MISSION STATEMENT
WeCannBe empowers underserved communities through financial literacy, economic development, and social impact initiatives, creating a more just and equitable society for underserved individuals and families.
ABOUT US
With Equity, Creating a New Narrative for Black Enterprises
WeCannBe is a movement dedicated to empowering Black and Brown communities through access to capital, education, and homeownership. Our mission is simple: to provide the tools and opportunities for financial freedom, economic security, and long-term growth. We believe everyone deserves the chance to succeed. By breaking down barriers through education and innovation, we make digital and financial literacy accessible to all—helping individuals escape poverty and build generational wealth.
WeCannBe envisions a future where young people are equipped to lead and innovate. Through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge technology, we help turn those dreams into reality, uplifting communities and driving equity. Our focus today is on educating individuals 14 and up in digital, tech, and financial literacy, while facilitating real estate investment, promoting renewable energy, and building a sustainable business ecosystem. We're shaping a future where opportunity is within reach for everyone. Join us in transforming lives and creating lasting impact.
We believe in a Detroit where every citizen can be more than just a resident – they become stakeholders in the city’s economic vibrancy.
Detroit real estate is at a
pivotal junction.
We’re at a pivotal junction for Detroit’s real-estate market. Our local economy continues to grow, and real estate prices are more volatile than ever. While there has been improvements since 2012 when the market hit its all time low, there are numerous challenges to address.
43 %
Housing Affordability
Almost 43 percent of Detroiters spend over 30 percent of income on housing –impacting purchasing power for repairs or new homes
41 %
Overvalued Homes
Nearly 41 percent of homes in Detroit are overvalued compared to long-term or triple of their values in prior cycles.
42 %
Distressed Homes
Distressed homes accounted for 42
percent of total home sales.
52 %
Mortgage Accessibility
Just over half of Detroiters could be
denied mortgage based on credit alone.
20 YEARS
Inefficient Operations
Detroit real estate and housing
operations are nearly 20 years behind
industry best practices.
6 %
Compliance
Only 6 percent rental properties have certificates of compliance Also, 13 of 15
rental properties failed inspections.
SAMPLE CAPSTONE PROJECTS
Our capstone projects challenge students to integrate real estate with emerging technologies and innovative financial models. Students define their projects based on their
unique goals in Detroit’s real estate market. Each project must combine profit with social
good to create sustainable impact for Detroit.
​A real estate company will transform its operations using
cutting-edge tools like AI, blockchain, and virtual reality.
They’ll use smart contracts to simplify transactions and
VR/AR to create immersive property tours.
Students help businesses and property owners tokenize
real estate and business assets for fractional ownership,
using blockchain, digital tokens, and decentralized
platforms for transparency and accessibility.
Fifteen students will each invest $250 to buy a land bank
property in Detroit. Using tools like crowdfunding, AI, and
VR/AR, students will renovate the property and decide
whether to sell, rent, or choose an innovative tenant model.
Students will design a 3D-printed home in Detroit, using AI
and 3D modeling to refine their design. They’ll create an
innovative marketing and sales strategy, overseeing the
process from concept to sales to construction.
The WeCannBe Story
In 2017, Daniel and Zachary Easterly embarked on a mission to change the game for underserved communities. Fueled by a deep commitment to empowerment and a shared vision of a brighter future, they launched a community-driven initiative that would redefine access to knowledge and opportunity.
What began as a humble podcast quickly evolved into a transformative platform, with the brothers tirelessly working to break down barriers and open doors. Their mission? To inspire and educate a diverse audience on the path to financial and digital freedom, economic equity, and self-sufficiency.
Recognizing the urgent need for practical, accessible education, Daniel and Zachary expanded their initiative beyond the podcast, creating a powerful application and a suite of educational resources. These tools are designed to certify individuals in critical areas like financial literacy, digital skills, real estate management, and construction, arming them with the knowledge and credentials necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world.
But they didn’t stop there. Understanding that inspiration often comes from real-world examples, the Easterly brothers integrated interviews with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders into their platform. These conversations provide invaluable insights, mentorship, and the kind of motivation that only comes from hearing firsthand stories of triumph and perseverance.
Today, the initiative stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community, innovation, and relentless determination. Daniel and Zachary Easterly’s work continues to uplift and empower, proving that with the right resources and a supportive network, anyone can achieve success and create lasting change in their lives and communities.
Vision for WeCannBe Nonprofit
​At WeCannBe, our vision is to empower everyone, regardless of background, with the tools and opportunities to thrive. We are committed to turning economic equity into a reality by breaking down barriers through education, innovation, and collective action.
WeCannBe is not just a nonprofit; it’s a movement. We focus on ensuring that digital and financial literacy are accessible to all, equipping individuals with the skills needed to break the cycle of poverty and build lasting wealth.
We envision a world where young people can dream big and become the next generation of leaders and innovators. By providing essential resources and mentorship, we help turn those dreams into reality.
Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, WeCannBe is driving toward a more equitable future, transforming lives and empowering communities for generations to come. Join us in building a future where possibility meets opportunity for everyone.
Technology: Driving Change with Innovation
​
At WeCannBe, technology is at the core of our mission to empower communities and create lasting impact. We don’t just use technology—we innovate to make a difference.
Our platform is built on blockchain technology, ensuring that every transaction and interaction is secure and transparent. With smart contracts, we simplify processes, giving people control over their financial and educational futures.
We also leverage artificial intelligence to personalize learning experiences. Our AI tools adapt to each user, providing tailored educational paths in areas like financial literacy, real estate management, and digital skills. This helps everyone gain the knowledge and certifications they need to succeed in today’s world.
In our real estate projects, we integrate sustainable solutions like solar energy and water management systems, ensuring that our communities are eco-friendly and self-sustaining.
Virtual and augmented reality bring our home design technology to life, allowing users to explore and customize their future homes before they’re built. This makes the home-buying process more engaging and informed.
At WeCannBe, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s how we make change happen. We use it to open doors, break down barriers, and create a brighter, more equitable future. Join us as we harness innovation to shape a better world for everyone.