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NYCHA Now
August 2023 Exceptional Colleagues 

Meet the Coaching and Mentoring Leadership Academy Participants

Nii Akrofi Smart-Abbey

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.   

Assistant Property Manager LeQuanda Nixon and Housing Manager Edwin Reyes 

LeQuanda Nixon is a Property Manager at George Washington/Lexington Houses

LeQuanda Nixon has been with NYCHA for almost a decade. She started her career as a City Seasonal Aide. She later served as a Caretaker J and was then promoted to Housing Assistant. She is now an Assistant Property Manager at George Washington/Lexington Houses.  

Ms. Nixon joined the CMLA to strengthen her management skills and learn about the various departments within the organization.  

“The Academy provided a nurturing environment for me to learn, grow, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for personal and professional development,” said Ms. Nixon. “Through this mentorship, I have gained confidence, expanded my network, and discovered my true potential as a leader. I am grateful for this transformative experience that has shaped me into a more effective and inspiring leader.” 

Edwin Reyes is a Housing Manager in the Law Department

Edwin Reyes mentored Ms. Nixon. He grew up at Williamsburg Houses in Brooklyn and started his NYCHA career in 1995 as a Clerical Associate with the Youth Training Program. He later served as Property Manager at Smith Houses. He is currently a Housing Manager in the Law Department.  

Mr. Reyes joined the CMLA to help other colleagues benefit from his experience and help them understand how to make NYCHA a better place to live and work.  

“My experience with the CMLA was an extremely positive one,” said Mr. Reyes. “I was able to not only mentor, but to also learn from my mentee on how to communicate better to achieve the goal of becoming a better team player and supervisor. I will always remember this opportunity and the blessing of being part of a great program and team.”