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 the Steering Committee below:

Community Lead:

Colleen Ma, Senior Project Manager, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation

Why did you join ELPN?
To help future housers get involved in the industry.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Bike, camp, and take on more hobbies than I need.

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, Senior Program Manager, 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 and work with other housers towards a more just world!

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I love to bicycle and go to art museums.

Professional Development Chairs:

Kate Traynor, Project Manager, BRIDGE Housing

Why did you join ELPN?
To learn!

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

David Eisenman, Senior Acquisitions Manager, Merritt Community Capital

Why did you join ELPN?
To meet other affordable housing folks locally.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Take trains places!

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?
I like to sew! And have recently gotten into kayaking.

Social Events Chairs:

Adrian Napolitano, Housing Development Project Manager, US Berkeley

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to meet fellow housers and contribute to a group that has helped welcome me into the non-profit affordable housing world in the Bay Area. In light of so many months where we could not connect in person, I hope to help build bridges across organizations and connect peers.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Cycle to a beautiful park along the Bay in either SF or the East Bay.

Anais Broer-Burton, Asset Manager, US Bank CDC

Why did you join ELPN?
I am passionate about affordable housing and have always admired the work ELPN does to foster professional development. I am eager to contribute to the professional development of my peers and build new connections within the industry.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I love to spend time with my family, whether it’s relaxing at home or going on road trips!