NAA Selects 2024 Diversity Leadership Program Participants

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ARLINGTON, Va. | January 29, 2024 – The National Apartment Association (NAA) has selected the participants for the Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) Class of 2024.

Founded in 2020, the DLP annually provides up to 15 individuals from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to grow and learn from leaders in the rental housing industry. Participants, who are considered junior to mid-level (3-7 years in rental housing), gain leadership experience through mentorship and training as part of the yearlong program. The program is a crucial aspect of NAA’s leadership diversification strategy intended to identify, mentor and engage individuals from underrepresented minority groups.

“Over the past four years, NAA has seen some of the most dedicated young professionals strive to advance both their careers and rental housing industry as a whole,” said NAA President and CEO Bob Pinnegar. “It’s my pleasure to welcome the next Diversity Leadership Program class and further our mission for a more diverse and inclusive workforce. I have no doubt that this group of future leaders will cultivate an industry in which every individual is valued and given the opportunity to thrive.”

The DLP Class of 2024 will meet virtually from March through November. Throughout the year, participants will take part in education sessions, reading discussions and mentor meetups. The program will conclude with a virtual graduation and capstone project presentation, where participants work in small groups to develop and identify a real solution for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in rental housing.

Members of this year’s class are listed below. More information on NAA’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts can be found here.

Joelis Barandica
CONAM Management
Florida Apartment Association

Stacey Bradley
Case & Associates

Apartment Association of Greater Wichita

Patricia Chesser-Martinez
Property Management Company

Apartment Association of Central Oklahoma

Rochelle Cole
Essential Property Management

Detroit Metropolitan Apartment Association

David Daily
Fairfield Residential
South East Florida Apartment Association

Jennifer Joseph
Realsource Properties

Atlanta Apartment Association

Patton Locke
AMLI

Apartment Association of Great Dallas

Melody Miles
Student Quarters

Atlanta Apartment Association

Khalil Muhammad
Essential Property Management

Detroit Metropolitan Apartment Association

Lauren Niziol
Red Cedar Advisory Services

Detroit Metropolitan Apartment Association

Rocio Simon
Greystar

Massachusetts Apartment Association

Lenora Woods
BGSF

Atlanta Apartment Association

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About NAA
The National Apartment Association (NAA) serves as the leading voice and preeminent resource through advocacy, education, and collaboration on behalf of the rental housing industry As a federation of 141 state, local and global affiliates, NAA represents more than 12 million apartment homes globally. NAA believes that rental housing is a valuable partner in every community that emphasizes integrity, accountability, collaboration, community responsibility, inclusivity and innovation. To learn more, visit www.naahq.org. NAA thanks its Strategic Partners: The Home Depot Pro, Lowe’s Pro Supply and Yardi.