ShanTia Thompson, a property manager, has been with MPHA since 2007 and has served in a variety of roles during her tenure.  ShanTia said she learned the most while working as an AMP Office Coordinator, but her current role is the most exciting position she has been in.   As a property manager, she learned the behind-the-scenes of property management including budgeting and inventory. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shantia and asking her some questions mostly pertaining to Woman’s History Month. She has a smile and a laugh that filled the whole room with joy, and I could feel her passion for her work throughout. Below are some of the highlights from this interview:

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

This is a time for everyone to show appreciation for women in all areas of our life. I will use Women’s History Month as a time to show appreciation to all the women in my life and especially the women that have helped me to grow.  I am also thankful for the women before them who have shown me what is possible.

Is there a particular woman in your life that has had a significant impact on you?

My mom and my sister showed me how to have the confidence you need as a young woman.  As I get older, I realized the obstacles that are present because I am a woman. Not everyone wants to talk to you, may not believe in you, or understand you.  It can be hard to see these obstacles and remain confident, but my mom and sister instilled confidence in me so I had a better chance of overcoming them.

What women at MPHA have had a significant impact?

Mary Alice and Tamika Baskin.  Mary Alice has her own way of relating to people.  She is very strong and straightforward while also being kind. I never had any doubts about where I stood with her.  She always pushed me when I doubted myself and would tell me to put my best foot forward and just go!

Tamika was always very open with me which helped me grow.  She is a strong woman that knows how to lead successful, efficient teams with kindness.

I am always learning from them.  Even when they are not actively teaching me, I am watching how they handle difficult situations and the way they interact with people to better myself in my career.

What are some important leadership qualities in a female leader?

A leader that can stay humble and helpful in uplifting women to where they want to be in their careers. A leader who has integrity, who does not take shortcuts and delivers without compromising.

What is your favorite part of working from MPHA?

I love that my everyday job is such a large part of the mission statement, “…delivering quality and well-managed homes…” I am a property manager so that is my job! There are so many residents that appreciate the work we do. I often feel like this is way more than a job, many times I offer support for the residents.  It feels good for me to be there for them when I can.  This job is not just making sure the building is clean. It is important that I show them that I respect and care about them and the space they call home. I take a lot of pride in being someone they bring concerns to and can trust.

What is something you wish you would have known early on in your career?

This one has taken me quite a long time to implement into my life and it is very simple, not everybody is going to like you. That fact should not have anything to do with how you maneuver through life.   I would tell my younger self to be who you are, be unapologetically you and if people do not like that then you have to remember that you are a good person and that you are doing the best you can every day.