A Partnership Built on Purpose: Inside a CMLA Mentor–Mentee Journey

When Dr. Tischelle George and Mr. LaShawn Wilson were paired up as part of NYCHA’s 2025 Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy (CMLA), it was more a reunion than a new beginning. Two years before each decided to enroll in the CMLA, these two experienced pros had worked together on a completely different project. That previous experience had already shown them just how well they could work together, so the chance to reconnect in the context of the CMLA was a very welcome opportunity for both.

Their first collaboration took place in 2023, when Mr. Wilson — now an Administrator in the Pest Management Department — was transitioning into his then-new role training new exterminators on pest management procedures and best practices. He and Dr. George worked together in that program as co-facilitators; at that time, her formal duties included assisting Operations Support Services departments in their employee training efforts. Together, Mr. Wilson and Dr. George developed and deployed an exterminator licensing prep training course. “Once we linked up, it was truly a match made in heaven,” Mr. Wilson said. “And Dr. George motivated me in ways she didn’t even realize.”

In 2023, these two seasoned pros had worked together on a completely different project. That experience gave each of them a welcome preview
of just how fruitful their partnership in this year’s CMLA could be.

Dr. George remembers their first collaboration with warmth as well. “The technical details were new, but our purpose was familiar,” she said. “It was all about educating people and helping them succeed. LaShawn really helped me understand Operations from the inside.”

Two Distinct Paths, One Shared Purpose

Dr. George, who currently serves as Vice President of NYCHA’s Learning and Development Department, has worked at NYCHA for 19 years in a broad range of roles and departments: communications, digital content management, REES financial empowerment initiatives, resident engagement, operations, and now employee training and professional development. In all her varied efforts for the Authority, she points out a central theme: “My goal has always been to educate and empower through information sharing – whether that be NYCHA residents or NYCHA employees.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Wilson’s NYCHA career has followed a path of steady advancement through the Pest Management Department: He began working at NYCHA as a front-line exterminator in 2009; today he oversees pest management operations throughout all of Brooklyn and Queens and also manages NYCHA’s bedbug program.

“I’m one of the few administrators who really was an exterminator! I came directly from the field,” Mr. Wilson said proudly. “Newer exterminators can look at my career and think, ‘Maybe I can do that too!’”

Learning From Each Other, Again

Throughout their most recent collaboration in the CMLA, these two have engaged in shadowing assignments, coaching conversations, and structured professional development. Mr. Wilson is observing and learning about the leadership and training systems spearheaded by Learning and Development; Dr. George is meanwhile re-familiarizing herself with the operational world of pest management.

“We realized quickly that we share the same purpose,” Dr. George said. “We’re both educators. ”

When Mr. Wilson saw who his CMLA mentor was going to be, he was ready to jump in and get to work immediately. “When I follow Dr. George’s lead, I can’t go wrong,” he said.

He believes the CMLA experience has helped prepare him to mentor others, in many contexts.

“I don’t just mean at NYCHA,” Mr. Wilson said. “Anywhere life takes me!”