Speaker
Speaker
Dez Edwards
Urban Pulse Commercial Group
Canesha Dez Edwards (Dez) is a seasoned risk management professional with over 13 years of experience in financial services, specializing in enterprise and operational risk.
In recent years, she has focused on climate risk management, helping organizations navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, alternative energy, and resilient development.
Beyond finance, Dez has a diverse background spanning commercial real estate, construction management, and contract negotiations, with expertise in land, multifamily, and mixed-use development. Her work in sustainable development reflects a forward-thinking approach, integrating risk mitigation with long-term environmental and financial sustainability.
A former Division I basketball player at Appalachian State, Dez brings the same strategic mindset and leadership skills from the court to her professional endeavors. She now pays it forward as a high school/ AAU girls basketball coach, mentoring young athletes and instilling lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
With a unique blend of financial acumen, real estate expertise, and a passion for sustainability, Dez Edwards is a dynamic leader driving impact across industries.
Speaking at
Thu May 15
9:45 AM — 10:45 AM (GMT-07:00) Mountain Time
From Crisis to Opportunity: Affordable Housing as a Climate Solution in US and Canada, Through Better P3s
What if the homes we build today could do more than provide shelter? What if they could reduce emissions, promote health and wellness, foster social cohesion, and strengthen the fabric of our communities? As we face the rising cost of housing and the harsh realities of a changing climate, the conversation around housing has shifted. Drawing on real-life examples from across Canada and the U.S., this session brings together leaders in rethinking housing to share stories of communities already taking bold action, where innovative designs, low carbon building materials, renewable energy, smart construction and community co-benefits are creating homes that are sustainable, resilient, and affordable. We'll look at how affordable housing requires collaboration and scalable, repeatable solutions for success at the pace we need, and how public-private partnerships are accelerating action.
Speakers
Brandy Burdeniuk; Director; ESG, North America, Avison Young
Dez Edwards; Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Green Initiatives; Urban Pulse Commercial Group
Ozzie Gonzalez; Founder & Principal; P3 Consulting
Christopher Higgins; Senior Green Building Planner; City of Vancouver
Ryan Zizzo; Founder & CEO; Mantle Developments
Separate ticket required. This session is part of ULI’s Resilience Summit. Purchasing a ticket to ULI’s Resilience Summit provides access to this session and all other ULI Resilience Summit sessions