Lissette Calderon, the trailblazing founder and CEO of Neology Development Group, has reshaped Miami’s real estate landscape with a $2 billion portfolio rooted in purpose, passion, and community revitalization. As one of the few Hispanic female developers in the U.S., her journey from Wall Street investment banker to pioneering real estate mogul is a powerful testament to resilience, vision, and determination.

Born and raised in Miami, Calderon is a first-generation Cuban American and Wharton School graduate. Her early exposure to real estate through her father planted the seeds of a lifelong dream. Despite personal tragedy following her father’s death, she remained committed to their shared vision. After gaining early career experience in New York City and with renowned developers like Jorge Pérez, she returned home to follow her passion.

At just 28, Calderon launched Neo Lofts, Miami River’s first modern residential development. The project not only sold out before breaking ground but ignited a wave of revitalization across the Miami River District. Her follow-up projects—Neo Vertika, Wind by Neo, and Pier 19 Residences & Marina—cemented her status as the “Queen of the Miami River.”

Calderon’s firm, Neology, specializes in transforming overlooked neighborhoods into vibrant communities. Her approach is deeply personal—projects are designed to reflect the character and culture of each area. In Allapattah, a historically significant Miami neighborhood, Neology introduced No. 17 Residences, The Julia, and Fourteen Allapattah Residences—residential communities infused with local history and thoughtful design. “The Julia,” named after Miami’s founding mother, Julia Tuttle, blends Art Deco inspiration with tropical elegance to honor female legacy and local identity.

Her most ambitious project to date is the Palmer Lake District, where she’s spearheading a 1,350-unit, mixed-use waterfront community near the future Miami Freedom Park. Set on a seven-acre parcel, the development will include luxury apartments and a marina, embodying her commitment to urban innovation and connectivity.

Calderon’s rise has not been without challenges. As a Latina in a male-dominated field, she has faced skepticism and bias. Yet, she credits her success to grit, faith in her vision, and a refusal to conform to limiting expectations. Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, she champions inclusivity and mentorship, especially for women pursuing careers in commercial real estate.

She views each development as more than bricks and mortar. From curated amenities to neighborhood-inspired designs, her projects serve as inclusive urban ecosystems where residents thrive. Her design philosophy incorporates unique elements—like local artwork, cultural references, and even distinctive scents—that contribute to each building’s story.

Beyond development, Calderon is deeply engaged in civic and philanthropic efforts. She serves on advisory boards for the University of Miami’s Real Estate Development + Urbanism program, the Urban Land Institute, and the International Women’s Forum. She also supports organizations like Amigos for Kids and SAM Elimu, extending her impact globally.

In 2022, she launched AllaWay, a lifestyle magazine spotlighting Allapattah’s culture, further strengthening community identity.

Neology is poised for further growth across South and Central Florida, identifying undervalued areas with high potential for transformation. The firm’s goal is to deliver “attainable luxury”—high-quality living for young professionals and families in dynamic urban settings.

With 1,200 apartments completed or under construction and 3,600 more in the pipeline, Calderon’s long-term vision is to foster 24-hour neighborhoods—places where people live, work, and thrive.

Lissette Calderon has not only redefined real estate development in Miami but also broken barriers for women and minorities in the industry. Her legacy is one of empowerment, innovation, and community-building. As Miami continues to evolve, Calderon’s imprint will remain a cornerstone of the city’s urban and cultural renaissance.