Celebrating Administrative Professionals Day: Meet Secretary Shaneequa Smith 

Shaneequa Smith follows a simple principle when assisting residents and seniors of Pelham Parkway Houses: treat them as if they were a family member. 

Ms. Smith, who has worked as a Secretary at the Bronx development for more than three years, also tries to put herself in the shoes of a resident who may need an issue resolved for their home, knowing that “we could be in that position one day.”  

“I go above and beyond for them because I look at it as if it was my grandmother or mother; I would want somebody to go above and beyond for them, so that’s why I do it,” Ms. Smith explained.  

She is among the Authority’s passionate team of administrative employees whose contributions and dedicated service are recognized as part of National Administrative Professionals Day on April 22. 

A Bronx resident herself, Ms. Smith first joined the NYCHA workforce in 2019 as a seasonal employee. She later served as a Caretaker for three years before transitioning to an administrative career. As one of two Secretaries on staff at Pelham Parkway, Ms. Smith believes the role matches well with her passion for helping others, particularly elderly residents.  

“I love it,” she stated. “I try my best as a Secretary to help them out as much as I can; whatever I can do, that’s what I do.”  

Along with her commitment to quality customer service, Ms. Smith is known by many residents as a friendly, familiar face at Pelham Parkway Houses, where she staffs the front reception area, answers phone calls, and provides information about work order tickets and other resources for residents and visitors in person. Other responsibilities include timekeeping, administrative duties, and assisting development teams, including property management staff, with various tasks.  

“There are a lot of things that I know how to do, so I’m able to assist without having to ask somebody else for help,” she said. 

When working to address a range of issues for residents, Ms. Smith said it’s important to build a trusting relationship and provide empathy while also letting residents know, “I’m here to help you.” In some cases, Ms. Smith and her fellow employees will collaborate as a team to ensure critical issues are resolved on behalf of residents.  

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” she noted. “We’ll come together as a team to help them out and make sure that things get done.” 

As the Authority commemorates Administrative Professionals Day, Ms. Smith expressed pride in being celebrated along with her colleagues for working hard and contributing to the NYCHA community.  

“It feels great knowing that my assistance is well needed and that I’m able to help the residents to get them the care, support, or whatever they need,” she said. “As long as I see people are happy and have smiles on their faces because you made something happen, then that’s what makes my day.”