During the month of March, the Cambridge Housing Authority will highlight amazing and industry-leading women who work tirelessly to help the agency achieve its mission.
Check this page throughout the month for new profiles to be added featuring employees at the Cambridge Housing Authority.
Years at CHA: 34 Years
In one sentence, could you summarize your job with the CHA?
I’m proud to be part of the Executive Team that is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the agency, with a specific concentration on the Leased Housing, Operations and IT Departments.
What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a time to pause and spotlight the many accomplishments, contributions and sacrifices women have made throughout history. It’s also an opportunity for us to pay homage to the women on whose shoulders we stand.
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
It’s ok to be selfish and put yourself first. You can’t control how others view you, you can only control how you see yourself. When someone shows you who they are, believe them. Find joy in at least one thing every day. Buy that pair of shoes, and don’t wait for a special occasion to wear them.
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
I’m a hardcore foodie and love trying new restaurants. I also enjoy watching Women’s College Basketball and Gymnastics.
Years at CHA: In-house: 11 years. Including as outside General Counsel: approximately 35 years.
In one sentence, could you summarize your job with the CHA?
I provide legal advice to all the departments of the CHA on compliance with laws and regulations and programmatic requirements, as well as addressing local and national policy concerns.
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to not worry so much about making mistakes. Have yet to follow that advice.
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
Hard to decide between reading, cooking, and being a grandma
Years at CHA: 8 Years
In one sentence could you summarize your job with CHA?
Listening to our residents & finding the common ground between our policies and their housing-related needs via the Reasonable Accommodation process. I believe in the work that I do and care about the outcomes.
What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?
A chance to celebrate and recognize the profound contributions that women make to the world on a daily basis. Shout out to all of the women here at CHA for the work that you do every day and the people that you are as individuals. I learn from so many of you regularly.
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
“You’re doing great”- Kaitlyn Irving. Another wise friend of mine reminds me regularly to “trust the process”. I would tell my younger self that the trajectory that my life takes will be critical to my development as a person.
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
Being incredibly witty & eating. I have an excellent palate and am an armchair food/beverage critic. It can be burdensome to be so funny, but someone has to be!
Years at CHA: 34 years+
In one sentence could you summarize your job with CHA?
I work with CHA staff in procuring goods and services for their departments/developments.
What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?
In my youth, I didn’t push myself and just settled. However, as I got older, I began to see how many things women have fought for and achieved! I encourage my daughter to follow whatever path she wants and if there is a wall in front of her, either break it down or climb over it. We have a voice and it’s important that we are heard. I have three granddaughters and encourage them to always follow their beliefs.If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
If I could say anything to myself, it would be ‘hang in there, you can do it.”Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
I love nature and enjoy going for walks.
Years at CHA: 6 years and 10 mo.
In one sentence could you summarize your job with CHA?
Providing quality customer service, resources and support to our 280 CHA employees; to be their point of service and a source of information while managing and supporting the daily operations of the HR department together with the rest of the HR team.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day to me is a special day to commemorate, to celebrate and to honor the passion, the courage, the fight, the sacrifice, the accomplishments of this Nation’s brave women, the trailblazers that forge the path of opportunities for future generations to come. A day to celebrate Sisters supporting and uplifting other Sisters. A day to celebrate our SISTERHOOD. A special day to celebrate ALL OF US, WOMEN!
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid. Pursue your dream. Continue with your plan to become a Veterinarian and to open up your own Vet Clinic.
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
Hobby before COVID: Dining out trying different restaurants. Hobbies after COVID: Gardening, taking walks in the woods, taking walks on the beach, cooking different recipes.
Years at CHA: 9 ½ Years
In one sentence could you summarize your job with CHA?
It’s a mixed bag of responsibilities that I really enjoy: I coordinate all information with new hires and assist with any and all duties related to HR from reporting employment facts to providing customer service to our employees.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Equality for all women; it doesn’t matter what your cultural, religious or political beliefs are, women are here and attaining their rights!
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
I would say, Don’t be afraid to try anything at least once (you might have regrets), and truly listen to yourself, no one can walk in your shoes better than you can.
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
Outside of spending time with my boys, I love to do event planning, and refurbishing old furniture. And if you haven’t seen my garden on the 3rd floor, I also love plants!
Years at CHA: 3 Years
In one sentence could you summarize your job with CHA?
I’d say I’m ghost behind the folks behind the curtain at Oz headquarters (HR), helping make new cogs for the machine that is HR. 😊
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me it’s a day where the nation collectively pauses to acknowledge the silent and/or suppressed womenfolk of our past and present. A resounding hat tip to the catalysts and pillars of our nation, without whom we absolutely would not have succeeded or progressed.
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
You can do more than one thing. It’s actually NOT one way or another, so go for it – every time, all the time.
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
Writing & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Years at CHA: 1 year
In one sentence could you summarize your job with CHA?
I provide IT support to the good people of CHA.
What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?
When I think of International Women’s Day I see equal rights, empowerment and so much more. In my eyes I believe women has always been strong, beautiful, and deserving to have the same rights and equality as everyone else but to be recognized is what makes it even more special.
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
I would tell her to love herself.
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
I love writing short stories.
Years at CHA: 5 Months
In one sentence could you summarize your job with CHA?
Represent CHA in the most professional manner in all situations, and contribute efficiently to keep achieving the goals and expectations of our department and CHA as a whole.
What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?
It means a lot, mainly empowerment to achieve and support others to in whichever little way possible to feel that they too can do it!
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
Exactly what I still tell my older self….NEVER give up. You will get tired, even defeated…. But you’ll learn, just re-adjust but never give up!
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
I am simple. Doing whatever brings joy to my heart whether it is supporting my son with his music career, or my daughter with her different endeavors after her military career, or just hanging out with my twin. 😊
Years at CHA: 7 months and counting!
In one sentence could you summarize your job with CHA?
I work on the team that secures funding and manages projects to rehab and build new units for our residents.
What does International Women’s Day Mean to you?
This year, International Women’s Day means taking a moment to reflect on the state of women’s rights across the world, with recent events such as the women’s rights crisis in Afghanistan and 2022 overturn of Roe V. Wade.
If you could go back in time what is advice you give your younger self?
Be present & enjoy the process, it’ll all work out!
Favorite hobby or Past Time Outside CHA?
Playing in rec soccer leagues or anything that gets me outside.
Stay tuned throughout the month for a running list of profiles.