Celebrating Women’s History Month: An Interview with VPs of Operations 

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 the Authority, women have risen to leadership in traditionally male-dominated roles, including three of the Vice Presidents for Public Housing Operations — Neagia Drew in Queens/Staten Island, Angela Gadson in the Bronx, and Erenisse Tavarez in Manhattan. NYCHANow spoke with them about their mentors, how they empower others, and moving NYCHA forward together. 

Can you share an example of how mentorship has had an impact on your career, and what key lessons you learned from mentors that influence the way you lead today? 

Ms. Drew: I’ve been in a supervisorial role for at least 20 of my 30 years at NYCHA, and it’s because of people mentoring me and seeing that I had that something. Sometimes that’s what you have to find in someone and target it. When my mentors knew I wanted to get to the next level, they prepared me, like when I was a storeroom person and my supervisor would come into the office and take me out on building inspections. When I became an Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent, I did the same thing with my staff. 

Ms. Gadson: My mentor that molded me is Michael Cornelius, who was a former director for the Bronx management department, and he brought me on as an administrator at the time. To me he was a person of class who was assertive but very respectful, and his expectations of our individuals were high and there was no teetering from it. With the kind of characteristics that he had, it was a pleasure for me to work for him because it motivated me to do what he asked. I promised myself that if I ever got into this position, I would try to have the same characteristics that he impressed upon me. So far that has worked in my favor. 

Ms. Tavarez: I have had many great supervisors and colleagues who have mentored and supported me throughout my career, but one of the most impactful mentors was Pam Fisher, my first supervisor. She exemplified hard work and dedication, setting a high standard through her unwavering commitment to excellence. From Pam I learned the importance of leading with integrity and consistency across the board. Her work ethic was contagious, inspiring those around her to aim at meeting and exceeding expectations. She showed me that true leadership is about setting the tone for your team, being present, working alongside others, and ensuring every team member feels included. 

As a successful woman in a leadership role, what strategies do you use to inspire and empower others to believe in their potential and put forward their best work? 

Ms. Drew: Because I started as a Caretaker and worked my way up at NYCHA, I believe in reaching back and giving that knowledge to my staff. I tell them that we have to work and lead with integrity. Integrity is about what you do when no one is looking, and it counts more than what you do when people are looking. What I try to inspire them to do is to be leaders. They have to realize that while we oversee million-dollar properties, the people behind the doors count on us at the end of the day; they count on our leadership for their livelihoods. 

Ms. Gadson: One of the things that I tell my team all of the time is that we have to work together; it’s about togetherness and we have to be on the same page. Organization is a big deal for me, and following up to completion. It’s also how we treat people. I tell everyone that respect earns respect, and when you treat people as such, you can have an impact on them because they understand that we are all in this together and that’s what really matters. 

Ms. Tavarez: One strategy I use to inspire and empower is establishing peer mentors for new team members. Their mentors provide support and guidance, helping new staff adjust and build confidence until they are fully able to work independently. This system not only helps the employee in their learning process but it fosters a sense of community, ongoing collaboration, and support amongst the team. By ensuring new staff have someone to turn to for guidance, it helps them feel supported and valued, which encourages them to be the best versions of themselves.    

Another strategy I have used throughout my career is empowering through ownership and responsibility. I believe in giving team members autonomy to make decisions within their individual roles, which builds their confidence and encourages them to take initiative. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and growth, where team members are continuously learning and preparing for their next leadership role. 

There are a number of other women who are in leadership positions across the Authority. What do you think this shows about the capabilities and aspirations of women at NYCHA?  

Ms. Drew: I came into this agency at a time when there weren’t a lot of women in leadership. Now that I’m coming to the height of my career, and to look out and see that there are other women across the table and we are making these decisions, it’s the best feeling in the world. It just shows that NYCHA is going in the right direction. It gives me the hope that I still have reach and still have places to go because of the women that are ahead of me.

Photo caption: Neagia Drew (from left), Erenisse Tavarez, and Angela Gadson serve as Vice Presidents for Public Housing Operations in Queens/Staten Island, Manhattan, and the Bronx, respectively.