About RealDev-School

Who gets to shape our neighborhoods?

Who decides what gets built, who benefits, and who holds the power of ownership?

Real estate development has long followed a narrow set of norms — who leads, who gets access, and who is considered “qualified.”

RealDev-School exists to disrupt those norms.


We are the #1 source for community developers in real estate, providing the knowledge, resources, support, and strategies needed to succeed in today’s turbulent marketplace. Our work is rooted in one belief: communities are strongest when development is accessible, informed, and led by people who are invested beyond the deal.

Our Story

RealDev-School is owned and operated by O’Hara Development Partners CDC Inc., a community development corporation committed to long-term neighborhood transformation through real estate and economic development.

Our story began with a clear observation: while interest in real estate development is growing, access to education, mentorship, and real pathways into development remains limited — especially for women entering a historically male-dominated industry.

We saw capable, motivated people on the outside of development conversations.
We saw talent without access.
Vision without guidance.
Ambition without support.


RealDev-School was created to close that gap — not by lowering standards, but by opening doors, sharing knowledge, and building community around real execution.

What We Do

At RealDev-School, education is practical, grounded, and action-oriented.

We support community developers by providing:

  • Real-world education in real estate development, construction, and community revitalization

  • Access to resources and tools that demystify the development process

  • Supportive peer and mentor networks that encourage accountability and collaboration

  • Live experiences and learning labs that connect education to real opportunities

This is not theory for theory’s sake. Everything we teach is designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Our Approach

We believe development should be attainable, navigable, and transparent — with no gatekeeping.

Our approach centers on:

  • Community-driven education that values shared insight over competition

  • Strategic support that helps you think long-term, not just deal-by-deal

  • Norm disruption — questioning outdated practices and expanding who gets to lead

  • Hands-on learning grounded in real projects and real challenges

We don’t just prepare you to participate in the industry.
We prepare you to reshape it.

Supporting Women, Welcoming All

RealDev-School intentionally supports women in real estate and construction, recognizing the unique barriers women continue to face in these spaces. That focus is part of our foundation — and it remains a priority.

At the same time, RealDev-School welcomes all community developers who are committed to ethical building, shared prosperity, and long-term impact.

Our classrooms, programs, and communities are designed for people who believe:

  • Development should serve communities, not extract from them

  • Knowledge should be shared, not hoarded

  • Leadership should reflect responsibility, not ego

If that aligns with you, you belong here.

RealDev-School is not just a place to learn.

It’s a place to rethink.
To build differently.
To lead with intention.

We invite yo to join the RealDev-School community and build what matters!

We envision an industry where community developers are equipped, supported, and prepared to lead — regardless of background, gender, or point of entry.

By expanding access to education and redefining what development leadership looks like, we are helping build stronger neighborhoods, more informed developers, and a future where ownership and opportunity are shared more broadly.

RealDev-School Leadership

Joanna Jane Bartholomew

CEO & Lead Facilitator

RealDev-School is led by practitioners — developers, educators, and community leaders who understand development from the ground up.

Our team brings lived experience, technical knowledge, and a deep commitment to community-centered outcomes. We don’t teach from a distance. We engage, guide, and build alongside those we serve.

Joanna Jane is a real estate developer, community builder, and strategic leader committed to transforming neighborhoods through intentional development. With a deep understanding of how real estate shapes economic opportunity, she focuses on projects that balance financial sustainability with long-term community impact.

As a key force behind O’Hara CDC Inc. and its educational arm, RealDev-School, Joanna plays an integral role in advancing equitable development practices and expanding access to real estate education. Her work centers on demystifying development, supporting emerging developers, and creating pathways for individuals — especially women — to enter and thrive in the industry.

We are the #1 source for community developers in real estate. Gain knowledge, resources, support & strategies for success in today's turbulent marketplace.

1-800-929-2203 ext. 3

learn@oharadev.com

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RealDev-School is the educational arm of O'Hara CDC.