Network leaders representing 48 states and Puerto Rico gathered in Washington, D.C., last week for the annual NeighborWorks Executive Symposium (NES). The two-day event, Reshaping Tomorrow: Investing in People & Transforming Communities, was a time for candid conversations and peer learning as the leaders talked about the most important issues facing their community development nonprofits.

NeighborWorks America presented two longtime leaders with the 2025 Founders Award this month. Robert “Bobby” Calvillo, president and CEO of Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., and Ann Houston, former executive director of The Neighborhood Developers and founder of Opportunity Communities, received the award for their contributions in the community development field and for their legacy in innovation and dedication.

Marietta Rodriguez

Marietta Rodriguez knows what it’s like to be a new homebuyer because she was one. "I was 25 and living in a high-cost area," she says. “There was absolutely no way I could buy a home without someone holding my hand and walking me through it.” The folks holding her hand were from a NeighborWorks network organization that provided counseling and financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. Soon, Rodriguez went to work for the organization that assisted her so that she could help more people in her hometown.

Philanthropy is increasingly tasked with solving complex community challenges like the need for more affordable homes, equitable access to economic opportunity and stronger mental and physical healthcare services. As these issues become more urgent, how can grantmakers help communities drive actionable change? 

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael J. Hsu featured NeighborWorks America's President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez on a podcast this week. The podcast, released during National Financial Capability Month, highlights the importance of financial health. The goal of discussions like these, Hsu says, is to "improve outcomies for communities and consumers."

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