Dominique Rémy and 1DROP at Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
The Alaska Care Retreat hosted a packed evening on April 24 as the Puget Sound Business Journal recognized its 2025 class of 40 Under 40. Dominique Rémy, Co-Founder and Executive Director of 1DROP, was one of the honorees—acknowledged for his leadership in advancing equitable development in the region.
A Moment of Shared Recognition
Dominique accepted the award surrounded by longtime collaborators, family, and fellow 1DROP team members.
“Tonight isn't about me, it's about all of us creating something together. What I see is the beginning of a fundamental shift in how development happens in our community,” - Dominique Rémy
As guests moved through the space, a large central screen displayed each honoree’s name and organization—a quiet reminder of the range of work being recognized. From healthcare to housing, and arts to infrastructure, the room brought together people building change across sectors. The setting encouraged genuine connection, with more conversations than photo ops, and more curiosity than formality.
Beyond the Stage
What set this celebration apart from the usual award circuit was the depth of intentional community-building woven throughout the evening. It was clear this gathering was designed to spark real dialogue and connection, not just spotlight individual accomplishments.
As champagne glasses clinked, conversations moved with purpose. Guests dug into topics like capital access, zoning barriers, digital equity, public-private partnerships, and how to grow leadership pipelines that truly reflect the communities being served. Throughout the night, 1DROP Members engaged with fellow leaders—some familiar, others newly met.
Shared Space, Shared Stakes
The gathering underscored how no one builds in isolation. Whether you're working in real estate or research, immigration or innovation, the systems are connected—and events like this make that visible. That kind of cross-pollination wasn’t accidental. It reflected a broader shift toward coalition-building over competition. Across informal circles, the energy leaned toward alignment: What could we build together that we can’t build alone?
With voices from across real estate, healthcare, the arts, tech, and beyond, the room offered a rare space for cross-sector exchange. A few guests leaned in to learn more about 1DROP’s model and asked what it actually takes to support developers of color in an industry that hasn’t made space for them.
“The barriers are structural—access to land, capital, relationships. We’re creating pathways so people who’ve been locked out can actually lead.”
Looking Ahead
As the night wrapped, Dominique reflected on the deeper meaning of the recognition.
“What felt most meaningful was seeing people grasp our vision. This recognition is really about 1DROP and the community of members, partners, and collaborators who are all working together to create lasting change.”
The crystal award now sits at 1DROP’s office as a marker of that shared progress. As Dominique put it, the true measure of success will be when development and ownership are no longer exceptions, but the norm for those who’ve historically been excluded from the table.
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 wealth.
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.
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