Teslim Ikharo

Advisory Council Member

Teslim (He/him) is an urban strategist, community convener, and impact investor who leverages finance, real estate development, social services, and policy to create equitable and resilient communities. With extensive experience as an investment advisor, real estate developer, and managing director of social service programs, he has worked across mental health, homelessness, formerly incarcerated populations, and social justice initiatives. An Oakland native, Teslim grew up in the city’s Dimond District, a formative environment that shaped his belief in diversity as essential to community resilience. As the first staff member and executive director of the Supportive Housing Community Land Alliance (SHCLA), he works to connect academic research on neighborhood opportunity with resident health outcomes, while promoting social cohesion and access to beauty through art and design in every project.