When Community Housing of Wyandotte County in Kansas City expanded to serve a new neighborhood, it faced a challenge. The demographics of the area had changed dramatically over the years, becoming heavily Latino with a few Asians, but still incorporating blacks and, to a dwindling degree, whites.

For nearly 20 years Gail Latimore has served as the executive director of Codman Square Neighborhood Development, one of Boston’s largest community development organizations. During her time at Codman Square the organization has grown significantly, expanding its service base to meet the changing needs of the community. 

Rebecca “Becky” Reynolds is the executive director of Little Dixie Community Action Agency. She has more than two decades of experience in the community-based nonprofit space. She is committed to working diligently to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty and changing the odds for families in Southeast Oklahoma.  

Matthew Bowers speaks at the opening of Amistead Apartments.

With 25 years of experience in community development, Dora Leong Gallo serves as the CEO of network member A Community of Friends. Her experience also includes housing policy, planning and entitlements, environmental quality, public art, government affairs, and constituent development.

Resident representation is a hallmark of the NeighborWorks approach to community development and affordable housing. The idea is that residents know their communities best, and that nonprofits serving the community should allow residents to play a key role in their strategic decision-making. NeighborWorks affiliates also concentrate on underserved populations, including U.S.

Patricia Garcia Duarte, president and CEO of network member Trellis, is a trailblazer in the affordable housing and community development field. This year, she was selected as one of the Phoenix Business Journal's Outstanding Women in Business.