We gathered in March to celebrate an incredible year with our second Housing Leadership Institute cohort of 15 inspiring industry professionals, each poised to shape the future of housing across Virginia. During a private morning session, cohort members presented their career development plans to one another. Their vision was powerful, and the strong community they’ve built will continue to support them as they bring those plans to life.

In the afternoon, friends of the program, alumni, and family members joined us to celebrate our graduates. Following reflections from the team, cohort members shared lighthearted superlatives, highlighting the deep camaraderie within the group. Greta Harris of the Better Housing Coalition delivered the keynote address; her wisdom, drawn from decades of trailblazing work in affordable housing, provided a meaningful close to the year.

We are deeply grateful to our financial partners – Atlantic Union Bank, The Blocker Foundation, Weissberg Foundation, JPMorganChase, and Truist Foundation – whose support made this year possible.

It is a privilege to support these leaders, witness their passion and talent, and foster growth that will help them serve as catalysts for transformation across our industry. 

About HLI

The Housing Leadership Institute (HLI) is a 10-month intensive program for housing professionals dedicated to shaping inclusive systems that truly serve their communities. Created and implemented by the Virginia Housing Alliance, HLI brings together training, coaching, and peer learning to help participants grow their leadership and amplify proximate leaders whose lived experience positions them to spark meaningful, lasting change. 

To learn more about HLI, please visit our website, or reach out to Arley Bell, HLI Program Manager, at abell@vahousingalliance.org.