Ready to Lead

For two years, 11 NYCHA residents sharpened their knowledge of public housing, leadership skills, and organizing as part of NYCHA’s first cohort of the Resident Leadership Academy. They graduated from the program in December, ready to put their skills into action at their developments and in their communities.

The Resident Leadership Academy (RLA) is a free, two-year program that provides training and leadership skills to residents interested in taking a more active role in civic life. Launched in 2018, it is a collaboration between NYCHA and the City University of New York’s School of Labor and Urban Studies (CUNY SLU), the newest School in the CUNY system.

“NYCHA residents are the most important people to drive change in their communities,” said Sideya Sherman, Executive Vice President of NYCHA’s Community Engagement and Partnerships department. “Congratulations to our first cohort. These 11 residents worked very hard over the last two years, demonstrating their commitment to their fellow NYCHA residents and all New Yorkers. We often look to residents for solutions on improving quality of life, and now with enhanced leadership skills, we’re excited to see how they will help shape the future of their communities.”

The program strengthens and builds skills of current and emerging NYCHA resident leaders. Prior to their participation in the RLA, these residents were on nonprofit boards, former and current resident association leaders, members of tenant advocacy groups, or actively involved in their community in some other way.

In addition to building their leadership skills, residents earned a Certificate in Community Leadership from the Urban Studies department at CUNY SLU and 16 free college credits for the four courses they completed: Public Housing, Community Organizing, Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership, and Research Seminar on Public Policy.

The courses deepened resident understanding of public housing, resident leadership processes, community organizing, and more. Before the RLA, Migdalia Ortiz of Sotomayor Houses said she had “no insight into the history of NYCHA.” But that all changed after taking the Public Housing course.

Ms. Ortiz recently began her role as treasurer of the Sotomayor Resident Association this year after being elected in 2019. She had extensive volunteer experience in her community but had not held an elected position before. “I’m looking forwarding to using the skills that I have learned, especially now that I have a role to play in my development,” she said.

NYCHA is currently recruiting for the second cohort of the RLA. Information sessions will be held at 250 Broadway, 12th floor, on February 26 and March 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. To RSVP, email resident.engagement@nycha.nyc.gov or call 212-306-8436.