Employees Honored at Quality of Work Life Awards
Attendees of the first Quality of Work Life Employee Recognition Awards ceremony in four years received a simple but appreciated gesture at the door — a hand stamp of a single, though meaningful, word: “Congratulations.” More than 200 NYCHA employees packed the house at labor union DC 37’s headquarters, just down the street from NYCHA’s own headquarters, to be honored for their 30 to 45 years of service, volunteerism, educational and professional achievement, or perfect time and attendance.
Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye connected the work of individual employees to NYCHA’s overall mission. “We’re celebrating each of you who do so much to ensure that our vision of safe, clean, and connected communities is not just words on paper but a reality for our residents. I thank each of you for all the work you do every day.”
Speaking to the co-hosts of the event, several of NYCHA’s many union partners, Chair Olatoye said, “As you know, we are in the midst of a tremendous amount of work implementing NextGeneration NYCHA. There are some hard things we have to do as part of that. But with your ideas and hard work and partnership, we’ll get it done. We’re only stronger for your partnership.”
Union representatives praised the talent and commitment of NYCHA’s hardworking men and women. DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido described how he called the number on a flyer NYCHA had posted in order to check on his aunt during Hurricane Sandy, who lives in Queensbridge Houses. The information he received in response was a “firsthand experience of the dedication of NYCHA employees,” something his aunt confirmed.
“Every day, more than half a million people get service because of you. I want to thank you not only on behalf of my aunt but on behalf of the entire City of New York.”
General Manager Michael Kelly said, “The hard work we do goes beyond a paycheck. I hope all of you know that you’re the lifeblood of this incredibly important organization. Your selfless efforts, day in and day out, make a huge difference for so many people.”
Speaking to those who have worked at NYCHA for several decades, their entire career in many cases, Gina Strickland, CWA Local 1180 First Vice President, said, “You enjoy what you do, you know what you do. And everything you do is for the citizens of New York City.”
HR Director Kenya Salaudeen said she hoped that the employees being recognized realized what a wonderful example they are. Michael Johnson, Director of Customer Operations, was honored for his advocacy of education and other opportunities through the MIT Club of New York, an alumni association where he’s currently the president. As part of his volunteer work, Mr. Johnson interviews high school students applying to MIT, many of whom exhibit academic excellence but need financial support. “As an African American, this work is important to me,” he said.
“MIT is a diverse institution, and I want to help them continue to promote diversity, particularly for disadvantaged communities. Hearing these young people’s stories and challenges is incredible; they really have an opportunity to change their lives, and I have an opportunity to help them.” Karen Moye, a housing manager at the Lower East Side II Consolidation, was recognized for helping to keep the streets of Brooklyn safe as a Sergeant in the NYPD’s volunteer auxiliary force. “The best part of my volunteer service is working with the community, getting to know people, and working to bridge the gap between the police and the community,” she said.
Nancy Lam, Chief of the Leased Housing Department, was recognized for earning a doctorate in public and urban policy from The New School. “I worked on it for seven years,” she said. “It wasn’t easy, because I have a full-time job and I also do volunteer work on the weekends. So I spent every moment of my leisure time reading and writing. My thesis was on traditional public housing and rental voucher programs and their impact on families, so it relates to my work at NYCHA.”
After the inspiring words, Joyce Loftin, a secretary at the Manhattan Borough Office, sang a rousing rendition of “The Greatest Love of All.” It truly was a gathering of family.
