Graduates complete program with new tools, new family

There were cheers when the graduates walked up to the podium this week, as NeighborWorks America recognized the inaugural class of Advancing Leaders in Real Estate.  The graduates represented nine states and Washington, D.C., part of a pilot program to develop real estate leaders, particularly those of color, by offering technical assistance and project management training.  

Leaders agree: It's a program that's working. The formula, shared Joanie Straussman Brandon, regional vice president of NeighborWorks' Northeast Region, is combining the shared, real-world experience of a cohort with training and mentorship. 

Vermont's Robert Barnum, administrative support specialist for Rural Edge's Real Estate Division, said the mentorship part of the program was extremely significant to him, especially working with NeighborWorks' Joseph Czajka, relationship manager of the Northeast Region. "He was so accessible whenever a crazy project came up," he said.  

Christlande Estime, a real estate development associate at Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida, also appreciated the mentorship — and the advice of her peers. "From the beginning to end, we have support," she said.  

Amanda Garayua, housing services program manager at HACE CDC, said the group exchanged ideas and shared with one another throughout the training period. "No matter how long any of us has been doing this work, each project will teach you something new. You can't learn everything all at once."  

The cohort was a big part of what made Advancing Leaders a success, said Straussman Brandon as she addressed the graduates. "The relationship you developed with each other is just amazing." 

As with any proper graduation, the event included words of inspiration from an array of speakers. That included students like Felix Moulier, project manager at St. Joseph's Carpenter Society in Camden,

New Jersey. "We've been giving birth to new leaders here," he said, excited to take new tools back to the Camden neighborhood where he was born and raised — and to help change the landscape of affordable housing. "Just because affordable housing is what we do, it should not look like affordable housing. Be creative. Be bold." 

More inspiration came from Deborah Johnson, New York/New Jersey, market manager for Public Engagement at JPMorgan Chase, which provided funding for the pilot program. "We have to do this work together," she said. "Go forward and make changes in your communities because home matters."  

The sentiment was shared by NeighborWorks' President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez. "When I look at all of you, I see the future in affordable housing and community development." She added that NeighborWorks itself is a premier training provider. "But we know training isn't enough. More support is needed." The new, collaborative model contributed to that support. Her advice to graduates? Stay curious and stay connected. 

And they will be staying connected. Straussman Brandon announced plans for the cohort to meet quarterly to exchange ideas and expertise. 

That was good news for Tichina Pemberton-Mann of NEST, formerly known as NHS of Waterbury. "I love this cohort and don't want it to end," she said. "This cohort is like family."  

NeighborWorks training has helped many housing and community development professionals get the knowledge they need to do their jobs – and prepare for advancement. By the end of this fiscal year, NeighborWorks expects to have awarded close to 15,000 training certificates across 10 tracks including affordable housing development, multifamily asset management and nonprofit management and leadership.  

NeighborWorks is offering a Virtual Training Institute October 2-6. More information is available at NeighborWorks.org/training.