During my recent Explorations trip with Luther Hodges Scholars to Washington DC, I had the opportunity to meet with Phillip Berkaw (Senior Director of DC Community Anchor Partnership), Maya Brennan (Chief Housing Officer), and Nicole Andonie (Economic Development Associate) at the Coalition for Non-profit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) to discuss their work in developing affordable housing within the District of Columbia. Our conversation was an eye-opener into the complexities of affordable housing and the collaborative effort required to tackle it effectively. What stood out was the team’s approach to partnerships and the emphasis on soft skills, particularly for fundraising. It became clear that success in this area is not solely about well-crafted proposals and data but also about connecting with people on a human level. They shared that building trust and strong relationships can be just as important as the technical aspects of policy advocacy. This philosophy resonated with other leaders we met during the trip, highlighting a common theme across different organizations.
CNHED’s work exemplifies how different sectors – public, private, and nonprofit – can come together to create practical solutions for housing challenges, despite facing significant political hurdles such as the 90-day review law. Their emphasis on partnership-based models taught me that effective change relies on collaboration and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders to navigate such legislative obstacles. Notably, CNHED’s commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering B2B relationships is rooted in their belief that these efforts can drive economic growth by creating more jobs and bolstering community resilience. This approach highlighted the broader impact of their work beyond housing, displaying their dedication to holistic community development.
This trip reinforced my understanding of the balance between technical knowledge and interpersonal skills in leadership. Hearing about CNHED’s strategies and success stories motivated me to think beyond numbers and policies and consider how fostering connections and trust can drive sustainable, impactful change. I will carry forward this lesson as I continue to explore how I can contribute meaningfully to the world. Thank you to the entire CNHED team for their time and the insights shared!
