At Hiram Clarke Fort Bend Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 25, we honor the transformative leaders shaping our communities. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, a powerhouse in real estate development, advocacy, and education. Her journey is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to economic empowerment.
A Calling for Change
Dr. Rose’s path into real estate wasn’t just about building properties—it was about building opportunities. Growing up in Houston, she saw firsthand how access to housing could shape families and communities. Inspired by her father, George E. Johnson’s legacy in real estate, she embraced the industry not just as a career, but as a mission to close the wealth gap and create lasting impact.
With determination, she carved her own path in a traditionally male-dominated field, earning her place as CEO of George E. Johnson Development, Inc. and later rising to become President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the nation’s oldest minority trade association.
Turning Vision Into Reality
Dr. Rose doesn’t just talk about change—she makes it happen. Her firm has led major projects that fuel growth and opportunity, partnering with Houston Community College, the City of Houston, and Houston ISD to transform urban spaces into thriving hubs of economic activity.
One of her most impactful initiatives was her involvement in acquiring the former Power Center, and converting it to The Community Collective for Houston, a 110,000-square-foot facility serving as a small business incubator, event center, urban farm, and private school. This project exemplifies her ability to turn underutilized spaces into engines of economic mobility.
Now, through the Edison Center project, she is once again spearheading efforts to bring fresh opportunities to the region—one development at a time.
Championing Economic Empowerment
Dr. Rose’s influence goes beyond construction sites. She is a policy advocate, educator, and champion for minority-owned businesses. She previously chaired the Texas Association of African American Chambers, connecting over 25 Black chambers statewide, and played a pivotal role on the Houston Taskforce on Minority & Women-Owned Businesses. Under Mayor Sylvester Turner’s administration, she helped shape policies that foster inclusivity in business and homeownership.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For Dr. Rose, leadership is about passing the torch. Since 2008, she has been a faculty member at Prairie View A&M University, where she teaches a course on Land Development and Real Estate, shaping the next generation of developers and changemakers. Holding a doctorate in organizational leadership, she continues to use her expertise to educate, mentor, and uplift aspiring professionals in the field.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Rose’s impact has not gone unnoticed—her work has been recognized by Black Enterprise, Houston Business Journal, and Real Estate Executive, among others. But beyond the accolades, her true legacy lies in the communities she transforms and the lives she uplifts.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose—a trailblazer dedicated to building a stronger, more equitable future.
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