HDC is dedicated to building a diverse and high-performing team that is passionate about creating meaningful change in the communities we serve. Once an individual joins the HDC team, we believe in creating opportunities for leadership and supporting them as they define their own career paths.
HDC is in the process of building a formalized leadership development program to uplift staff, ensure opportunities for career advancement, and create diverse representation at all levels of leadership in the organization. This program will help HDC build bench strength within our team—identifying emerging leaders and providing them with opportunities that advance their professional goals and support HDC’s mission, vision, and long-term success.
As the program is built out, it will include four quadrants of leadership for staff including skill development, performance development, mental and emotional development, and moral development. Participating members of staff will benefit from a broad-based curriculum designed to support their growth in all areas of leadership development. In tandem, we will develop a mentorship program for individuals who participate in the leadership development program to connect with other leaders within the organization or within the larger community. Graduates of this program will be involved in delivering the curriculum to the next cohort of participants to ensure it is sustainable and long-lasting into the future.
While this program is in the early stages of development, work has already begun with 25 members of staff identified for one-on-one listening sessions to hear their voices and experiences directly. These conversations will help to identify organizational challenges, strengths, and opportunities, and will lay the foundation for this leadership development program.
This year will be dedicated to building out the program with support from training and equity consultant, Impact EDI. HDC’s formalized leadership development program will be rolled out in early 2025.
Every voice matters. At HDC, we are committed to raising up resident voices and opening doors so that residents can actively participate in the democratic process, speak out on issues important to them and their communities, and communicate how policies affect their everyday lives. We believe it is important to make the time and space to listen, and to support resident leaders in effectively using their voices. We support resident advocacy opportunities through our Resident Academy of Leadership & Inspiration, Voter Registration Drives, and holding constituent meetings and tours with elected officials.
Allentown, PA
Fredericksburg, PA
Lancaster, PA
Finding a place to live that meets one’s basic needs and budget can feel like a never-ending challenge. The complexity of lower-income families and individuals extend far beyond simply finding a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to call home. At HDC, we are committed to being an ally in speaking to issues, programs, and policies that improve quality of life of our residents. Issues that we know are important to our residents include:
We know we can’t solve the affordable housing challenge alone. We need champions to help change the conversation around what home means and why it matters. We are committed to educating elected officials to understand the needs and challenges of their constituents. We are here to provide solutions that work and offer affordable housing expertise that demonstrates the impact policy decisions have on lower-income families, seniors and those with disabilities. We work closely with and participate in alliances and coalitions to educate and advance shared policy priorities. Our advocacy partners include:
Wendy Smith serves as the Vice President of Property Management, responsible for the overall strategic direction for HDC’s management portfolio and the organization’s largest staff team. Previously, Wendy served as Asset and Operations Manager for a leading real estate firm based in New York City which owned over 11,000 affordable homes. Since 2008, Wendy has held roles in regional level operations for commercial and for-profit housing agencies. Wendy holds a degree in International Studies.
