Dana Dolan worked in the legal field for 18 years before being thrust into the role of assistant project manager for a 120-unit affordable housing project. “Through that experience, I realized my passion for community development,” says the 39-year-old director of planning and community development for San Diego Capital Collaborative, a nonprofit community development investment corporation.

SDCC sponsors the San Diego Smart Growth Fund. This $90 million real estate equity fund targets investments in workforce housing projects in San Diego’s low- and moderate-income communities. Dolan is responsible for putting into practice strategies to achieve SDCC’s goal of creating community wealth for families, residents and businesses in neighborhoods where the fund invests.

In the six years she has been in community development work, Dolan was instrumental in starting SDCC and bringing an entrepreneurial approach to the organization. In addition, she established a development consulting business that she continues to run.

“My passion for community development comes from within,” she says. “I honestly believe in what I do and want to help develop innovative, constructive ways to rebuild our older neighborhoods in ways that won’t disrupt their character. I focus my attention on creating strong connections so I can be instrumental in meeting those objectives.”

A single mother of a 12-year-old son, Alec, Dolan is part of a large, tightly knit family. She attributes her desire to help others to her late mother, Kathy Dolan. “She devoted her life to raising four children,” Dolan says, “and spent her spare time volunteering.”