On December 18, members of NYCHA’s Jewish Employees Association (Batei Tsibur), gathered for reflection, friendly conversation, and a tasty Chanukah lunch of latkes, potatoes, and jelly donuts. A few participants even joined via Zoom, including Alan Pelikow, President Emeritus of Batei Tsibur. Rabbi Yakov David Cohen, Director of the Institute of Noahide Code (a United… MORE
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When Miguel Ballena and Avik Das first crossed paths at NYCHA, they didn’t share much more than a nodding acquaintance in the hallways of 90 Church Street. Each man worked in a different corner of this vast organization — Mr. Ballena in Performance Tracking and Analytics, Mr. Das in Internal Audit and Assessment. Then NYCHA’s… MORE
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On October 28, members of NYCHA’s Chinese-American Association (CAA) welcomed colleagues from throughout the Authority to the Ceremonial Room at 90 Church Street to celebrate a cherished tradition of East Asian culture: the Mid-Autumn Festival. On October 28, NYCHA’s CAA warmly welcomed their colleagues to the Ceremonial Room to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival The Mid-Autumn… MORE
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When you talk with Mike Marrero, a few facts about him become clear almost immediately: Mr. Marrero is a lifelong New Yorker; he’s a seasoned NYCHA staffer as well as a former resident; and he’s been serving this country, this city, and this Authority for nearly all his adult life. Mr. Marrero, a Community Associate… MORE
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September is National Preparedness Month, a campaign which reminds New Yorkers to be prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. This year’s campaign theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home,” focusing on getting back to the basics when it comes to being prepared. Overseeing preparedness efforts in NYCHA’s Emergency Management and Services… MORE
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Living in New York City for more than 20 years, NYCHA employee Sherry Samaroo never feels too far removed from her native Trinidad and Tobago. Ms. Samaroo emigrated from the Caribbean island nation as a young adult to pursue higher education, but she continues to make regular trips back to visit with family. In her… MORE
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Working within NYCHA’s Planning and Project Management Department, Lauren Colella can attest to the impact of various initiatives to improve residents’ quality of life. For more than a year, Ms. Colella has served as a Project Manager in the department’s division that is dedicated to the planning, organization, and execution of complex operational projects and… MORE
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At a June 5 panel on “Federal Housing Programs in New York City” hosted by the NYU Furman Center, Annika Lescott-Martinez, NYCHA’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance, spoke about the critical role of federal funding in supporting public housing in New York City and how proposed federal funding cuts would affect… MORE
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The Organization of Jewish Employees at NYCHA, Batei Tsibur, gathered on May 21 in the 90 Church Street 5th Floor Ceremonial Room to celebrate Jewish Heritage Month, bringing the community together to share a meal, laugh, and learn. The luncheon featured a medley of options, such as knishes, rice, potatoes, egg roll-style bites, and clementines, as… MORE
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Jennifer Wilson is the Administrative Manager in Resident Services and has spent almost 36 years providing support to residents and employees, working behind the scenes to ensure the unit runs smoothly. Her responsibilities are as diverse as they are important to the daily functioning of the department. Mrs. Wilson began working at NYCHA in 1989.… MORE
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Employee Grayson Lin has been a dependable communicator for fellow residents within the Chinese community at NYCHA. Multilingual in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, Mr. Lin previously served with the Family Partnerships Department as a community associate and resident advisor before joining the Resident Relocation Services Department (RRSD) as a Business Operation Coordinator. During his years… MORE
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How Two Employee-Led Clubs Are Building Community, Confidence, and Creativity At NYCHA, a rich culture of employee clubs and interest groups has taken root, reflecting the diversity, passion, and professionalism of NYCHA’s workforce — and two of the newest groups are already making waves. The NYCHA Toastmasters Club, founded in February 2024, and the NYCHA… MORE
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On April 17, 1907, the City of New York recorded its largest-ever immigrant arrivals on Ellis Island. In honor of the significance of this moment, since 2004 the City has set aside a week in April to commemorate Immigrant Heritage Week, celebrating the contributions immigrant New Yorkers like veteran NYCHA employee Ulysses Umana make to… MORE
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Every March, we honor the achievements of women throughout history and recognize the ongoing contributions they make today, inspiring future generations of women. From front-line to executive staff, NYCHA women employees are an integral part of the Authority’s progress. This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” Across… MORE
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Theresa Koenig-Long, a Project Manager with NYCHA’s Asset and Capital Management Department, began her NYCHA career as a seasonal worker in 1983 – and she still has her first NYCHA ID card to prove it! Ms. Koenig-Long is an enthusiastic believer in public service and NYCHA’s mission: “This is the greatest job in the world!… MORE
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Derval Fairweather has been drawing and painting since he was a young boy. Soon, one of his paintings will be replicated and placed in the hands of many as it becomes the design on the membership card for the new National Public Housing Museum opening soon in Chicago. Mr. Fairweather’s piece was selected from a… MORE
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Anna Dao’s lifelong dream of becoming a published author came true in April when her memoir, Finding Lalla’s Anna, was released by Wordeee Books. Ms. Dao has worked at NYCHA for 14 years and is a Community Coordinator in Project Management Operations’ HUD Inspections Unit. The HUD Inspections Unit is the liaison for the NSPIRE… MORE
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The Organization of Hispanic and Latin Americans (OHLA) is an employee association founded in 2022 to promote and provide opportunities for any interested NYCHA employees to learn about and experience Hispanic and Latin American cultures. From September 15 to October 15, the U.S. celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions of Hispanic… MORE
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Congress proclaimed October as National Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants in the United States. Over 5 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2000; currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. The… MORE
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From Vice President of Pest Management Josey Bartlett & Pest Management Technical Advisors Lashawn Wilson & Geeton Bowier The authors of this guest column – Josey Bartlett, Lashawn Wilson, and Geeton Bowier – lead a team of more than 300 people committed to reducing and eliminating pests from apartments, grounds, basements, and public spaces at… MORE
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On July 17, the WorkWell NYC Program produced a special “Julydration” meetup event on the 6th floor of NYCHA’s 90 Church Street offices coordinated and hosted by NYCHA WorkWell NYC Ambassadors Chanda Coble, Sharon Dhanraj, Paula Flynn, and Beverly Weathers. The “Julydration” Summer 2024 gathering was a two-hour midday opportunity for 90 Church Street staff… MORE
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Jeralyn Cortez-Weir is a dedicated public health advocate with a wealth of experience in community engagement and health equity initiatives. Since joining the Authority in 2022, she has been instrumental in expanding resident health initiative programming, forging partnerships with external health partners, and creating pathways for NYCHA residents into preventive health careers. Ms. Cortez-Weir is… MORE
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On May 16, NYCHA’s Haitian American Association (HAA) hosted a festive gathering of HAA members and supporters in the Ceremonial Room of NYCHA’s 90 Church Street offices to celebrate Haitian Flag Day 2024. The event marked a national holiday celebrated annually not just in Haiti itself but also in the many expatriate communities that have… MORE
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On May 30, NYCHA’s Jewish Employee Organization (Batei Tsibur) hosted its annual Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration at the 90 Church Street Ceremonial Room. The guest speaker, retired Chaplain Colonel Jacob Z. Goldstein, spoke about his distinguished career in the United States Army. The longest serving Jewish chaplain in the U.S. military, Col. Goldstein’s 38… MORE
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Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ Community During Pride Month, we recognize the contributions and impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals have made to society. We also reflect on the progress made in the fight for inclusion and equality, and NYCHA’s commitment to foster a safe and welcoming workplace. It… MORE
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Soon after entering the NYCHA workforce over 21 years ago, Aaron Trauring joined the Jewish Employees Organization (Batei Tsibur). Learning there was an existing group of Jewish NYCHA employees who cohesively promote Jewish culture, acts of kindness, and community spirit, Mr. Trauring was pleased to become a member. “I thought it was a great opportunity… MORE
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April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions, heritage, and culture of Arab American people. In the United States, there are over 3.5 million Arab Americans who come from 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa; a third of the population of Arab Americans in the U.S. live in… MORE
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This year, the theme of Black History Month shines a light on African-American artists – writers, musicians, painters, dancers, actors, photographers, and more – who have helped shape our rich American culture and paved the way for current and future generations of Black creatives. Legendary late African-American creators such as poet Maya Angelou, actress Cicely… MORE
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Shareef Rashid and Diogenes Umanzar take their mission seriously when it comes to pest control at NYCHA. The self-described “hit squad” for eradicating rats and other pests are two members of NYCHA’s newly formed Pest Management unit specifically targeting rat extermination across the Authority. The eight-member team, led by Program Manager Edwin Arroyo and supervisor… MORE
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Several years after starting their NYCHA careers as Caretakers, Tiphany Malloy and Jermaine Hall have moved up the ranks to management-level roles. South Beach Houses resident Ms. Malloy has been serving as an Assistant Resident Buildings Superintendent at the Woodson/Van Dyke II Houses consolidation in Brooklyn for over a year, while former Saint Mary’s… MORE
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Inside the carpenter shop at Tompkins Houses, Stephen Jackman opened a small door on what he calls his “keep everything compartment.” Indeed, this universal storage cart built by Mr. Jackman is an invention that would make many a hardware store clerk proud. Constructed of plywood and standing roughly four feet tall on wheels, the customized… MORE
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June is Caribbean-American Heritage Month in the U.S., which celebrates the culture, heritage, and contributions of people of Caribbean descent living in America. This month, a new employee group, the Caribbean-American Association, launched and is open to all employees, including Caribbean Americans and those who have an appreciation for the countries and their cultural diversity.… MORE
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June is National Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising and recognizes the impact and contributions of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+). In honor of Pride Month, we highlight the work of NYCHA’s LGBTQIA+ employees.
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Claudia Dillon is NYCHA’s new Vice President of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI). She joined NYCHA in April; under her leadership, the Department of Equal Opportunity was renamed and its mission was expanded to develop more proactive functions, through tailored training; assessment of hiring practices using workforce data; and other Diversity, Equity,… MORE
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Kimberly Tyre is a longtime Jefferson Houses resident who is committed to bettering her community. She recently became a NYCHA employee, in a position that enables her to pursue her passion for engaging her fellow residents and connecting them to beneficial resources. In November 2022, Ms. Tyre joined NYCHA’s Emergency Management and Services Department as… MORE
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NYCHA’s Organization of Jewish Employees (Batei Tsibur) held its annual Chanukah celebration via Microsoft Teams on December 20, 2022 (26 Kislev on the Jewish calendar). Chanukah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the year 139 BCE. Guest speaker Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin, co-founder of Congregation B’nai Avraham in… MORE
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When exterminator Christine Taylor shows up for pest appointments, she said residents are often surprised to see her. “All the time, they’ll go, ‘You’re the exterminator? I hope you’re not scared of roaches.’ It’s because I’m a woman and I’m short, but then I get the job done and they realize I’m experienced.” Ms. Taylor… MORE
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NYCHA has a new Hispanic and Latin American organization. Say Hola to NYCHA’s Employee Association, OHLA, the Organization of Hispanic and Latin American. Human Resources Department Associate Staff Analyst Franklin Velez launched this new employee association to share Hispanic and Latin American cultural celebrations with NYCHA employees. Mr. Velez got the idea of starting… MORE
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For more than three decades, NYCHA’s Runners Club has been a place of shared activity and health improvement for many employees who run in marathons and various corporate challenges. It is currently one of NYCHA’s most active employee associations, with social interactions taking place on running tracks as well as city parks. NYCHA Runners Club… MORE
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Meet Ernesto Rodriguez, Administrative Training Coordinator at Learning & Development’s Maintenance Training Center Whenever Ernesto Rodriguez goes to a NYCHA development, he recognizes most of the property management and maintenance staff – because he trained them. Mr. Rodriguez is the Administrator of HR’s Maintenance Training Center, which equips assistant superintendents, superintendents, and field staff with… MORE
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The Chinese-American Association (CAA) is one of many employee associations at NYCHA. The association was created almost three decades ago to promote Chinese language and culture and to strengthen bonds among co-workers. Currently, the CAA has more than 200 members, including several retired employees who remain active in the association. In May, the CAA observed… MORE
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June is National Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising and recognizes the impact and contributions of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+). In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting the work of NYCHA’s LGBTQ+ employees. “I’m ‘Cherry.’ I don’t ascribe to labels or pronouns. If someone asks how… MORE
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On May 24, Batei Tsibur, NYCHA’s organization of Jewish employees, hosted its annual Jewish Heritage Celebration at the 90 Church Street Ceremonial Room. This year’s guest speaker was Rabbi Eliezer Avtzon, who spoke about his recent trip to Europe to assist Ukrainian refugees impacted by the war. Rabbi Avtzon is the Director of the Global… MORE
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NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) Field Coordinators program improves the coordination of response efforts to emergency incidents across the Authority. Before becoming a permanent program, the initiative was launched in 2019 as a six-month pilot program, with 12 on-call field coordinators managing day-to-day communications between different responding departments (and, in some cases, other City agencies).… MORE
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I’m thankful for every day that I open my eyes to see another day because I’m still afraid of this journey, but I refuse to let it define me – I’m living life to the fullest. -Excerpt from Tracy Tomer’s writing on her breast cancer experience In early March 2020, while most New Yorkers were… MORE
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Dear City Employee, Thank you to everyone who supported the first phase of NYC Speaks, the largest policy survey ever to be completed in NYC! With your support, we received 62,000 responses – of which a remarkable 16,000 responses came from City workers. After successfully completing Phase 1 of the initiative, we are excited to… MORE
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Javerea Komal, Project Manager for the Office of the Vice President of Operational Analysis & Contract Management Department, is proud to work at NYCHA – she learned the importance of affordable housing as a child when she moved to the Bronx from Pakistan; having an apartment they could afford in a new country was vital… MORE
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On February 23, NYCHA’s branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted an event focused on Black health and wellness as part of their Black History Month celebrations. The event was held at NYCHA’s offices at 1200 Waters Place in the Bronx. Guest speakers included Chief Operating Officer Daniel Sherrod;… MORE
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When speaking to issues of change at NYCHA, Albert Freeman can draw from his extensive experience as both an employee and former resident. After growing up at Ingersoll Houses in Brooklyn, Mr. Freeman joined the NYCHA workforce 32 years ago thanks to a program from the nonprofit Grand St. Settlement. He has served for more than a decade… MORE
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Meet Devon Boyd, Contract Specialist in Procurement Operations When handling priority assignments for NYCHA’s Procurement Operations, Contract Specialist Devon Boyd is prepared to put in the time to get the jobs done. A former NYCHA resident who lived in Cypress Hills Houses for most of his life, Mr. Boyd said he knows how important it is to address repairs… MORE
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NYC Speaks survey deadline extended to Friday, February 11! Dear City Employee, We appreciate your hard work over these very challenging years. As we make our way toward recovery, we invite you to bring all that you’ve done and learned to help shape the priorities and policies of the Adams administration. NYC Speaks is a… MORE
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Meet Sam Awelewa, Lead Oversight Team Specialist NYCHA is proud of our hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this employee spotlight, meet Sam Awelewa, Lead Oversight Team Specialist in the Environmental Health and Safety Department. A resident of Brooklyn, Mr. Awelewa has worked… MORE
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Meet Vincent Donohue NYCHA is celebrating National Customer Service Week 2021 during the week of October 18-22. This year’s theme, “Power of Service,” reaffirms and celebrates our commitment to excellent customer service. As part of the celebrations, we are highlighting NYCHA Changemakers – employees who use our core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in… MORE
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Meet Elizabeth McCray Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the achievements, contributions, and culture of Hispanic Americans. The month also overlaps with Indigenous People’s Day, which is marked on the second Monday in October to honor Native American people and their cultures. For NYCHA employee Elizabeth McCray, this overlap in holidays is a reflection of her DNA, family, and culture. Ms. McCray’s mother moved to… MORE
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NYCHA is celebrating National Customer Service Week 2021 during the week of October 18-22. This year’s theme, “Power of Service,” reaffirms and celebrates our commitment to excellent customer service. As part of the celebrations, we are highlighting NYCHA Changemakers – employees who use our core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in every aspect of… MORE
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On September 15, to mark the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, Capital Projects Division (CPD) employee Franklin Velez organized a special lunch break with Dominican food for his colleagues at Long Island City. Mr. Velez has been a Staff Analyst in the QA Compliance and Training division of CPD for the past two years, responsible for coordinating training for the department. He is also a United States Marine Corps veteran, who served in the Iraq War. “In… MORE
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NYCHA is celebrating National Customer Service Week 2021 during the week of October 18-22. This year’s theme, “Power of Service,” reaffirms and celebrates our commitment to excellent customer service. As part of the celebrations, we are highlighting NYCHA Changemakers – employees who use our core values to create meaningful, sustainable change in every aspect of… MORE
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Marina Oteiza, Social Services Administrator in NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department, was recognized by News 12 during the network’s Hispanic Heritage Month coverage for her work to connect NYCHA residents to COVID-19 vaccines. You can watch the segment here: And you can read more about Ms. Oteiza’s accomplishments at NYCHA here: https://nychanow.nyc/nycha-brings-vaccination-sites-to-residents/ https://nychanow.nyc/helping-feed-nycha-residents-during-covid-19/ https://nychanow.nyc/supporting-seniors-needs/ Photo caption:… MORE
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Meet John Rubbo, Senior Program Manager in the Management Services Department We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet John Rubbo, Senior Program Manager in the Management Services Department. Mr. Rubbo started working… MORE
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As part of a new series, we’re periodically featuring the female property managers who help NYCHA carry out its mission to better serve residents and strengthen our partnership with them. NYCHA supports and encourages women in leadership positions in all departments, including property management. Currently, there are 260 women working as property managers at the… MORE
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Tannishia Mattis of NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES) can attest to the benefits of the office’s referral services for residents. Prior to joining the REES staff, Ms. Mattis contacted the office seeking help with employment opportunities, and a referral specialist directed her to some career training programs. Then, when a temporary community associate… MORE
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Meet Elaine Nunez, Housing Manager at Straus Houses As part of a new series, we’re periodically featuring the female property managers who help NYCHA carry out its mission to better serve residents and strengthen our partnership with them. NYCHA supports and encourages women in leadership positions in all departments, including property management. Currently, there are… MORE
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Meet Matt Curry, Elevator Mechanic at Mott Haven Houses We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet Matt Curry, Elevator Mechanic at Mott Haven Houses in the Bronx, who works on one of… MORE
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Meet Maritza Andrades, Housing Manager at Parkside Houses As part of a new series, we’re periodically featuring the female property managers who help NYCHA carry out its mission to better serve residents and strengthen our partnership with them. NYCHA supports and encourages women in leadership positions in all departments, including property management. Currently, there are… MORE
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NYCHA Neighborhood Administrator Nymiah Branch has more than 35 years of experience to draw from when it comes to understanding the needs of NYCHA residents. After growing up with his family in Brooklyn’s Boulevard Houses for 20 years, Mr. Branch lived on his own at Breukelen Houses in Brooklyn for another 16 years. It was that experience which inspired… MORE
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In 2021, the U.S. Congress officially recognized June 30 as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) Awareness Day. AMC is a rare condition present in 1 in 3,000 newborns a year that causes many joints to be stiff and crooked at birth. The condition is not curable and limits an individual’s ability to move certain parts of… MORE
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June is National Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising and recognizes the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) people have made and continue to make on American history. In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting the work of NYCHA’s LGBTQ+ employees. Verna Ferguson joined NYCHA in 1985 through a youth training program.… MORE
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June is National Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising and recognizes the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) people have made and continue to make on American history. In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting the work of NYCHA’s LGBTQ+ employees. In 1984, Theresa Bethea was only 18 when she started to… MORE
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We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet Michael Cox, Community Coordinator in the Resident Engagement Department.
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We’re periodically featuring staff members for their dedication and exemplary service to NYCHA residents. In this Mother’s Day installment, meet three employees who have been coordinating work and home responsibilities throughout the pandemic. Shana Brown has worked as a Housing Assistant at Bronx River Houses since 2013. She was also a first-time mom of… MORE
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Since starting his career at NYCHA in 1994 as a City Seasonal Aide, Chaking Moore has held a variety of positions at the Authority. He’s always been driven by the opportunity to either serve residents directly or help operate their developments effectively. Mr. Moore is currently an Administrator with the Emergency Services Department. He manages… MORE
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Meet Dyni Joseph, Housing Assistant for Queens and Staten Island We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who provide excellent service to residents. Learn more about how we’re improving residents’ homes and becoming a better landlord through their perspective. In this installment, meet Dyni Joseph, Housing Assistant for Queens and Staten Island, who assists residents… MORE
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Having lived most of her life at a NYCHA development before joining the organization as an employee, Krystal Camacho is still looking out for her community. When the former resident of Wald Houses in Manhattan’s Lower East Side became part of NYCHA’s workforce nearly two years ago, Ms. Camacho saw the opportunity as a way to give… MORE
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Meet Karina Reid, Caretaker at South Jamaica Houses We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet Karina Reid, Caretaker J at South Jamaica Houses in Queens. A resident of Brooklyn’s Howard Houses for… MORE
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They are on the front line of helping to identify potential safety hazards for NYCHA workers and the larger community. NYCHA’s Safety Associates take on a volunteer role in addition to their regular job duties to ensure that safety-related issues are reported to their supervisors and help prevent on-the-job injuries. They also serve as advocates for safer working conditions, and with… MORE
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The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) celebrated Veterans Day this year with a Veterans in City Government CityTalk Panel. The virtual event featured a panel of veterans who now work at City agencies such as NYCHA, ACS, DORIS, DOT, DoITT, FDNY, and DVS. The five inspiring panelists discussed their professional journeys, from enlisting… MORE
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By Nekoro Gomes, NYCHA’s Department of Communications As a member of NYCHA’s Department of Communications, a large part of my job calls for being able to find the right words to convey what’s happening across the Authority’s more than 300 developments at any given time. That task involves quickly sourcing, verifying, and accurately relaying information… MORE
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I met Craig back in the early 90s in the beginning of our NYCHA careers in Brooklyn. Craig and I worked side by side as Burner Mechanics learning the importance of our newfound responsibilities. I immediately noticed how seriously Craig took his job; he was always professional, approachable, and helpful to all. During this time, Craig… MORE
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By Onel Hidalgo, Community Outreach Manager, NYCHA’s Office of Recovery and Resilience Robert White had the type of presence you couldn’t ignore. He would catch your attention the moment he entered a room. Always joyful and energetic – it seemed he never had a bad day. Mr. White applied that same energy and optimism toward… MORE
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NYCHANow is introducing a new feature in which employees write about their careers at the Authority. If you’d like to share your story, please send an email to nychanow@nycha.nyc.gov. Since October 2007, I have worked at REES’s central office at 787 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I conduct one-on-one assessments and use… MORE
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The Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) held its monthly meeting the week before Thanksgiving, on November 14. The first item on the agenda was requests for volunteers to deliver Thanksgiving dinners to residents experiencing gas outages. This endeavor embodies an EEC principle: giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate. Next up was a… MORE
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The years of disinvestment have eroded our buildings and, in a similar fashion, our morale. The conditions and the times we face can be summed up in one word: adversity. NYCHA is facing a critical time of adversity and all of us in the room for the Employee Engagement Committee’s (EEC) monthly meeting were aware.… MORE
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NYCHA is working to update its urban design with residents and their neighbors in mind. Through the Connected Communities initiative, the Authority is comprehensively addressing the community connectivity of over 300 public housing developments across New York City. NYCHA’s new Connected Communities initiative seeks to make big changes to better connect NYCHA residents physically to… MORE
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The Employee Engagement Committee’s (EEC) October meeting was filled with enthusiasm. Meeting once a month with colleagues in all lines of work can be the best way to learn how to improve our workday. Chatting before the meeting started, EEC members shared stories of what each of us does at NYCHA. Although we were unaware that the… MORE
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Although it was a sweltering day in August, the Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) was out in full force for a walking tour of First Houses in Manhattan, NYCHA’s first development. This was our first activity as a group since the EEC’s initial cohort “passed the torch” to us, the second cohort, in July. At first… MORE
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NYCHA: a better place to work and a place that works better. This concept embodies the work of the Employee Engagement Committee (EEC). We are NYCHA employees from many different titles and backgrounds working together to help change NYCHA. Our strengths derive from our diversity. Our first meeting for new members – the second group… MORE
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If you haven’t already heard, all public housing across the country—including NYCHA homes—will go smoke-free as of July 30, 2018, following a requirement from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Smoke-Free NYCHA is designed to create healthier homes for residents and healthier working environments for employees by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. The program… MORE
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As our current Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) members’ annual terms come to a close, we have shifted our efforts to engaging colleagues in the work we have been doing. At January’s meeting, we made plans to visit employees in a variety of locations to discuss NYCHA’s core values and the new Changemakers Campaign, which features… MORE
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As a member of NYCHA’s IT Project Management Office, Nina Winer knows that information security is the responsibility of every single NYCHA employee. She strives to show employees how, through careful and intelligent use of technology, we can help safeguard NYCHA’s systems and data while fulfilling our mission of providing safe, clean, and connected housing… MORE
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In light of Customer Service Week, the Employee Engagement Committee’s (EEC) October meeting focused on the service we offer to residents and other stakeholders. EEC members discussed instances where good customer service reinforced our core values as well as some cases where poor customer service detracted from them. We examined how we can continue improving… MORE
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James Scanlon, Vice President, Capital Projects/Planning and Design: On October 19, several staff members from the Capital Planning Group in Capital Projects accompanied me on a site visit to Rutgers Houses to spend time with frontline staff and to acknowledge Customer Service Week. We were greeted professionally and enthusiastically by the management office staff, including… MORE
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On September 13, Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) members met to discuss how we personify NYCHA’s core values in our daily work lives. One group’s conversation centered on what it means to be “a collaborative workforce, accountable to ourselves and to our residents.” It was fitting that during this discussion we were joined by the leadership… MORE
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On October 9, 2017, I had the privilege and once-in-a lifetime opportunity to be honored at the 73rd Columbus Day Parade – the largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture in the United States – for my memoir, “Deformed: My Remarkable Life.” The parade’s Grand Marshal, Leonard Riggio, Founder and Chairman of Barnes & Noble,… MORE
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How is long-term preservation of a culture achieved? What if the people within a culture did not know its history and did not share its overall goals and values? One of the objectives of the Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) is to help promote NYCHA’s amazing organizational culture by sharing its history and core values with… MORE
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On July 21, the Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) held its monthly meeting at First Houses in Manhattan, the first public housing development in the United States. Designated a New York City and National Historic Landmark, First Houses is located on East 3rd Street. Its warm burgundy brick façade and plum-colored colonial windows welcome residents and… MORE
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How important are respect, efficiency, and sustainability to you in your everyday life? It’s safe to assume that your answer lies somewhere between “very important” and “absolutely vital.” Now consider that the people we serve and serve with would say the same. That’s why these values comprise NYCHA’s first two core values (see below), and… MORE
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Employee engagement is not measured by how happy or satisfied you are with your job. It is the emotional and functional commitment employees make to their employer and its goals. Ask yourself these questions: Do I have a clear understanding of how NYCHA fulfills its mission and how my work contributes to its success? Do… MORE
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NextGen Operations (NGO) is a new model for managing NYCHA’s developments. Launched in January 2015 at 18 developments as the Optimal Property Management Operating Model (OPMOM), the program aimed to empower property managers to truly manage their developments. Senior Vice President (SVP) Janet Abrahams joined NYCHA in September 2015 to run this program, bringing with… MORE
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Amidst the chaos of my final semester of college—trying to do well in my classes, creating new memories with my friends, and enjoying my last few months before I had more responsibilities—my successful application to become an urban fellow was welcomed stability. New York City was my next stop and I was ready to experience… MORE
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