CMLA Alumni Reunite to Celebrate Leadership, Mentorship, and the Program’s Growing Impact

Alumni of the first three cohorts of NYCHA’s Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy (CMLA) gathered on March 5 in the 90 Church Street Ceremonial Room for a reunion of the program’s “first generation” of mentors and mentees.

The event reunited a majority of the mentors and mentees who have participated in the CMLA program since it was launched back in 2023. For many present, it was their first time together in person since they had graduated, as well as their first as an alumni community.

Early in the morning’s activities, NYCHA’s Employee Engagement team — who lead and manage the CMLA — invited participants to pass microphones around the room to share both a notable professional “win” each alum had had since graduating as well as a challenge handled.

The gathered alumni shared stories of how the CMLA had helped them get to know themselves better as leaders and mentors both within NYCHA and in the wider world.

One after another, graduates shared stories about promotions they had earned, increased confidence they felt in new leadership roles they had risen to, and stronger collaborative skills they now can bring to any challenges they may confront.

Just as striking was the sense of camaraderie among the graduates. “This is family, from here on out,” said Lashawn Wilson, an Administrator with NYCHA’s Pest Control Department. “I first of all want to say: Hey, cousin!”

Throughout the event, participants spoke movingly about what the CMLA had done for them — not just in terms of career development, but also in how it had helped them come to know themselves better as leaders and mentors within NYCHA and the wider world. Many expressed the strong desire to give form to their gratitude by “paying it forward” in support of new CMLA participants and by helping all their NYCHA colleagues benefit from what they had received.

“I learned that I have more patience than I thought I did,” said Suleima Crosby, who had served as a mentor in Cohort 3. “And I realized I have a lot more to offer than I knew. This has been such a rewarding experience! I want to say it clearly today: thank you so much, to every one of you.”

The event reunited a majority of the mentors and mentees who have participated in the CMLA program since it was launched in 2023.

The reunion event had also been designed as a working session for program alumni to share their insights to benefit future iterations of the CMLA’s evolving curriculum. In small breakout discussion groups, alums shared ideas for strengthening the program and expanding mentorship opportunities across NYCHA, with suggestions ranging from enhanced onboarding support for new employees to additional training in crisis management, communications, and public speaking. Many also emphasized the importance of helping staff gain a better understanding of and access to the wide range of internal resources available to NYCHA staff today.

“In my opinion, it’s also really important to know the individual culture of each development,” said Lequanda Nixon, a Property Manager at Queensbridge North. “We need to focus on building a welcoming workplace culture in every one – because each is unique.”

Yvette Andino and Andy Destin of NYCHA’s Employee Engagement team reminded the gathering that their alumni status in the CMLA matters, and that their importance to the program continues well beyond its conclusion.

“Graduation is just a step in your CMLA journey; we hope that you continue to cultivate – and enjoy, and benefit from – your relationships with your old mentors and mentees,” Ms. Andino said.

“And don’t forget: Each of you can and should play a part in what comes next. The CMLA needs you,” said Mr. Destin.