Victoria “Queen of Green” Young, Principal Environmental Scientist, General Contractor and Sustainability Consultant

President & CEO, Naturally Urban Environmental Inc.

Victoria Young is the President and CEO of Naturally Urban Environmental Inc. (NUE Inc.), a general construction and sustainable development firm dedicated to renewing, revitalizing, and reshaping communities through green building, energy efficiency, and equitable development initiatives. With more than a decade of experience spanning residential, commercial, and community-driven projects, Victoria brings a proven record of advancing sustainability in the built environment.

Her professional background includes leadership in 180 Realty Residential Renovation and Construction (2015–2019) and Blue Box Homes (2018–2019), where she delivered residential and commercial renovation projects across Chicago. She has served as Grant Manager for CNI’s $5M Rebuild Illinois portfolio under DCEO and as General Contractor for the City of Chicago DPD Invest Southwest Purpose Center mixed-use development and the Sisters in Cinema commercial renovation project.

Victoria’s portfolio extends to nonprofit and innovation-driven initiatives, including work with Plant Chicago (501c3) and as Co-Founder and Sustainable Design Consultant for the Wellness Smart Homes Association (WSHA), where she contributed to the V.1 Pilot Retrofit of a Historic Chicago Bungalow (2025). She currently serves as a Board Member of the Southland Equity Innovative Fund, spearheading the development of ARPA-supported residential homes in Chicago Heights, and is a team contributor to the Missing Middle “Beauty for Ashes” initiative addressing housing gaps.

Beyond construction delivery, Victoria is a recognized thought leader and advocate for climate action. She was named one of Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Black Leaders in 2024, co-hosts the WVON 1690 Green Homes Show, and has contributed to the City of Chicago’s Building Decarbonization Working Group. She also holds a certification in solar installation, underscoring her commitment to advancing renewable energy and sustainable workforce development in construction.

At DDC25, Victoria brings her expertise at the intersection of real estate, sustainability, and equity-focused innovation, ensuring that emerging developers are equipped to build projects that are both financially viable and environmentally resilient.