Davonne Reaves is rewriting the narrative of Black ownership in the hotel and commercial real estate industry.
Once working at the front desk of a hotel, Reaves made history in 2021 as one of the youngest Black women to co-own a major hotel chain property.
Today, with three hotels in her portfolio, she’s on a mission to help the Black community gain a foothold in hotel investing and commercial real estate through her ambitious initiative, the 200 Investors in 100 Days Challenge.
The challenge is the next step in Reaves’ mission to increase Black ownership in the travel industry, where Black travelers contribute billions but own less than 2% of hotels.
“Hotel investing within the Black community is something not talked about enough,” Reaves told Travel Noire. “We are the original Airbnbs.”
Reaves points to the legacy of Black-owned accommodations listed in the Green Book, emphasizing the importance of building wealth through hotel ownership today.
Expanding Access to Commercial Real Estate Investing
The 200 Investors in 100 Days Challenge is a continuation of Reaves’ earlier success, which saw her create 100 investors in 90 days. This time, she’s raising the stakes, and with seven investors already committed, Reaves is well on her way to achieving her goal.
But it’s not just about hotels—Reaves is opening up opportunities for participants to invest in other areas of commercial real estate, including car washes and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Her challenge breaks down barriers, offering an accessible path for people who may not have large amounts of capital.
“Maybe someone has $100 to invest. They can use that to invest in a REIT,” Reaves explains. By demystifying the financial requirements, she’s making hotel and real estate investments more accessible.
Wealth Creation and Education in the Black Community
Reaves’ challenge addresses the gap in education about commercial real estate investing. Participants will receive guidance from industry experts, financial advisors, and tax experts like Shaquanna Brooks, who will explain the tax benefits of real estate investments.
Weekly live Q&A sessions provide a platform for participants to learn about everything from investing in hotel stocks like Hilton and Marriott to understanding how to invest in large commercial properties through crowdfunding.
Reaves isn’t just creating wealth opportunities—she’s fostering generational change.
“The hotel industry is one of few industries where you can start as a dishwasher and work your way to CEO,” she says.
Her own journey, from front desk worker to hotel owner, underscores her commitment to making this path more accessible to others.
Building the Future: Vesterr Crowdfunding Platform
In addition to the challenge, Reaves is working on a crowdfunding platform called Vesterr, where people can find commercial real estate investment opportunities.
Through Vesterr, she’s making it even easier for individuals to invest in the lucrative commercial real estate market.
With her drive and determination, Davonne Reaves is not only reshaping the landscape of hotel ownership but also empowering the Black community to build wealth and create lasting legacies through real estate.
The question is: Will you join the movement?
The challenge is free to join, and participants are encouraged to seize this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and access to wealth-building strategies.
