23 APR 2024 · This week on ChangeMakers, Katie sits down with Mariah Hayden, the Executive Director of New Life Village. Mariah has been tirelessly dedicated to providing safety and stability for children affected by trauma and mental health challenges, drawing from her academic training and personal experiences to oversee the expansion of New Life Village's campus with more affordable housing and amenities. Before taking on this essential role, Mariah had a successful career spanning marketing, project management, and education across various sectors, giving her a unique professional background that she has channeled into making a positive impact. In this inspiring conversation, Mariah shares her journey of combining skills and passion to create meaningful change for vulnerable youth, discussing innovative approaches, overcoming challenges, and her vision for the future of the organization and those it serves—a powerful example of how one person's commitment can transform lives and communities. Learn more about New Life Village https://newlifevillage.org/ and find out more about Generations of Hope https://www.betterlifethroughcommunity.com/

16 APR 2024 · The conversation turns to the Tulsa Housing Authority's major recent accomplishment: being awarded two significant and highly competitive Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grants by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Katie congratulates Aaron, noting that these federal grants are extremely difficult to obtain, and asks him to discuss his innovative strategy that made THA's proposals stand out. Darden explains his team's approach, sharing exciting details about the transformative redevelopment plans for the targeted neighborhoods that will catalyze comprehensive community revitalization efforts with new mixed-income housing, improved services, amenities, and economic opportunities. He also covers the profound impact these awards will have on the organization's broader initiatives and objectives, reflecting THA's commitment to creating sustainable, vibrant communities. Darden outlines how the dedicated team that drove this successful grant pursuit exemplifies this mission, providing insights into the long-lasting effect these achievements will have on uplifting Tulsa residents for years to come.

9 APR 2024 · This week on ChangeMakers, Katie welcomes Aaron Darden, the President and CEO of the Tulsa Housing Authority. With nearly a decade of leadership experience at the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency in Nashville, Darden has hit the ground running since taking the helm at THA, securing $80 million in Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grants and undergoing a portfolio conversion of its public housing properties. Since Darden's arrival, THA has leveraged over $350 million towards affordable housing development. Under his direction, the housing authority is driving transformative change through innovative public-private partnerships aimed at uplifting communities and increasing housing access in Tulsa. Tune in as Darden discusses his inspiring vision for revitalizing urban neighborhoods and creating equitable opportunities.

2 APR 2024 · In the second half of this inspiring conversation, Mike Loftin dives deeper into the long-term impact and vision behind his pioneering work at Homewise. During part one, Mike discussed leveraging HUD and FHA programs to open up homeownership opportunities for underrepresented groups that have historically faced barriers to achieving this core aspect of the American dream. Katie presses Mike further, asking, "What specific policies or actions would need to be implemented at a broader level to truly achieve those goals of increasing homeownership equity?" Mike draws upon his decades of experience and deep understanding of housing policy to outline potential solutions. From reforming creditworthiness criteria to developing more low-cost financing options, he provides an inside look at the systemic changes needed to level the playing field. Don't miss this candid discussion that gets to the heart of what it will take to make the dream of homeownership a reality for all families, regardless of their background or circumstances. Mike's wisdom and innovative ideas will inspire you and could serve as a blueprint for real, lasting change in increasing access to affordable housing nationwide. About Mike Loftin: Mike joined Homewise in 1992 and provides strategic leadership for the company by working with the board of directors and the executive management team to drive the long-term vision, strategy, goals, and financial well-being of Homewise.With over 35 years’ experience in community and homeownership advocacy, Mike led the creation and implementation of Homewise’s customer-centric, comprehensively integrated homeownership business model. Mike drafted and led the campaign to pass Santa Fe’s inclusionary zoning law, one of the most ambitious in the country and which has served as the model for similar ordinances in other municipalities.More recently, he spearheaded the creation of Homewise’s catalytic community development strategy to revitalize targeted disinvested neighborhoods in Albuquerque and create new mixed-use, mixed-income communities in Santa Fe.Mike serves on the board of Excellent Schools New Mexico and previously served on the boards of the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management Foundation and the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority. Mike holds a BA in History from Northwestern University.

26 MAR 2024 · Katie Goar sits down with ChangeMaker Mike Loftin, a true visionary in the affordable housing space. For over 30 years, Mike has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Homewise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making homeownership accessible in New Mexico. Under Mike's steadfast leadership, Homewise has pioneered an innovative and comprehensive model to guide individuals and families through every step of achieving the American dream of homeownership. From financial education to affordable mortgage lending, Homewise provides families with the support and resources needed to successfully become homeowners. Tune in as Mike shares his inspiring story, the challenges he's faced, the victories he's achieved, and his unwavering commitment to building stronger communities through homeownership. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation with one of the true ChangeMakers transforming lives and communities through the power of affordable housing. About Mike Loftin: Mike joined Homewise in 1992 and provides strategic leadership for the company by working with the board of directors and the executive management team to drive the long-term vision, strategy, goals, and financial well-being of Homewise.With over 35 years’ experience in community and homeownership advocacy, Mike led the creation and implementation of Homewise’s customer-centric, comprehensively integrated homeownership business model. Mike drafted and led the campaign to pass Santa Fe’s inclusionary zoning law, one of the most ambitious in the country and which has served as the model for similar ordinances in other municipalities.More recently, he spearheaded the creation of Homewise’s catalytic community development strategy to revitalize targeted disinvested neighborhoods in Albuquerque and create new mixed-use, mixed-income communities in Santa Fe.Mike serves on the board of Excellent Schools New Mexico and previously served on the boards of the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management Foundation and the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority. Mike holds a BA in History from Northwestern University.

19 MAR 2024 · In the second half of the episode, Jennifer reflects on her tenure as Deputy Executive Director at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. She opens up about the lessons learned from navigating those turbulent times while continuing to serve some of the community's most vulnerable residents. Katie also asks Jennifer to gaze into her proverbial crystal ball. Jennifer provides an inside look at the company's long-term vision for disrupting the single-family rental space through affordable housing initiatives, sustainable building practices, and innovative community programs. Don't miss her inspiring insights and bold predictions for making rental living more accessible and enriching for families nationwide in the years ahead. About Jennifer Keogh: Jennifer brings over 25 years of experience in affordable housing to her role as Vice President of Affordable Housing at Progress Residential. With a deep commitment to ensuring low-income families have access to thriving neighborhoods, Jennifer has dedicated her career to making a difference in this field.Prior to joining Progress Residential, Jennifer served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, one of the largest Housing Authorities in the country with Moving to Work Status and a HUD Mobility Program. During her career, Jennifer played a pivotal role in designing and implementing one of the initial mobility programs in the country, demonstrating her passion for economic and social mobility.Jennifer is currently the Strategic Planning Advisory Chair for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), where she is leading the development of their first 5-year Strategic Plan. Locally, she serves on the Affordable Housing Connections Board, further demonstrating her commitment to addressing housing challenges at both the national and local levels.

12 MAR 2024 · This week, Katie is joined by ChangeMaker Jennifer Keogh, Vice President of Operations and Affordable Housing at Progress Residential. With over 20 years as a leader in the affordable housing space, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. She previously served as Deputy Executive Director at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and as Chair at NAHRO, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Now at one of the nation's largest providers of single-family rental homes, Jennifer oversees operations and spearheads initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility and affordability for renters. She joins Katie to discuss her inspiring career journey and Progress Residential's innovative approaches to making rental living more attainable for families across the country. About Jennifer Keogh: Jennifer brings over 25 years of experience in affordable housing to her role as Vice President of Affordable Housing at Progress Residential. With a deep commitment to ensuring low-income families have access to thriving neighborhoods, Jennifer has dedicated her career to making a difference in this field.Prior to joining Progress Residential, Jennifer served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, one of the largest Housing Authorities in the country with Moving to Work Status and a HUD Mobility Program. During her career, Jennifer played a pivotal role in designing and implementing one of the initial mobility programs in the country, demonstrating her passion for economic and social mobility.Jennifer is currently the Strategic Planning Advisory Chair for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), where she is leading the development of their first 5-year Strategic Plan. Locally, she serves on the Affordable Housing Connections Board, further demonstrating her commitment to addressing housing challenges at both the national and local levels.

5 MAR 2024 · After discussing how Bob.ai helped the Dallas Housing Authority launch a new artificial intelligence-based module for its Housing Choice Voucher program, Bejoy shares how Bob.ai plans to scale and impact more housing authorities around the country. Leveraging the success in Dallas, Bejoy has set his sights on rolling out Bob.ai's technology to housing authorities nationwide, helping streamline processes and connect low-income families with affordable housing options. Katie asks Bejoy if this AI-driven approach can also be applied to tackling other housing issues, like homelessness. Bejoy explains his vision for the future capabilities of the platform and how improved data utilization and system coordination enabled by automation can lead to better targeting of limited housing resources. Tune in to learn more about how Bob.ai aims to revolutionize public housing assistance across the US and make access to affordable housing a reality for those most in need. About Bejoy Narayana: Bejoy has over 20 years of IT experience in the fields of ERP systems and AI. As an expert in Supply Chain Management, Bejoy worked with the Watson product teams for several years at IBM, where he delivered several large-scale transformation programs. In December 2015, Bejoy founded BoodsKapper, now Bob.ai, where he works as both CEO and Chief Product Architect. Bejoy holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from India and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Management, the Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

27 FEB 2024 · This week on ChangeMakers, Katie sits down with Bejoy Narayana, CEO, Chief Product Architect, and Founder of Bob.ai. Bob.ai is a company that leverages AI to automate cumbersome processes, share information, and improve outcomes for low-income families seeking housing. With his unique background in technology and business transformation, Bejoy leads the product vision at Bob.ai which is focused on building long-term solutions for the affordable housing ecosystem. Tune in to hear Katie and Bejoy discuss how he founded Bob.ai, the inspiration behind the company's mission, the role of technology and AI in improving access to affordable housing, and Bejoy's insights as both a tech entrepreneur and a leading voice in social impact. This is an episode of the ChangeMakers podcast you won't want to miss. About Bejoy Narayana: Bejoy has over 20 years of IT experience in the fields of ERP systems and AI. As an expert in Supply Chain Management, Bejoy worked with the Watson product teams for several years at IBM, where he delivered several large-scale transformation programs. In December 2015, Bejoy founded BoodsKapper, now Bob.ai, where he works as both CEO and Chief Product Architect. Bejoy holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from India and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Management, the Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

20 FEB 2024 · In part two, Scott shares some advice for incorporating new developments within existing communities in a harmonious way. He discusses the importance of community engagement, transparent communication, and holistic planning when introducing new housing and amenities. Scott also shares more about RiseBoro’s innovative conversion of an empty hotel into affordable apartments for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers. This first-of-its-kind collaborative project posed some major logistical challenges. Scott describes some of the issues they faced in repurposing the hotel, such as retrofitting the layout and infrastructure for residential living.