Empowering Women to Build Wealth and Break Barriers
Zena Dixon is a visionary entrepreneur and influential leader in the real estate and construction sectors. As the founder of Rosé & Real Estate, she has built a platform dedicated to empowering women to create wealth through real estate investing. Beginning her journey during the pandemic, Zena quickly recognized the need for a supportive community for women investors. Through Rosé & Real Estate, she mentors women, guiding them to financial independence and confidence in navigating property investments.
Zena also serves as the Managing Partner at Alkme Construction, where she focuses on blight elimination through strategic rehabilitation and redevelopment projects. Her dedication extends beyond investment opportunities, as she prioritizes affordable housing solutions and supports the growth of small to mid-sized developers.
Zena’s mission is rooted in empowering women and enhancing community development. Her strategic acumen and commitment have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant in both real estate and construction. She is further expanding her impact with the Rosé & Real Estate Summer Tour 2025, designed to bring women together across cities to grow and succeed as investors and developers. And she’s working on the first Rosé & Real Estate Retreat, which is super exciting, introducing women to international real estate investment and development opportunities. Currently, Zena is writing her first book, Life, Love, and Leverage, sharing her journey and insights into real estate and entrepreneurship. She is also leading new construction projects aimed at engaging investors in transformative, community-driven developments.
Tell us more about your mission and vision at Rosé & Real Estate?
My goal is to collaborate with other investors and developers to bring meaningful change to underrepresented communities, focusing on affordable housing solutions. Currently, my work is centered around locations like Philadelphia and Chicago, where there is a pressing need for affordable rentals and new housing developments. This collaboration is one of the core reasons I started Rosé & Real Estate—to build a network of investors and developers committed to transforming communities. Together, we can make a significant impact on a community level and create sustainable, inclusive growth.
Can you share a bit about what initially drew you to this industry and sparked your journey into entrepreneurship? Was this path something you always envisioned for yourself, or did it develop over time?
It’s interesting because entrepreneurship has always been a part of my life, even when I didn’t know it by that name. Growing up, I watched my mom work as a hairstylist in our kitchen as a side job, and I’d help my friends in high school with their makeup for dates or special events. At the time, I didn’t realize these experiences reflected an entrepreneurial mindset, but they absolutely did.
That entrepreneurial spirit has always driven me, and I’ve constantly found myself thinking of ways to be my own boss. I remember vividly, back in the early nineties, dreaming about owning a dollar store. That was my biggest goal at the time, and it shows how deeply rooted this desire for independence and creativity has been throughout my life.
As you continued on your journey through your teens and twenties, did you have mentors or people you looked up to who influenced your path
To be honest, I didn’t have many mentors in the traditional sense as I was growing up. Instead, I looked for inspiration wherever I could find it—whether it was through books, teachers, or instructors who made an impact on me. The kind of mentors I have now weren’t available to me then, and I may not have even recognized their value at the time. However, those early influences still helped shape my journey in meaningful ways
I began my real estate journey at the height of the pandemic, which was a deeply challenging time in my life. For me, real estate became an anchor—a saving grace amidst the chaos. I had recently lost my mom, and the weight of that grief was overwhelming. I needed something to ground me, to occupy my mind and pull me through those difficult days.
When I took on my first real estate deal, it completely consumed me in a positive way. Focusing on acquiring and transforming that property helped me channel my energy and deal with my grief more constructively. It was incredibly cathartic. From that point on, real estate became more than a profession; it became a mission. As I shared my journey on Instagram, I was overwhelmed by the number of women reaching out, asking for mentorship and guidance on how to take similar steps. Without even realizing it, that was when my true mission began—to support and inspire other women to find their strength and build wealth through real estate
It seems like your mother’s influence is a strong part of the legacy you’re building now. Do you feel like she has guided you along this path?
Absolutely. My mother played a crucial role in shaping who I am today, especially in terms of being an independent woman and understanding my own worth. It truly feels as though she has been guiding me on this journey, helping me build this legacy in her honor.
Having built such a successful career as a real estate investor and developer in a relatively short period, could you share some of the key lessons you’ve learned along the way and what you now impart to your students and mentees?
Becoming an entrepreneur has been a transformative journey that revealed the depths of my potential and pushed me beyond limits I didn’t even know existed. Growing up, many things came easily to me, and I often chose the path of least resistance. But real estate was different—it was a challenge that tested me and ultimately helped me grow. It taught me to confront obstacles head-on and strengthened my character in ways I could never have anticipated. This personal growth has become a cornerstone of my work, and it’s something I strive to pass on to my mentees and those I collaborate with. It’s about embracing challenges, learning from every experience, and using those lessons to continually evolve.
Resilience and persistence are traits that really stand out in your journey. Have these always been a part of who you are, or did you develop and nurture them over time?
In some ways, I’ve always had them. From a young age, I’ve been a champion for women, always giving my girlfriends advice and encouraging them to step into their potential. It felt like a natural role for me because I’ve always believed in seeing women shine and reach their full potential. Sometimes, we need someone on the outside to help us recognize our own gifts and strengths.
Witnessing the transformations of the women I mentor has been a catalyst for my own growth and resilience. Seeing their breakthroughs and victories has shown me what’s possible for all of us, including myself.
A big part of my inspiration comes from the sense of community, collective growth, and sisterhood I experience. Bringing people together is absolutely part of my purpose. I truly believe we can create change more quickly and effectively when we unite. The synergy from events, Instagram lives, or even simple interactions in direct messages shows me that people draw strength from being surrounded by others who want to see them succeed. It’s a powerful ripple effect, and incredible things happen when like-minded women come together to uplift one another.
Now that you’ve become the woman you once needed—someone who supports and guides others—what has it been like stepping into this new role as a business mentor for women alongside your work as a real estate investor and developer? Has that been a recent shift for you?”
“It has, absolutely. I often describe myself as the ‘reluctant educator.’ I never set out to be a coach or mentor, but the need for guidance and support from people who saw something in me propelled me into this role. Despite my initial reluctance, I felt a responsibility to step up because if people are reaching out and seeking guidance, it means there is a greater need and a higher purpose for me to fulfill.
It’s deeply meaningful because, as someone who didn’t have many mentors growing up, being able to be that support for other women is incredibly rewarding. I always strive to be the woman I needed when I was younger.
What advice would you give to your younger self, or to women that are currently feeling stuck?
If I could give advice to my younger self or to any woman who feels stuck, I’d say: trust your instincts. Your current situation does not define your potential. I know what it’s like to feel held back by challenging circumstances—I’ve come from a varied background that included poverty—but it’s often in discomfort that we find the strength to evolve. So, start small, take that first step, and surround yourself with people who remind you of your strengths. The journey may be difficult, but it’s worth every step. You don’t need to have all the answers right now—just move forward, and resilience will reveal itself along the way.
Those are such beautiful words. Do you ever see yourself writing a book or starting a podcast to share more of your journey?
I’m so glad you asked! Yes, I am actually working on a book right now called Life, Love, and Leverage. It delves into my personal growth journey, the lessons I’ve learned in real estate, and how this growth has propelled me forward. Of course, there’s a bit of love in there too—it’s a blend of my life experiences and leveraging real estate and investments. I’m aiming for a spring 2025 release date, and I’m excited to share it with the world.
That sounds incredible, and it perfectly encapsulates life stories and the power of leveraging investments. We can’t wait! So, what can you share about any upcoming offers, projects, or programs you’re excited about?
Absolutely! At Rosé & Real Estate, our mission is to transform lives through a variety of experiences designed to empower women at every stage of their real estate journey. We offer foundational real estate courses and immersive mentorship programs. I’m especially excited about our upcoming White Glove Real Estate Mentorship Program, which takes a hands-on, tailored approach to guide participants from start to finish. My purpose has always been to significantly move the needle in someone’s real estate journey, and I’m thrilled to see the impact these initiatives have.
I think we’ve really hit the nail on the head with this particular mentorship approach. We’re also expanding our reach to younger women through Rosé & Real Estate College Edition, which focuses on equipping college students with entry-level strategies to begin building wealth early. In my circles, I often hear women over 30 say, ‘I wish I had started sooner.’ That realization drove me to create outreach programs for younger women at the collegiate level, and I’m truly excited about the potential to reshape the financial wellness of this generation.
That’s incredible. Just imagine if women started investing at that age!
Exactly! It’s a game-changer. We’re already collaborating with several colleges to introduce this concept, and although it’s a pioneering effort that comes with its challenges, my partner Regina Stevenson and I are deeply committed to making this vision a reality. We believe it has the power to transform the financial trajectory of young women, breaking generational cycles and offering the possibility of financial independence—even work-optional living—once they graduate.
Wow, that’s powerful. I’m curious, do you see yourself continuing to work with women at different stages of life as well?
Absolutely. We host in-person Rosé & Real Estate events across various cities, providing spaces for women to connect, learn, and build meaningful relationships. These gatherings aren’t just about education; they foster a strong, supportive community network. The synergy when women come together is unparalleled, and these events pique the interest of newcomers to real estate while connecting them with seasoned investors who can help them progress on their journeys.
For those seeking ongoing support, we offer a vibrant membership community that provides exclusive resources, regular expert-led sessions, and a network of like-minded women dedicated to growth and empowerment. Joining Rosé & Real Estate is about building wealth, breaking barriers, and becoming part of a community that champions every step of your journey.
That’s amazing. By the way, where did the name Rosé & Real Estate come from?
It’s a funny story. I was at a mixer with my mentor, and he suggested I host an event using his space. It was the beginning of summer, and I happened to be holding a glass of rosé—this beautiful pink color—when inspiration struck. I said, ‘I’ll call it Rosé & Real Estate.’ He thought it was perfect, and from that moment, it all fell into place. Trusting my intuition led me right where I needed to be.
Zena, I’d love to hear more about your vision for the future. When you look 10 or 20 years ahead, how do you see the infrastructure evolving and what role do you see women playing in real estate and investment?
My vision is to build a powerful community of women developers who are not only building massive structures in downtown cities but are also being called to the table for their expertise and insights with city planners. I want women to be recognized and tapped for our ingenuity, resourcefulness, and ability to make things happen. Women are natural multitaskers, and I believe our potential in the development space is unparalleled and largely untapped. This is my ultimate goal—to see women thriving as leaders and changemakers in real estate development.
That’s an inspiring vision. Now, can you share what you’re actively manifesting in the short term—say, the next six months to two years?
Right now, I’m calling in a wider network of empowered women ready to make a transformative impact through real estate. I see us not just as investors, but as changemakers who create opportunities and uplift communities that need it the most. I’m also manifesting partnerships and resources to elevate our Rosé & Real Estate College Edition, with the goal of having it offered at colleges and universities across the country as part of senior year coursework—and potentially licensing it. Financial wellness and wealth-building are rarely discussed in many of our communities, and I want to ensure future generations have access to this essential knowledge and mentorship.
Women like you are truly trailblazing. It’s a perfect theme for this feature. I’m curious, do you have any daily rituals or practices that help you maintain an abundance mindset?
Yes, absolutely. For me, an abundance mindset starts with gratitude for what I already have. Coming from humble beginnings and now living a life of stability and comfort, I’ve learned to cherish every milestone. Financial wellness has brought me peace of mind, which I value above all else. Each day, I take time to reflect on my journey and celebrate every win, whether it’s closing a property deal, helping a young woman feel confident in real estate, or guiding someone to improve their credit. These moments ground me and remind me of my purpose. Giving back is essential, so I frequently engage with my community—whether through Zoom calls, events, or direct messages—to support women on their path to financial wellness. Contributing to their success brings me immense joy and keeps me aligned with my mission.
Lastly, what would you say is your magical formula for living a harmonious life, or how do you find balance in the midst of chaos?
For me, the magic formula is embracing the ebb and flow of life. Balance doesn’t mean everything is perfect; it means learning to adapt and stay grounded through the highs and lows.
Every moment isn’t going to be a high point—you’ll have days when you feel like you’re in the valley. During those times, I anchor myself through intentional practices. One of the ways I stay grounded is by connecting with my partner at Rosé & Real Estate. She’s incredibly supportive, and when I’m feeling low, she often brings a fresh, uplifting perspective. It’s a true yin-yang dynamic that works synergistically for us. She helps me zoom out and see the bigger picture when I’m caught up in a difficult moment or feeling overwhelmed.
Focusing on the bigger picture fills me with excitement and energy. It’s easy to feel weighed down when you’re stuck in the details, but when you step back and see the broader vision, it can reignite your passion and motivation like nothing else.
I also make sure to build moments of pause into my day. For example, I take walks with my dog, leaving all electronics behind, and immerse myself in the sounds of nature—the rustling leaves, the wind, the birdsong. It’s a calming ritual that centers me in ways nothing else can. Watching my dog enjoy life with such simplicity and presence is a beautiful reminder to savor every moment. Then there’s those family moments, connecting with my husband over a meal, sharing experiences, such as traveling and family nights. It all creates moments of joy that I can lean into.
Love that. As we wrap up, do you have any final words you’d like to share with women?
Yes—never be afraid. Everything is figureoutable. The key to overcoming fear is courage. The more courage you show, the less fear will hold you back. Often, people are paralyzed by the enormity of their goals, fearing they’ll fail before they even start. But once you take that first step, the second and third steps come naturally. As you gain confidence and courage, you’ll look back and wonder what you were so afraid of. So, take that leap.
Photo Credits – Amanda Swiger
“Never settle – Whatever you envision for yourself is out there; you just need to tap into your potential and find a way to make it happen. Settling never sits well with your spirit, and it can lead to an ongoing internal struggle. I say it often, and I’m sure my friends are tired of hearing it, but it’s what keeps me striving for the best.”
