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National Neighborworks at the Capitol

Meet The Board Part 2

Meet The Board Part 2

Here's part 2 of our Meet the National NeighborWorks Association Board series!

Our board of directors is comprised of 26 NeighborWorks organizations' leaders with representation from all 4 regions associated with NeighborWorks America.  Their commitment to our organization, to their colleagues, and to their communities exemplifies what it takes to be a leader in a network of excellence.

This week you'll get a better understanding of the folks serving on the NNA Board of Directors.

Here are some fast facts about these leaders:

 

Yolanda Winstead of DHIC

What interested you in serving on the NNA Board of Directors?

I was interested in serving as a way to not only contribute to the network, but to learn from the cadre of successful leaders from other organizations.

What do you value most as a member of NNA?

As member of NNA, I value the opportunity to advocate for the network and to stay abreast of issues that impact our work.

As an advocate on the federal level, tell us an interesting story of a Hill visit or local with your Congressperson/Senator/or their staff.

Our NC House members are so committed to our work that we are regularly in contact with their offices and staff. They all feel like an extension of our work and reach out to us regularly.

As an advocate for our members to NeighborWorks, what is one thing about NeighborWorks America you would want to share with your peers?

NeighborWorks leadership and staff are sincerely interested and vested in the success of the network organizations.

What is your dream vacation and why?

I always feel as though I spend so little time actually living in my home. My dream vacation is to spend a month quietly at home immersed in the tranquility and serenity that comes from observing and listening to the nature in our wooded back yard.

 

Sunshine Mathon of  Piedmont Housing Alliance

What interested you in serving on the NNA Board of Directors?

I was interested in staying connected to Network trends, policies, and peers.

As an advocate on the federal level, tell us an interesting story of a Hill visit or local with your Congressperson/Senator/or their staff.

A couple of months ago, I was speaking to an ultra-conservative representative, and though we disagree on policy in general, we aligned on the impact of housing challenges in the region.

As an advocate for our members to NeighborWorks, what is one thing about NeighborWorks America you would want to share with your peers?

I have really, really valued the peer sharing through COVID. It has been so important to know "I'm not the only one."

What is your dream vacation and why?

Iceland for a month with me, a tent, and my camera. Viewing the world through a lens is one way I can enter "the flow".

 

Dan Ellis of NHS of Baltimore

What interested you in serving on the NNA Board of Directors?

I appreciate the opportunity to help shape the work of the network and promote the value of the network to NWA, Congress, and the broader field.

What do you value most as a member of NNA?

The peer network. I learn so much from each person I encounter

As an advocate on the federal level, tell us an interesting story of a Hill visit or local with your Congressperson/Senator/or their staff.

We worked closely with our congressional staff to secure a federal grant for an economic development project. When we received the award the Congressman personally called me to thank us for the work on the project. We were able to thank him and share the impact of the project on the community further highlighting the work we are doing.

As an advocate for our members to NeighborWorks, what is one thing about NeighborWorks America you would want to share with your peers?

The team at NeighborWorks America works hard to bring positive impact to the network. While we don't always agree their desire is to see us grow and succeed. Their staff motivations are positive and there is a desire for increased impact.

What is your dream vacation and why?

Spending time with my family anywhere. It's who I'm with that matters most to me.