Urban Edge’s professional team has had some exciting additions this past year, including Camille Charles, our Financial Capabilities Officer. We were able to sit down with Camille to unpack her professional journey and how her values align with that of building thriving communities and empowering residents. Like many engaged community members, Camille has a passion for being a voice and a supporter for the neighborhoods she serves.
STEPPING INTO PUBLIC SERVICE
Starting her career at AmeriCorps not only grew Camille’s passion for community engagement but resulted in a transformation, “I learned to show up daily with consistency and purpose, and to see service as a pathway to transformation — both for others and for myself,” she expressed. When asked about her initial motivation for joining AmeriCorps, she reflected on other family members who have enlisted, “My efforts were recognized as a person who creates impact and was encouraged to apply for the position. I wanted to understand the many ways community impact felt and looked like in the housing industry from an insider’s perspective with an industry leader like Urban Edge.”
MOMENT OF IMPACT
Camille’s expectation of the position was thought to be primarily administrative– emails, outreach, scheduling. However, this transformation became tangible during her time working with the Save2Build program, when she guided a client through financial planning and saw her confidence grow first hand.
“The turning point was when I helped a client through the Save2Build program, someone who started with very little confidence in their financial future. As I guided her through her plan, I watched her transform. She went from unsure and hesitant to motivated and proud of her progress. That moment showed me that I wasn’t just helping people fill out forms — I was helping them rewrite their story.”
Being a crucial player in rewriting another’s story is where the passion for community building stems from. The calls, outreach, and scheduling are worthwhile, knowing that because of this, another person’s financial trajectory will change for the better. Camille elaborated, “One of the AmeriCorps pledges is, ‘Get. Things. Done. The transformation you experience determines the transformation you can transfer.’ That hit home for me. Helping [that client] reminded me of my own journey — pushing through struggle and choosing faith and community over fear. I realized this wasn’t temporary work. A veil was lifted and I realized who I needed to become to serve the people I was meant to serve.” Her journey with both organizations has made her more dedicated to the process of making financial literacy achievable for others.
GUIDENCE ALONG THE WAY
After completing her AmeriCorps service, continuing her work at Urban Edge felt like a natural next step. “Urban Edge aligns with my purpose and principles,” she said. “The mission to build strong, thriving communities matches exactly what I believe. Empowering people to rise, not just survive, is how I knew Urban Edge was right.”
As Camille reflected on those individuals who aided in her transformation, she acknowledged how their impact brought her here, “I’m especially grateful for Marilyn Sanchez and Bob Credle — if it weren’t for their shared commitment to creating meaningful change in the community, I wouldn’t be here today,” she went on, “Marilyn made me feel seen, welcomed, and valued from the very beginning, reminding me that I belong in spaces of leadership and service. Bob is a visionary — he has the ability to see beyond the obvious and sharpen the potential in others. Their influence continues to inspire the way I show up in my work and in my purpose.”
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE
Camille’s story and transformation does not end here as she continues to grow and exceed expectations. Looking to the future, she’s setting her sights on continuing her education and development as a financial capability officer, with the goal of helping families achieve financial confidence and long-term stability.
Camille concluded her sit down by illustrating, “We share a belief that people don’t just need resources; they need guidance, consistency, and someone who believes in them. Urban Edge is that light in the community, and I want to continue being part of that work — helping people develop a know-how, stability, and confidence through education,goals, and self-worth.”
“My colleagues at Urban Edge model integrity and teamwork, showing me what it means to lead as a visionary with excellence and empathy.”
