Shows
Affordable Foundations010 - Your Dreams Are Worth Your Pursuit: Flipping Foundations to Multifamily SuccessWhat if one property could be the starting point of generational wealth? In this inspiring episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio is joined by real estate veteran Tommy Jones, https://www.wealththroughrealestate.us/ affectionately known as the "Facilitator of Dreams." With over 25 years of experience helping thousands of families achieve homeownership, Tommy shares why real estate is not just about transactions—it’s about transformation.From his roots as a loan officer to his impact on first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors alike, Tommy opens up about the real-world challenges of property investing, the power of mentorship, and how...2025-06-2750 minAffordable Foundations009 - Building Community Through Habitat: A Conversation with Rich BuquetAffordable housing is about more than just construction—it’s about community, legacy, and heart. In this inspiring episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with Rich Buquet, the dynamic leader of Garland’s Habitat for Humanity, whose journey from Christian ministry and music to housing leadership is as meaningful as the homes he helps build.From the hands-on commitment of sweat equity to the quiet but powerful challenges of property taxes, Rich opens up about the human side of homeownership. You’ll hear why volunteerism is the lifeblood of Habitat’s mission, how corporate partnerships help drive...2025-06-2046 minAffordable Foundations007 - Housing Humans: A conversation with Eugene Jones Jr. on Leadership, Legacy & EquityWhat happens when public housing leaders prioritize empathy over red tape and people over processes? In this powerful episode of Affordable Foundations, Eugene E. Jones Jr. linkedin.com/in/eugenejones1 — seasoned housing executive and author of Housing Humans — joins Cecilia Cossio for a candid conversation on what it really takes to lead transformational change in communities.From his journey across major housing authorities in the U.S. and Canada to his unwavering belief that housing is a human right, Eugene shares hard-earned wisdom on community engagement, public-private partnerships, and why customer service and mentorship are not just nice-to-haves — they’r...2025-05-2353 minAffordable Foundations006 - Built by People – The Power of Team Culture in Affordable Housing with Kiki ClarkeAffordable housing success doesn’t start with buildings — it starts with people. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio is joined by Kiki Clarke https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiki-clarke/, an expert in property operations and leadership development, to explore what really drives impact in affordable housing. Spoiler: It’s not just policies and procedures — it’s the culture you create and the teams you lead.Kiki shares her real-world experience navigating burnout, boosting employee retention, and leading site teams through both challenge and change. Whether you're a property manager, a regional leader, or just passionate about crea...2025-05-161h 02Affordable Foundations005 - The Powerhouses Behind Affordable Housing: The Role of Property ManagementAffordable housing isn't just about buildings—it's about people. Behind every stable, thriving community is a dedicated team of property managers balancing compassion, compliance, and community needs. In this powerful episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with industry veterans Katurah Gentry https://www.linkedin.com/in/katurah-gentry-985851356?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bi0mrNRE1T0yA5QfDpfVk7A%3D%3D and Janice Ivey https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-ivey-76a17782?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BcgfILFeXT%2BGP0C4PCNR3kA%3D%3D to explore th...2025-04-181h 04Affordable Foundations004 - Bridging the Gap: Funding Solutions for Community Development with Derric HicksAffordable housing doesn’t begin with a hammer and nails—it begins with funding. But not just any funding. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, we sit down with Derric Hicks https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrichicks/ , a seasoned expert with over 25 years in financial services, to unpack the complex but powerful role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in making affordable housing possible.Derric brings us into the world of CDFIs, community reinvestment, and innovative funding approaches that empower small businesses and underserved neighborhoods. He shares the realities of working within an ever-shifting political climate, the growing push...2025-04-1131 minAffordable Foundations003 - Breaking Barriers: Leadership, Hope, and Transforming Lives Through Housing with Sandra RobicheauxAffordable housing isn’t just about brick and mortar—it’s about creating communities where residents can grow, thrive, and find lasting stability. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with Sandra Robicheaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-robicheaux-bsbm-cam-4b7635a5/ to explore the vital role of leadership, representation, and resident support services in affordable housing.Sandra’s journey from resident to industry leader offers a unique perspective on what it truly takes to foster strong, sustainable housing communities. From navigating compliance challenges to partnering with organizations that support vulnerable populations, this conversation highlights the esse...2025-04-0453 minAffordable Foundations002 - Resident Support Services: Building Communities, Not Just Homes with Sandra DonaldsonAffordable housing is more than just providing a roof over someone’s head—it’s about fostering environments where families and individuals can truly thrive. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with community advocate Sandra Donaldson https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-donaldson-mpa-mba-9267a550/ to explore the vital role of Resident Support Services.What makes a housing development more than just a place to live? How do support programs help break cycles of poverty and instability? And why is community advocacy crucial for long-term housing success? This conversation uncovers the partnerships, strategies, and real-world soluti...2025-03-281h 03Affordable Foundations001 -Beyond Buzzwords: How DEI Creates Stronger Affordable Housing Communities with Joanna RodriguezDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) aren’t just industry trends—they are essential for creating strong, resilient communities. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with affordable housing expert Joanna Rodriguez to uncover how DEI principles directly impact housing accessibility, community development, and policy-making.What does it mean to design communities with inclusion in mind? Why do underserved populations continue to face major hurdles in securing housing? And how can local action drive real change? These are just a few of the pressing questions tackled in today’s conversation. Whether you're a housing advocate, policymaker, or sim...2025-03-2153 min