Meet the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy Participants

In January 2023, NYCHA launched its first-ever Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy (CMLA). Participants in the 16-week program received training and coaching in areas such as strategic communications and crisis management, and they had the opportunity to enhance their leadership and management skills through mentorship.       

Read on to learn more about a few of the mentors and mentees participating in the Leadership Academy.         

Property Manager Ayodeji Festus and Neighborhood Administrator Jacqueline Hipps    

Ayodeji Festus has been with NYCHA for 21 years. She joined the Authority in 2002 after working with the Yonkers Board of Education as a substitute teacher and with the NYC Department of Education. Ms. Festus started her NYCHA career as a Housing Assistant. She is currently a Property Manager at Kingsborough Houses in Brooklyn.     

She joined the CMLA to gain guidance and direction to improve her leadership skills and advance her NYCHA career.      

“It was an honor and a privilege to be part of the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy,” said Ms. Festus. “As a mentee, I learned a lot not only from my mentor, Ms. Hipps, but also from everyone who participated in the program. The program was jam-packed with detailed information and materials to assist us with our weekly activities, tools to become great leaders, not to mention the inspiring stories told by all. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people from the executive department, the CEO, and the Commissioner of DCAS [NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services] for the first time. Their stories and secrets to success were captivating and intriguing. I learned that ‘servant leadership’ shares power, puts the needs of others first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. I am thankful to Ms. Andino, Ms. McCutchen, and their team for creating a safe space and learning environment where we freely expressed our thoughts, feelings, and concerns – without judgment – about the next phase in our lives and that of NYCHA and for putting together such a wonderful, encouraging, and incredible program. My hope is that there will be many more such programs in the future for all employees.”     

Jacqueline Hipps started her NYCHA career in 1990 as a Community Associate. She has worked as a Housing Assistant, Assistant Manager, and Housing Manager (a position she held for 14 years). In 2014, she was promoted to Administrative Housing Manager. Ms. Hipps is currently a Neighborhood Administrator in the Brooklyn Property Management Department.   

She joined the CMLA to help usher in the next generation of NYCHA leaders.     

“It was a pleasure, and an honor, to be a mentor in the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy,” said Ms. Hipps. “I had the opportunity to mentor Ms. Festus, who I had supervised in a prior capacity – so it was extra special to reconnect with her. We learned from each other, shared stories, and I provided guidance when needed. The program offered great tools to enhance one’s skills to assist with day-to-day work. Although the 16 weeks have passed, the rapport with my mentee will continue. CMLA is a great program for NYCHA staff!”