A huge congratulations to our UNLV student team—representing the Lee Business School and School of Architecture—for being named one of just four national finalists in this year’s prestigious Bank of America Affordable Housing Challenge!

Their project, “Visionary Senior Living,” tackles one of the most urgent issues of our time: affordable housing for seniors. Through innovative design and sustainable financial modeling, the team presents a community-centered solution to a growing crisis—one that’s especially relevant here in Southern Nevada.

Selected from a competitive field of 12 universities including UC Berkeley, NYU, and Cornell, this recognition speaks volumes about the interdisciplinary talent and impact-driven mindset we cultivate at UNLV.

“Competing at this level and advancing to the finals shows the kind of talent, innovation, and heart that defines UNLV,” said Dr. Shawn McCoy, Director of the Lied Center for Real Estate.

Meet the team:

• Sky Denson – UNLV Real Estate & Urban Economics and Finance, minor in Global Entrepreneurship
• Josemaria Sebastian Ladao (Sebastian) – UNLV Finance
• Hallie McClintock – UNLV Real Estate
• Lorance Shabo – UNLV Architecture
• Nethelie Ruby Cajeras – UNLV Real Estate
• Jacob Stalk – UNLV MBA (not pictured)
• Aidan Weathers – Tulane School of Architecture (not pictured)

Also pictured are the team’s development partners and mentors from Ovation Development Corporation:
• Armen Hadjimanoukian (left)
• Erik Sorensen (right)

The project reflects a unique cross-institutional collaboration with Tulane University and a deep partnership with Ovation Development Corporation, Southern Nevada’s leading developer of affordable senior housing.

“Collaboration is core to our work,” said Jess Molasky, COO of Ovation. “It’s been a privilege to support the team and help guide their real-world approach to solving senior housing challenges.”

Next stop: the final round on April 24, where the team will pitch their refined proposal to a jury of housing experts, developers, and Bank of America representatives.

We’re proud of this team’s creativity, drive, and commitment to making a difference—right here in our community and beyond.

Hear more from the team and their pride in representing Lee: UNLV Students Named Finalists in 2025 Affordable Housing Challenge | Visionary Senior Living