2024 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Jesse Schwartz, The Doe Fund

“Jesse has been pivotal in advancing The Doe Fund’s growing portfolio of transitional, affordable, and supportive housing, encompassing nearly 1.2 million s/f in operation or development. Most recently, he played a significant role in the organization’s newest residence at 3118 Webster Ave. in the Bronx, which began construction this month.” - Christopher Luggiero, Vice President of Communications at The Doe Fund.

Beyond your professional achievements, what are some of your passions or hobbies? I love playing softball – pure joy. I also started a dance group that participates in the NYC Dance Parade!

Who are the key people in your life that have contributed to your success? Affordable housing isn’t rocket science, but the learning curve is steep – and at least scientists get to dedicate their entire education to their craft. So much of affordable housing development is experiential, so I owe a great deal to my industry colleagues, who are frequently on the receiving end of my myriad inquiries. I’m also incredibly grateful to my dad, who, among other things, instilled the values of learning and leaning into my discomfort.

Outside of your career, where else do you seek continuous learning and personal growth? There’s a quote by Daniel Kahneman that goes something to the effect of, “No one enjoys being wrong, but I do enjoy having been wrong, because it means I am now less wrong than I was before.” I try to internalize this regularly – it helps me take my work seriously while simultaneously not taking myself too seriously.