Cultivating an expanded generation of housing & community development leaders in Virginia

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.

About the program

Through virtual sessions, in-person retreats, coaching, and reflective exercises, participants deepen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and learn to approach their work from the perspective of those most affected by housing decisions.

Grounded in the principles of proximate leadership, the program equips participants to lead with vision and impact, champion leaders with lived experience, and shape housing practices that reflect local needs and aspirations.

Applications for the next cohort are now closed. Sign up to be notified about the next cohort below.

2026-2027 HLI Cohort

Ashley Jordan

Charles Williams

Danielle White

Denaya Humphrey

Genevieve Hanson

Jada Howard

Julie Jefferson

Kristina Smith

Laticia Salter-Collins

Olyvia Brown-Coles

Sarra Mohamed

Shani Halima Brown

Shaqual Reynolds

Twylla Lozada

Victor Villalta

Who should apply to HLI?

If you live or work in Virginia, have 5-15 years of experience in the affordable housing sector and are interested in:

Deepening your leadership skills and strengthening accountability to the communities you serve
Continuing work to create more just, accessible and responsive housing systems
Lifting up proximate leaders whose insight and experience drive better outcomes for communities
Applying an inclusive, community-rooted lens to build systems that work for everyone
Supercharging your career trajectory toward executive leadership
Receiving one-on-one coaching and mentoring from established leaders
Expanding your professional network across housing and community development
Building meaningful peer connections and shared support

We strongly encourage individuals whose lived experience reflects the communities most affected by housing inequities and related systemic challenges to apply. HLI seeks to support, hold space for, and equip leaders whose perspectives are often underrepresented in housing leadership.

What To Expect

HLI is a 10-month intensive leadership experience for mid-career housing and community development professionals who want to strengthen their skills, networks, and equity-centered impact. Participants will:

Attend 10 sessions, including three in-person two-day sessions and seven virtual sessions (2–4 hours each)
Receive 5 one-on-one coaching sessions
Create a three-to-five-year career development plan focused on leadership growth and driving meaningful impact
Explore how to apply a community rooted lens and build inclusive systems and cultures in your work
Connect with peers and established housing leaders to expand your professional network and support system
Engage in hands-on learning, and professional growth; including 2 hours of pre-work and reflection between sessions, and a 360 leadership assessment to guide development

This program balances rigorous learning with collaborative and engaging experiences, helping you strengthen your leadership, drive meaningful change, and stay grounded in the communities and systems you serve.

Tuition Details

Tuition for the Housing Leadership Institute is $3,000 per participant. The program represents a $16,000 investment per participant in comprehensive leadership training, coaching, and networking opportunities. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we’re able to offer this transformative experience at a reduced rate, making it accessible to more housing professionals. Sponsors play a key role in supporting program delivery and helping expand opportunities for future cohorts. Consider making a donation today to help grow the next generation of housing leaders. For more information or to explore sponsorship opportunities, contact Carrie Hamilton.

Partial scholarships and flexible payment plans are also available. Reach out to learn more about payment options and available scholarships

The program runs June–March with 10 sessions including 3 in-person retreats.

Access the schedule of the sessions here, including dates, locations and topics

26-27 Session Dates	Location	Topic
June 11-12	Norfolk	The Story of You & Housing Too – Looking Back/Looking Forward
July 16	Virtual	Leadership & Me
August 13	Virtual	Owning Your Expertise
September 17	Virtual	Navigating Your Role
October 15-16	Charlottesville	Applying a New Lens to Your Leadership
November 12	Virtual	Overcoming Leadership Barriers and Challenges
December 17	Virtual	Your Long Term Impact
January 14	Virtual	Creating Catalytic Relationships for Change
February 11	Virtual	Navigating Leadership Challenges, Choices and Opportunities in your Career
March 18-19	Richmond	Bringing it All Together