President
Niki Tsismenakis, Goldstein Hall PLLC
"WHF provides a forum for thoughtful discussions with women in housing and finance who can elevate each other through their work and words."
Deputy to the President
Emily Kurtz, RiseBoro Community Partnership
"WHF has afforded me the opportunity to network with and learn from highly intelligent, innovative, and thoughtful members of the affordable housing industry. The annual program calendar reflects the diverse interests of WHF's membership, and ensures that there will always be something new to learn."
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Co-Vice President of Programs
Emily Chen, National Equity Fund
“WHF-NY is deliberate in its intentions to create community and strengthen relationships. It’s a joy to be a part of this organization.”
Vice President of Communications
Leslie Cook, Sordoni Construction
"WHF provides support and quality networking opportunities from trusted women in the affordable housing/community development community. I am grateful for the passionate and innovative women I have developed relationships with and continue to meet."
Vice President of Membership
Amy Chandra, Forsyth Street Advisors
"WHF serves as my outlet to meet, support, and engage in open dialogue with others in the community development and housing industry."
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Treasurer
Alice Anigacz, The Community Builders
“WHF is the most invaluable professional network I have ever encountered. Beyond their many professional abilities and accomplishments, I am humbled by how supportive, approachable, and eager to share their expertise this group’s members have always been, and have continued to be throughout the difficult past year plus.”
Secretary
AkikoKyei-Aboagye, Urban Architectural Initiatives
"Among professional organizations, I find WHF unique in that it’s genuinely focused on learning and sharing perspectives from among its diverse membership. WHF’s role in fostering worthwhile discussion and exchange is truly valuable to all of us working to build better housing and better communities."
BOARD MEMBERS
Lovaeta Amoako, NYCHA
"I always appreciated how WHF created a space for like-minded women to network, gain institutional knowledge, collaborate, and grow. WHF played a major role in my ability to branch into the affordable housing field and for that, I am grateful. "
Danielle Ash, Adler & Stachenfeld LLP
"WHF has provided me an extraordinary opportunity to meet and learn from a wide array of professionals in the affordable housing and community development industry – which, in turn, has helped me push my career in commercial real estate in new and exciting directions. I love being a part of the WHF network."
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Polina Bakhteiarov, NHP Foundation
“WHF is a great way to meet professionals from across the industry in low-stakes, fun settings. I particularly enjoy the Mentorship Program because it has allowed me to connect with the next generation of great minds who will transform our city. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the industry or to New York, you’ll always learn something at a WHF event and meet great people, some of whom will definitely become your business partners.”
Joya Cohen, The Community Preservation Corporation
WHF has been a solid support group full of interesting people and great career advice, which I have relied upon often. I am grateful to be part of such a lovely group that is always welcoming to new people and looking for ways to help its members grow.
Anivelca Cordova, Lemle & Wolff
“I am excited to serve on the Board of WHF alongside a group of women who are strong and dedicated leaders.”
Simone Gross, Maycomb Capital
"WHF is a wonderful network of interesting women supporting each other in real estate and finance."
Stephanie Mavronicolas, New York City Housing Development Corporation
"WHF represents a dynamic group of individuals from a wide-range of backgrounds and expertise. This makes for an excellent forum for the affordable housing industry to come together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and grow professionally."
Katelyn Meehan, Wells Fargo Bank
"WHF is an exceptional organization that works hard to bring together a diverse board and membership body across a broad spectrum of housing and finance professional sectors. They provide outstanding programming throughout the year, and I am excited to be part of the Board."
Kirsten Shaw, LIIF
“WHF is a place that combines knowledge-sharing, networking, and fun. There is so much variety in the events, activities, and other ways members come together. It’s an incredible group of interesting, ambitious professional women who help each other advance their work.”
Sharmi A. Sobhan, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
"WHF is an incredible network of professional women in the affordable housing industry, and I am thrilled and grateful to be part of such an impactful community."
Jennifer Steinberg, Beacon Communities
"WHF is the best."
Suzanna Tharian, STAT Architecture
"In a competitive city like New York, WHF fosters a collaborative atmosphere for its members. It is inspiring to be part of this group doing such meaningful work."
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Eunice Suh, Monadnock Development
"WHF is an amazing organization that connects and builds community through its professional development and networking events. Events are inspiring, informative, and fun! There is always something new to learn in housing and this is a great space for continued growth."
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Eu Ting-Zambuto, Mountco Construction and Development Corp.
“WHF is a truly supportive network of professionals in the industry. It has provided a rare and invaluable forum to share experiences and thoughts and gain insights.”
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Sarah Williams, Procida Companies
“WHF has been an invaluable organization that has a genuine interest in encouraging a diverse group of women within the housing and finance community to succeed. Their Program focuses on networking, education, collaboration and support that provides a professional space to develop relationships and growth. It is an honor to serve on their Board.”
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Mica Wilson, Capital One, National Association
“The work we do strengthens communities throughout the country. It's equally important for women in the housing industry to have access to a strong community that encourages and empowers them. I'm excited to help build this community!”
Jenny Wu, Jonathan Rose Companies
“WHF is an inclusive community that supports women at all stages of their professional development. The network and community of members, plus all the programming is such a valuable resource for women in the housing and finance industry.
CHAIRS AND ADVISORS
CHAIR
Cynthia D. Lewis
VICE CHAIRS
Lois B. Bernstein (1940-2018)
Gina L. Bolden-Rivera, Bolden-Rivera & Associates, LLC
Caroline Harris, Goldman Harris LLC
Beth Cooper Lawrence
Laura Lazarus, Anthos|Home
Alison Novak, Sidewalk Labs
Phyllis Ann Santry, Esq.
Jennifer Trepinski, Corporation for Supportive Housing
ADVISORS
Amie Gross, Amie Gross Architects
Deborah Van Amerongen, Nixon Peabody
*Affiliations for information only