Like Father, Like Son: Two Wilsons Make One NYCHA Family

In many families, children grow up hearing stories about their parents’ work. For LaShawn Wilson Jr., those stories were about NYCHA.

Today, at age 21, Mr. Wilson Jr. has become part of that story himself.

As a Heating Emergency Service Aide, he is just two years into his NYCHA career. His father, LaShawn Wilson Sr., is an Administrator in NYCHA’s Pest Management Department whose own journey spans nearly two decades and began on the front lines as an exterminator.

Together, the two men represent different generations of NYCHA employees — and a shared belief in the value of hard work, service, and family.

As Father’s Day approaches, their story offers a reminder that some of life’s most important lessons are passed down not only through words but also through example.

Mr. Wilson Sr. joined NYCHA 18 years ago after learning about a pest control opportunity.

Over the years, he moved up the ranks — from exterminator to supervisor, then technical advisor, and eventually into administration, becoming one of the Pest Management Department’s leaders.

Looking back, he credits consistency more than anything else.

The Wilsons are a living example of a basic truth we all already know:
the most central lessons that we ever learn are shared through love and living life together.

“On time is late, and late is unacceptable,” he said. “Be the first one there and the last one to leave. Put 100 percent into everything you do.”

As he spoke, Mr. Wilson Jr. nodded and smiled. Those are lessons he has learned by heart.

Before interviewing for his own position at NYCHA, Mr. Wilson Jr. sought advice from Dad.

“He told me to speak up, be confident in myself, and that I was going to get the job,” Junior recalled.

Today, he works evening shifts from 4 p.m. to midnight and frequently volunteers for additional assignments when needed. While his role is different from his father’s, his approach to work is strikingly similar.

“I just keep the same philosophy he always taught me,” he said. “Come to work on time, listen to your supervisors, keep your focus where it needs to be.”

The parallels in the two gentlemen’s experiences extend beyond their shared employer. Both have also known this Authority from a resident’s perspective. Mr. Wilson Sr. was living in NYCHA housing when he first joined the Authority; Mr. Wilson Jr. lives in public housing today.

That shared experience gives both men a very personal connection to the communities they serve.

For Mr. Wilson Jr., watching his father’s career unfold over the years helped shape his own ambitions.

“I always knew my father was a hard worker. It’s only natural for me to try and work the way he does,” he said. “Those are big shoes to fill.”

For Mr. Wilson Sr., hearing those words carried special meaning.

“It’s like I always said: I wanted to give my boy the things my own father wasn’t able to give me,” he said. “To see him follow in my footsteps like he’s doing, well…this is just a proud-father moment for me.”

Father’s Day has long been an extra-special occasion for the Wilsons. When Mr. Wilson Jr. was a boy, Mr. Wilson Sr. made sure they dressed in matching Father’s Day outfits and spent the day together, celebrating.

“I even had shirts made that said ‘Senior’ and ‘Junior’ on them,” Mr. Wilson Sr. recalled with a smile. “I used to take him everywhere with me.”