Yulonda Byrd is the Vice President and Southeast Michigan Market Leader at Cinnaire, where she spearheads strategic initiatives across the region from the organization’s Detroit office. In this role, she serves as a key connector among developers, nonprofits, local governments, and coalitions—identifying new business opportunities, analyzing market trends, and fostering partnerships that promote equitable community development throughout Southeast Michigan.​
Since joining Cinnaire in 2007, Yulonda has consistently brought creativity, dedication, and a results-oriented mindset to her work. She previously served as Vice President of Innovation and President of a Commercial Real Estate fund, where she led investor relations, commercial loan underwriting, and developed investment strategies to support impactful projects.​
​In her current leadership capacity, Yulonda collaborates with investors, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies to attract and deploy capital in alignment with community priorities. She also plays a vital role in shaping policy and advocating for equitable access to financial resources.​
​With a strong educational foundation and extensive experience in sales and community engagement, she brings a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and strategic insight to her work. Her professional journey has been marked by a commitment to service—leveraging her knowledge not only to drive results, but to uplift those around her. Her academic background has equipped her with the business acumen to navigate complex challenges, while her hands-on experience in the field has sharpened her ability to build meaningful relationships and deliver value. Known for her selflessness, she consistently goes beyond the transactional, offering guidance, tools, and resources that empower stakeholders and support long-term success in the communities she serves.Â