Advocating for policy solutions that enable more housing.
And internally by providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring underrepresented developers.
Co-development for emerging underrepresented developers.
Mentorship, networking, resources and support services for all underrepresented developers.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP's website to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
Have questions or suggestions for this post?
We're here to engage! For edits, feedback, or inquiries about this blog post, please reach out to press@1drop.co.