TEAM
Partners
Vance Gragg
Partner
Vance Gragg
Partner
Vance’s approach to business has consistently shared a common theme – bettering the community. As a Professor of Business Law & Management at the nationally recognized Florida A&M University, School of Business & Industry, he not only taught his students the technical skills they needed to advance in their careers, but he also worked to instill the same Partners strong sense of community responsibility that he continues to lead with today. Prior to co-founding Gragg Cardona Souadi in 1998, with his late brother Nigel Gragg, Vance practiced law as an advisor to business entrepreneurs and community development organizations. In 1993, he became Legal & Financial Advisor to DeGuardiola Development, the firm that that created Abacoa; a 2,000-acre award winning master-planned community in Jupiter, Florida. Since then, he’s been a key player in the planning and development of more than $3.5B of transit oriented, mixed-use real estate investments in the Washington D.C. metropolitan region. Vance is a graduate of both the Florida State University College of Law, and the University of Miami College of Law. He currently oversees the firm’s government relations, advises on legal matter, and is a member of the Investment Committee.
Juan Cardona
Partner
Juan Cardona
Partner
Juan has been working in support of entrepreneurship and economic development in the community since graduating university. Prior to joining Gragg Cardona Souadi in 2012, Juan specialized in affordable housing at a local DC non-profit development consulting firm. He was responsible for managing the financing, development and construction of numerous DC housing projects. Juan started his career in teaching environmental education at a community-based learning center in Washington DC. He pivoted to real-estate, and more specifically, the affordable housing industry where he could serve under-represented communities and continue his support of community development. Juan volunteers with community-based organizations and serves on the local advisory board of College Track, a non-profit that equips students confronting systemic barriers to earn a bachelor’s degree in pursuit of a life of opportunity, choice, and power. Juan holds a Master of Science of Real Estate and Infrastructure and a certificate from the Leadership Development Program at the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. He holds a Bachelor of Science of Architecture from The Catholic University of America. He currently oversees the firm’s strategic alliances, finance & operations and asset management functions.
Haaziq Gragg
Partner
Haaziq Gragg
Partner
Haaziq began working within local communities during his tenure as liaison for the Community Development Corporation of Del Ray, Florida. There, he was responsible for organizing community participation in neighborhood redevelopment charrettes and advocating for community interests on behalf of area residents and stakeholders. Upon relocating to the DC area, Haaziq began working with the Upward Bound Program at the University of the District of Columbia which provides support and college preparation for students from low-income families or ones which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Haaziq went on to become the Director of Operations at a parking company where he managed the day-to-day and oversaw its primary government contracts. Since becoming the leadership of Gragg Cardona Souadi in 2012, Haaziq continued to focus on community engagement and began analyzing and negotiating investment opportunities. His strong commitment to community representation and stakeholder engagement underpins the firm’s collaborative placemaking approach to real estate development. Haaziq holds an Associate Degree in Mental Health from Montgomery College. He currently oversees strategy and implementation of the company’s acquisition and investment activities.
Oussama Souadi
Partner
Oussama Souadi
Partner
Oussama’s expertise in architecture, construction, and project development financing positions him uniquely to deliver on the firm’s commitment of purpose driven real estate and serving the local communities. Prior to becoming partner at Gragg Cardona Souadi in 2017, Oussama was a Senior Program Manager with one of the world’s largest consulting and engineering companies. He managed multiple high-profile projects and gained extensive project management training. Oussama previously held the role of Associate Principal at a Virginia architecture & engineering firm where he led the firm’s strategic planning and development activities and was also responsible for delivery of the firm’s consulting, design, and construction administration services. Oussama sits on the Northern Virginia Community College’s Curriculum Advisory Board for Architecture Technology, a program that prepares students for employment in the field of architecture, construction and urban design. Oussama holds a Master of Architecture with a concentration in Real Estate from The Catholic University of America, School of Architecture and Planning. He is a licensed Architect in MD, VA and DC. He currently oversees the firm’s development and project financing activities
Team
Rashida Laxmidhar
VP of Finance and Operations
Rashida Laxmidhar
VP of Finance and Operations
Rashida Laxmidhar oversees accounting, finance, and operational functions at Gragg Cardona Souadi, including financial reporting, tax preparation, audits, and cash flow management. She leads the project accounting team and ensures accurate financial oversight for development projects. She also manages human resources, marketing, and insurance procurement at the firm and focuses on streamlining internal processes to strengthen operations and support the firm’s growth. Prior to joining GCS, Rashida served as Principal in Treasury at a large global IT firm, where she administered a $7 billion pension and 401(k) portfolio, including direct allocations to real estate and managed the global corporate insurance portfolio. She began her career at Ernst & Young, gaining extensive experience across industries. Rashida is a CPA and holds a B.S. in Accounting where she graduated magna cum laude and a Master of Accountancy from the Darla Moore School of Business at University of South Carolina.
Saman Zomorodi
Director of Development
Saman Zomorodi
Director of Development
Saman Zomorodi supports the delivery of community-based projects throughout the Washington, D.C. area, leveraging his expertise in real estate development, financing and architecture. Prior to joining GCS, Saman founded Zed LLC, a DC-based Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) that provides innovative, sustainable, and impactful real estate solutions. Zed LLC’s ventures include Zed Funding, which has facilitated over $80 million in loans for developers; Zed Condos, specializing in DC condo conversions; and Zed Design Development, a real estate development and consulting initiative. These experiences enhance his work at GCS, where he leads projects that create meaningful impact and lasting value for the communities he serves. Saman holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Real Estate and Infrastructure from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
Ehsan Hajabbassi
Project Manager, Development
Ehsan Hajabbassi
Project Manager, Development
Ehsan Hajabbassi supports project development by leading design initiatives and managing construction efforts. He collaborates closely with design teams, contractors, and consultants in a joint effort to strengthen the firm’s commitment to quality and purpose-driven placemaking. Prior to joining GCS, Ehsan practiced as an architect and has worked in residential, multifamily, affordable housing, and commercial projects throughout the D.C. area and up the East Coast. With over a decade of experience, he has worked with homeowners, developers, and asset managers, managing all phases of design and construction. His focus on collaboration and thoughtful design ensures each project balances functionality with community impact. Ehsan holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Catholic University of America.
Nikita Reddy
Accounting Manager
Nikita Reddy
Accounting Manager
Nikita Reddy supports financial reporting, audit and compliance requirements, and overall financial analysis for the firm’s development projects. Her role includes tracking and reviewing project financials, overseeing compliance matters, and supporting the development team throughout the development process. Nikita brings seven years of experience in the construction industry. Before joining the firm, she served as an Accounting Manager at JBG Smith Properties, where she oversaw financial operations for significant projects, including Amazon HQ2 Pen Place and Metropolitan Park. She also managed financials for Elme Communities (formerly WashREIT), handling a portfolio of residential and commercial assets. Nikita holds a Bachelor of Science in Management of Sports Industries and a Masters of Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from the University of New Haven.
Chelsea Anderson
Senior Accountant
Chelsea Anderson
Senior Accountant
Chelsea Anderson supports financial operations by managing the day-to-day accounting and treasury related activities for development projects. Her role includes accounts payable and receivable processes, draws, and compliance matters. Chelsea works closely with the project development and accounting team to ensure smooth operations and accurate financial tracking. Prior to joining GCS, Chelsea worked as a Staff Accountant in the construction industry, contributing to the financial management of large-scale development projects. She began her career with an internship at a local IT firm, where she gained hands-on experience that built the foundation for her future in accounting. Chelsea holds a B.S. in Business Administration from N.C. Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Maryland.