Deidre Schmidt is president and CEO of Common Bond Communities, a nationally-recognized leader and innovator in the affordable housing industry. The organization was created in 1971 to bring social justice through housing, which impacts virtually every aspect of an individual’s life and opportunity. Common Bond develops, owns, manages, and provides Advantages Services for approximately 7,700 units in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Common Bond currently serves a diverse population of about 13,000 people, including families, seniors, people living with disabilities and those who have experienced homelessness.