As Women’s History Month comes to a close, MPHA celebrates the women who make MPHA work every day. With more than half of all hires in the last year being women, MPHA is powered by strong, female leaders across all departments of the agency. Notably, 81 percent of MPHA property managers are women. The agency is highlighting the contributions of four female leaders and all they do in service to MPHA residents, voucher-holders, and team members:

Jeanette Warner: Serving Her Community
Jeanette is proud to work at MPHA. As a leasing/eligibility technician, Jeanette helps people navigate the housing application process. Whether keeping track of official documents, coordinating language translations, or assisting with filling out of paperwork, Jeanette dedicates her work to ensuring applicants feel seen, heard, and understood throughout the application and leasing process.

Working at MPHA gives Jeanette two things she’s never had from a job before: a profound sense of pride from serving her community and the ability to bring her true self to work.

“I like the fact that I can come to the job and can be myself,” said Jeanette. “With the continuous support and guidance from my colleagues and manager, I have been able to settle quite comfortably in my role. I don’t have to put on a different voice when I come to work. I can be myself and that feels good.”

Not only does Jeanette feel comfortable at MPHA but she is working to make sure everyone else feels that way, too. As part of the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, she brings the same positive attitude and passion for equity to this important agency work group.

Debra Holtzlider: 37 Years and Counting
With more than 37 years at MPHA, Debra Holtzlider has seen milestone projects, growing pains, and everything in between. Through it all, Debra continues to live out the agency’s mission in her work serving residents year after year.

“I don’t feel like I’ve done anything outstanding or extra special here,” said Debra. “But I never knew I’d be a lifer. And I think, the agency needs people like me because we all have jobs to do. And if we didn’t do them, we wouldn’t be the agency we are.”

Starting as a secretary and making her way to property manager, she has worked with several managers, but one thing has stayed constant: female co-workers looking out for one another.

“When I’ve changed positions there, there was always a woman supervisor that was there and took the time to make sure that I understood my job and I felt comfortable in it,” said Debra.

Mary Vang and Tamika Baskin: Women Empowering Women
Mary Vang has worked for many supportive bosses over her time at MPHA, but one made a significant impact on her: Tamika Baskin. Tamika was only her supervisor for a short time, but she left a lasting impact. That impact included Tamika helping coach Mary to reach her own goals and full potential.

“That’s Tamika’s thing, she really works to empower everyone,” said Mary. “And she’s like that with everyone on her team.”

With Mary recently ascending to Regional Property Manager, Tamika and Mary now both serve as leaders at the agency, and their friendship has never been stronger.

“We were intentional to build that trusting relationship and support for one another over the years,” said Tamika. “That’s what women empowerment is about: helping each other tap into their best selves.”

MPHA would not be the HUD high performer it is if not for the leadership of mission-driven team members like Jeanette, Debra, Mary, and Tamika. It is a commitment to empathy, equity, and accountability that serves as the bedrock of MPHA’s team culture.