For Dr. Saquanda Cotton, real estate is more than property—it’s a pathway to empowerment. As the founder of Kaizen Investments LLC, Dr. Cotton is transforming neighborhoods and lives in Detroit, not just through buildings but by cultivating financial independence, entrepreneurial success, and lasting community change.
With nearly two decades in the banking industry, where she managed over $10 billion in assets and served as an Assistant Vice President in Wealth Management, Dr. Cotton built a career on excellence, strategy, and service. Her experience as a top performer and 4 A’s Trainer instilled a unique blend of empathy and execution that continues to define her leadership today.
“What drives me,” Dr. Cotton shares, “is the ability to give others what I didn’t have—access, mentorship, and the belief that they can succeed.” Her transition from Corporate America to full-time entrepreneurship was bold, but intentional. “I realized my purpose was calling me deeper into the community,” she says. “That’s where transformation starts.”
Through Kaizen Investments, Dr. Cotton offers more than affordable housing—she provides financial training, partners with local contractors to create jobs, and mentors budding entrepreneurs. Her approach is rooted in the principle that sustainable communities are built from the inside out. When asked what values guide her work, she reflects, “Integrity, equity, and action. You can’t build anything lasting without those.”
Dr. Cotton is also a graduate of ProsperUs Detroit and the Motor City Contracting Fund Cohort, further solidifying her commitment to continued learning and local economic empowerment. “My story isn’t just mine—it belongs to every family that dreams of stability and every small business ready to grow.”
From boardrooms to block revitalization, Dr. Cotton is shaping Detroit’s future—one investment, one entrepreneur, and one dream at a time.
About Dr. Saquanda Cotton
Dr. Saquanda Cotton is an entrepreneur, financial strategist, and founder of Kaizen Investments LLC, a Detroit-based real estate and consulting firm. With over 19 years of experience in banking and wealth management, she now focuses on affordable housing, business mentorship, and community revitalization. A passionate advocate for financial literacy and youth leadership, Dr. Cotton supports aspiring entrepreneurs through hands-on training and development programs. She is a graduate of ProsperUs Detroit and the Motor City Contracting Fund Cohort. Through her company, she continues to empower Detroit families and businesses by offering tools, opportunities, and hope for a brighter future.
