Dr. Aimy Steele, founder and CEO of the New North Carolina Project, joined the “Wake Up With Dee Morning Show” to discuss her work at the intersection of civic engagement, community empowerment and economic development across North Carolina.
A longtime educator, social justice advocate and real estate professional, Steele leads the New North Carolina Project and its affiliated action fund, organizations focused on strengthening political participation while addressing everyday challenges faced by historically marginalized communities. During the interview, Dr. Steele emphasized that her work is rooted in restoring belief and agency among residents who often feel disconnected from the political process and economic opportunity.
“People need hope,” Dr. Steele said.
Dr. Steele explained that the organization was born out of her own experiences running for the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2018 and 2020. While she found enthusiasm for her campaigns, she also encountered widespread voter disengagement, prompting her to focus on long-term civic participation rather than individual elections. That realization became the foundation of an organization designed to help communities recognize and use their collective power.
The New North Carolina Project operates through four core pillars: public safety, housing security, economic mobility and civic engagement. Through these pillars, the organization works directly within neighborhoods to address issues ranging from reentry employment for formerly incarcerated individuals to access to affordable housing and financial education.
Housing security emerged as a central focus of Steele’s work, shaped by more than two decades of experience in real estate development and brokerage. She detailed efforts to reduce housing costs through weatherization upgrades, energy efficiency improvements and sustainable housing initiatives. Dr. Steele noted that many families struggle with utility bills that exceed rent or mortgage payments, an issue her organization now addresses directly.
Economic mobility initiatives center on financial literacy and wealth-building strategies, including partnerships that teach budgeting, saving and credit management. Dr. Steele described these programs as critical to breaking cycles of financial instability and creating pathways toward generational wealth.
Civic engagement remains at the heart of the organization’s mission. Programs such as student voter registration initiatives and community forums connecting residents with elected officials aim to normalize participation and accountability. Dr. Steele highlighted efforts that bring civic education into schools and community spaces, making political engagement more accessible and less intimidating.
“We are hope dealers,” Dr. Steele said.
Beyond her nonprofit leadership, Dr. Steele discussed her work in real estate development, particularly collaborations with churches to repurpose underused land for affordable housing, senior living and mixed-use developments. She also addressed the importance of estate planning and resolving heirs property issues, urging families to take proactive steps to protect land ownership and prevent future loss of assets.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.