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NYCHA Now
Exceptional Colleagues September 2023 

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.   

Property Maintenance Supervisor Ivonne Fernandez and Skilled Trades Administrator Tara Lucas 

Ivonne Fernandez is a Property Maintenance Supervisor at Rutgers Houses

Ivonne Fernandez has been with NYCHA for over 24 years. She joined the Authority through the Housing Youth Training Program and became a full-time employee in 1998. Throughout her time at NYCHA, she has held several positions, including Caretaker and Heating Plant Technician. She served as an Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor for 11 years. She is currently a Property Maintenance Supervisor at Rutgers Houses.  

Ms. Fernandez joined the CMLA because she wanted to be a better supervisor and grow in her career.  

“I enjoyed my training at the CMLA,” said Ms. Fernandez. “I met supervisors from different areas that I am now able to network with. I know our job impacts the lives of our residents; at the end of the day, the residents are our customers and we are here to satisfy their needs. I am a resident as well and understand their frustration. If I can make one or two residents happy, then that makes me feel great.” 

Tara Lucas is the Skilled Trades Administrator in the Brooklyn Property Management Department

Tara Lucas started her NYCHA career almost 25 years ago as a Secretary. She has since served in positions such as Caretaker, Heating Plant Technician, Advanced Heating Plant Technician, Maintenance Worker, and Assistant Supervisor. She is currently the Skilled Trades Administrator in the Brooklyn Property Management Department.  

Ms. Lucas joined the CMLA because she wanted to give back to the new generation of NYCHA employees by sharing her knowledge and experience.  

“The CMLA program helped me become an even better listener – to listen to what is not being said, to be just a little bit more patient,” said Ms. Lucas. “The program has also helped me to network more than I’ve ever done. It has given me more confidence to speak up in front of people. I even learned a lot about my mentee, whom I adore, and hope we can become good friends.”