NYCHA Now

NYCHANow chronicles the hard work of the men and women who make the New York City Housing Authority run, reporting the latest news and happenings.

NYCHA Now
Exceptional Colleagues October 2023 

Meet the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy Participants

Nii Akrofi Smart-Abbey

In January 2023, NYCHA launched its first-ever Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy (CMLA). Participants in the 16-week program received training and coaching in areas such as strategic communications and crisis management, and they had the opportunity to enhance their leadership and management skills through mentorship.        

Read on to learn more about the final participant we are profiling from this year’s  Leadership Academy cohort.   

Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor Shanell Smith  

Shanell Smith is an Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor at Wald Houses

Shanell Smith joined NYCHA in 2015 as a Heating Plant Technician. In 2021, she was promoted to her current position as Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor at Wald Houses.  

Ms. Smith joined the CMLA to gain more knowledge, enhance her skills, and grow professionally within NYCHA.  

“The Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy was such a great experience,” said Ms. Smith. “I gained a lot of knowledge about NYCHA, and I met incredible people with whom I have built a friendship. Thank you, NYCHA, for this opportunity.”