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.

Help shape future ELPN trainings, celebrations, and more by applying to serve on the ELPN steering committee for the 2026-27 program year! Get your questions answered with our ELPN FAQs.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 14 at 11:59pm PT

Policy and Advocacy Chairs:

Nithya Vemireddy, Project Manager, East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect and collaborate with housing professionals.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Support the Golden State Warriors, become a master barista, and go on walks.

Omeed Ansari, Assistant Project Manager, Santa Clara County Housing Authority

Why did you join ELPN?
When I first joined the affordable housing space, NPH and ELPN events were great places where I could connect with industry professionals and learn more about the ins and outs of the work. Everyone I have met through ELPN has been extremely helpful and kind, and I want to be able to help the next generation of affordable housing leaders.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I love to cook and host dinner parties for my friends!

Professional Development Chairs:

Nyny Vu, Real Estate Financial Analyst, Enterprise Community Partners

Why did you join ELPN?
ELPN has been pivotal in connecting housers from all sectors and providing professional development within the industry. I am excited to join ELPN and collaborate with other housers to support the important work of building shared knowledge and advocacy of affordable housing policies and practices.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I love to cook, bake, and eat, so I’m constantly on the hunt for new recipes and restaurants to try!

Reena Zhang, Project Developer, Eden Housing

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect with other peers in the Affordable Housing industry! ELPN supported me when I was a student in grad school. It is a resourceful platform for young leaders to learn and train. It feels just right to join ELPN as a Steering Committee member now, continue to be part of this amazing community, and support one another in the field.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy riding my bike along the Bay, and making/learning how to make jewelry. I go to Pokémon Trading Card Game Regional competitions with my other nerdy friends once in a few months. In winter, I like to play cozy video games while snuggling with my two cats.

Tori Hoff, Project Developer, Eden Housing

Why did you join ELPN?
I was so excited to join ELPN to connect with and learn from emerging leaders that share the same passion for affordable housing.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
In my free time, I love to explore the Bay Area by trying out different hiking trails.

Social Events Chairs:

Claire Kostohryz, Associate Project Manager, MidPen Housing Corporation

Why did you join ELPN?
Initially, as a recent college graduate, I joined ELPN to find a community within the industry that felt so difficult to navigate. Now my goal is to bring in new people in, welcome them, and show them that there is a place for them here.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Improv Comedy

Stephanie Ma, Assistant Project Manager II, Mercy Housing California

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect with fellow affordable housing professionals. ELPN has been one of the greatest networks for me to learn from and with professionals across the industry. I’m excited be a part of the Steering Committee to continue the critical work ELPN has been doing to connect housers across Northern California.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I love to cook, bake, read, and hike. I enjoy spending time at the local farmer’s market, browsing a Barnes & Noble for the latest NYT Best Sellers, and hiking/exploring the Bay Area trails.

Sanika Gavankar, Credit Analyst, Housing Trust Silicon Valley

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect with like-minded individuals in the industry. The ELPN community helped me when I was just starting out and I want to pay it forward by fostering the same community to other recent grads.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I believe that if something is interesting, it’s worth giving a try! Out of all of my hobbies, I love cooking and baking the most. I also enjoy knitting and reading thriller/crime novels.