2026 Ujima Fund Management Fellow: Joshua Croom

The Boston Ujima Project Inc. is excited to re-introduce Joshua Croom as our 2026 Fund Management Fellow.

Croom has a background in city, state, and non-profit CDFI sectors, with a strong track record in community planning, stakeholder engagement, and comprehensive research and analysis. His expertise spans feasibility assessments, workforce development, and more.

Originally hailing from North Carolina, he has made Greater Boston one of his homes for several years. He is a dedicated advocate for inclusion, aging in place, housing, and community ownership. Croom holds a Master of Arts in City and Regional Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning at Rutgers University. 

Currently, he works as a Project Manager at Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. In his role, he contributes to initiatives centered on urban redevelopment, affordable housing, and public space enhancement. Croom's professional trajectory demonstrates a commitment to community development and urban planning, with a focus on data-driven strategies and equitable growth.

Croom began his journey with Ujima collectively at the Assembly of Black Possibilities, which set the foundation for his experience with organization, later becoming an Ujima Fund Management Fellow in 2023. Josh came to the Ujima excited about exploring the possibilities of non extractive finance and community building in his local environment. 

During his time as a fellow his work will continue to be centered around supporting local businesses and non-profit organizations in the Ujima Good Business Alliance (UGBA); preparing and presenting market research for prospective Ujima community investments; and helping to curate Home School, a  learning space focused on land and real estate finance and co-designing our collective real estate fund.

Croom is excited to continue his work with Ujima, strengthening relationships, staying curious, and grasping the multiplicity of solidarity economies.

Join us in congratulating Josh!