Last year, MPHA’s Planning and Development (P&D) Department helped the agency hit several milestones: financing, breaking ground, and leasing a first-of-its-kind modular family housing development, completing a $10 million renovation project at Hamilton Manor, and retrofitting 13 high-rises with fire suppression systems. Laura Dykema leads the department as its director, supported by a talented team.
While Laura’s MPHA career began on the P&D team, her journey to leading the team is far from ordinary. Laura arrived at MPHA 26 years ago, serving as a temporary secretary when she was 19 years old. Despite her original role being temporary, Laura and her supervisor, Emilio Bettaglio, formed an empowering relationship and long-lasting bond. When a permanent position opened, Emilio encouraged her to apply. However, the permanent position required a typing speed faster than Laura’s. But where Laura saw a shortcoming, Emilio saw an opportunity for growth he was confident Laura could achieve. So, he worked with HR to allow the requirement to be waived under the condition that Laura would improve her typing speed to the required level within a few months.
“This was the first of many ways my supervisor and the agency supported my career development over the past 25-plus years,” said Laura Dykema, MPHA’s Director of Planning and Development.
Once in the permanent secretarial role, Laura continued to show curiosity and a desire to advance the department’s work. That was recognized and rewarded with new responsibilities, titles, and promotions over her decades-long career with the agency.
“As the years went by, my supervisor worked to create positions within the department to better reflect my contributions, continually finding opportunities to expose me to the more technical and complex work to further broaden my knowledge and skills,” said Laura.
Meanwhile, Laura started pursuing Construction Management and Business Administration degrees, leveraging the agency’s tuition reimbursement program to help pay for courses. After nearly 10 years of pursuing her degrees, continued contributions, and hard work, Laura was appointed manager of the department. When Laura’s supervisor retired, Laura stepped into the role as director with her team’s encouragement and the confidence of the agency’s leadership team.
“I did work very hard along the way and still do every day, but I wouldn’t be where I’m at without the support of the family that is MPHA,” said Laura.
