Building Leadership and Trust at NYCHA: A Spotlight on the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy

At NYCHA, the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy (CMLA) is helping staff grow personally and professionally while shaping the agency’s future. Now in its second year, the program pairs experienced leaders like Tony Maldonado, Vice President of Purchasing, Logistics and Inventory, with emerging leaders like Mercedes Manso, a Social Work Supervisor, to develop key leadership skills through one-on-one mentoring relationships. This dynamic partnership helps mentees navigate challenges and build skills like public speaking, networking, and goal-setting.

Stepping Outside of Comfort Zones: Mercedes’ Journey

Mercedes, who joined NYCHA just over a year ago, has already made an impact in her role as a Social Work Supervisor in the Family Partnerships Department. One of her key goals is to improve her public speaking skills, an area where she initially felt uncomfortable.

“I’ve signed up for different opportunities, and Tony’s given me a chance to speak with his team next month,” Mercedes said. “It’s about pushing myself outside my comfort zone.”

Through their mentoring relationship, Mercedes has developed clear, actionable goals that keep her on track. “Tony helps me make my goals specific and achievable,” she said. “It’s been incredibly helpful, and I’ve already seen progress.”

Mercedes has also taken the initiative to network and explore professional development opportunities within NYCHA. She reached out to colleagues in the Employee Engagement Department and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and though she initially felt a bit nervous, she has found the experiences quite enriching. “I met with Yvette [Andino] from Employee Engagement, and she helped me by suggesting I create my own job description,” Mercedes said. “It made me realize there are opportunities here that align with my interests.”

Ask Tony and you will see how proud he is of Mercedes’ progress: “Watching her embrace challenges and grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of this program,” he said. “I’m just providing the platform and guidance, but she’s doing the hard work.”

Developing Future Leaders: Tony’s Perspective

Tony, with over 16 years of experience in City government, believes mentoring is about developing the whole person, not just imparting skills piecemeal. “The real impact comes when you help an individual grow her skills enough to where she has a new vision of her own potential,” he said.

Tony views the CMLA as a vital investment in NYCHA’s future. “When I first joined NYCHA, I saw the need for stronger middle management leadership development,” he said. “This program allows me to help fill that gap and guide people like Mercedes toward leadership roles.”

Despite managing a complex department, Tony prioritizes mentoring. “If you wait for the perfect moment to mentor, it’ll never happen. You have to make it happen,” he said. “And let me tell you – it’s worth every second. Mercedes is taking what she’s learning and applying it to her career.”

A Mutually Beneficial Relationship

The CMLA’s structure is straightforward yet effective. Mentees like Mercedes are paired with mentors like Tony based on their professional goals. Over the course of the 16-week program, they meet regularly to review progress, set new goals, and address challenges.

Tony and Mercedes meet bi-weekly to revisit her goals and track her progress. “We’re flexible with her goals,” Tony says. “Sometimes they can evolve, but we will always find ways to keep pushing forward.”

The program also encourages networking across NYCHA. Mercedes makes a point of connecting with other mentees at monthly meetings, intentionally building relationships that extend beyond her work with Tony. “The Academy helps me meet new people, which is essential for my growth, both as a professional and as a human being,” she said.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of Leadership at NYCHA

The Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy is more than a career development program — it’s an investment in staff. Through mentorship, NYCHA staff not only build their leadership skills but also form lasting relationships that will benefit themselves and the Authority – building a stronger future for NYCHA, one conversation at a time.

For Tony and Mercedes, their work together has only just begun. “We’re building something real,” Tony said. “It’s about investing in people, helping them grow, and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.”

Mercedes agrees: “I’m so grateful for this program. I’ve already seen growth in myself, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

For more information about the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy and how you can get involved, contact Yvette.Andino@nycha.nyc.gov.