ELPN Leadership

The Emerging Leaders Peer Network is led by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is an all-volunteer group that manages ELPN’s day to day operations and program development.

Learn more about our current Steering Committee below:

Community Lead:

Priscila Tapia, Assistant Project Manager II, Mercy Housing

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined the Emerging Peer Leaders Network driven by a strong passion for supporting others and fostering personal growth. Through my experience in the affordable housing workforce, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of peer support and collaboration. The network’s structured platform resonated with my desire to contribute effectively and connect with like-minded individuals sharing a commitment to affordable housing in the Bay Area.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy running, going out with friends, and reading the Dune novel series. I am an avid thrifter, sourdough baker, and enjoyer of techno tracks. My other hobbies include traveling, learning new languages, scrollling on TikTok, and spending time with family + our family dog Zei Zei.

Secretary:

Victoria Vera, Project Assistant, Mission Economic Development Agency

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect with other young professionals in the industry and to strengthen my skills. Our work is even more impactful when we work together to create the change we want to see and ELPN provides the space for us to be thought and action partners.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I like hanging out with friends, singing, reading, and cooking (I love trying new recipes!).

Diana Orozco, Director of Housing and Economic Strategy, All Home

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect with more housing professionals in the Bay Area and help others get involved in challenging but impactful space. Our work is stronger through collaboration, (un)learning and growing to create the change and equitable society we want to see.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Read, bake, hike and get outdoors when I can and, I picked up embroidering during the pandemic. I stay busy while also relaxing and enjoying the downtown.

Policy and Advocacy Chairs:

Akshata Atre, Designer, HKIT Architects

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect with peers who work in affordable housing and to increase my impact beyond the work I’m able to do in my professional life. Having grown up in the Bay Area, I really believe that everyone who wants to live and stay here should be able to without housing being a challenging barrier the way it is now. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with ELPN to advance pro-affordable housing policies and practices in California.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I picked up roller skating during quarantine, and it’s been a super rewarding hobby! I’ve met a lot of great people, and roller skating is a great way to learn more about your own neighborhood because you’re always on the hunt for new skating spots. I’m always trying to get everyone I know to buy a pair and start skating 🙂

William Wilcox, Bond Program Manager, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development

Why did you join ELPN?
To meet other Housers and collaborate to help serve more low-income Californians and address the affordable housing shortage!

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I love to play ultimate frisbee, go to art museums, and ride my bicycle.

Professional Development Chairs:

Kate Traynor, Project Manager, BRIDGE Housing

Why did you join ELPN?
To meet my peers and to expand my access to training resources

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Birdwatching.

Ryan VanZuylen, Senior Project Manager, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN because I’m hoping to build on my knowledge of affordable housing policy and practice while supporting those starting out. I remember being overwhelmed at first by all the finance terms, acronyms, and complexity of building affordable housing and wish I had a network to share best practices, brainstorm new ideas, and learn from others (and sometimes commiserate during challenging moments). ELPN is a resource that’s only as useful as the effort members put into it so I wanted to play a more active role in strengthening the organization.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I’m sometimes training for a race, going to comedy shows, or listening to new podcasts. I’ve also been known to create my own scavenger hunts or escape rooms for family and friends.

Julie Mendel, Project Manager, John Stewart Company

Why did you join ELPN?
Because our jobs are tough, and sharing experiences, knowledge, connections, tips — just being in community with each other — makes us all stronger!

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Kayak around the Bay!

Social Events Chairs:

Adrian Napolitano, Development Program Manager, Oakland Housing Authority

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect with other people passionate about affordable housing and community development in the Bay Area. ELPN has been incredibly useful for professional development and networking. I look forward to continuing to grow the ELPN community and provide more opportunities for people to bolster their affordable housing knowledge and work in the field.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy sharing home-cooked meals with friends and family. I also enjoy walks around San Francisco. There are so many beautiful buildings to admire and of course coffee shops and bakeries to stop at along the way.

Louis Acra, Analyst, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Why did you join ELPN?
ELPN connects me with like-minded individuals passionate about affordable housing. There is a sense of community created while receiving support in professional development and career building. Joining the Steering Committee is an opportunity to further my involvement in ELPN and enhance my impact.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I am an avid runner. Currently, I’m training for my 3rd marathon. I love the commitment running takes and the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the end of a long run. Qualifying for Boston is a goal of mine I plan to accomplish in the new year.

Emma Falley, Communications Manager, Merritt Community Capital

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to create a community with affordable housing practitioners and advocates. I believe creating stronger cross-organizational connections will make the industry even better.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I like to take my dog, Pearl, on hikes and check out local breweries wherever I am. When I’m home I’m drinking tea while I read, crochet, or binge-watch TV under a heated blanket.