One expected to have a career in the classroom. One thought about becoming a lawyer. Another studied architecture, and a fourth studied cultural anthropology.
There’s no doubt they would have been successful had they followed those paths. They would have stood tall in whatever field they chose, but Kim Herman, Carol Galante, Mike Alvidrez, and Nan Roman fell into working in affordable housing. We should all be grateful for that.
They’ve helped countless struggling families, aging seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. They’ve changed the perception of affordable housing and made the industry better. For all their efforts, they’re being inducted into our Affordable Housing Hall of Fame this year.
You can read about them, as well as our Young Leaders, on the following pages. We’ve often called this our “leadership issue.” But a better description may be our “optimism issue.”
So much of the news today is just plain maddening. It’s hard not to be pessimistic or cynical. Herman, Galante, Alvidrez, and Roman are our antidepressants, reminding us of what’s possible—building affordable housing, improving policies, changing people’s minds. They inspire us.
You’ll also see that the industry is in good hands with the next generation. We’ve selected six ambitious men and women to receive our Young Leader award. Yes, they’re getting paid to do a job. But each one has embraced the mission of creating and improving affordable housing and is taking on big roles in the larger industry. They fuel a sense of hope.
No one needs to be reminded that developing and financing affordable housing is a tough business. When times get comfortable, something will come along to upset the calm. Sometimes you see it coming. Sometimes it’s a rogue wave. Either way, you can count on obstacles to emerge. Fortunately, we can take comfort and draw inspiration from the people who help us float.
