As we say goodbye to Affordable Housing Month 2025, I would be remiss not to mention the completion of our 2025 Leadership Academy session!
This year, 11 community members completed 16 sessions over the course of 8 weeks, covering the essential elements of being an effective affordable housing advocate, community organizer, and leader. The program concluded with final group project presentations and the opportunity to speak with representatives from the offices of local elected officials.
We held a graduation ceremony on May 15th to celebrate this cohort’s accomplishments. Graduates, along with their friends and family, were cheered on by EBHO Staff and Board Members, including Board Member and Leadership Academy alum, Renee-Marie Telefoni (Class of 2022).
During her remarks, Renee-Marie reflected on her time in the program, sharing that “one of the most meaningful parts of Leadership Academy was being in community…all united by a belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to call home.” She also said that the experience left her not just with tools and knowledge, but also with “purpose, clarity, and lifelong relationships.”
I am also extremely proud of EBHO’s Organizing Team for facilitating this year’s Leadership Academy session. Congratulations to our Lead Organizer Damion Scott, Senior Campaign Strategy Associate Angelina Cornejo, and Suburban Organizer Davina Srioudom. This was Angelina’s and Davina’s first time leading Leadership Academy!
To our graduates, Renee-Marie said it best, “your presence isn’t just welcomed—it’s essential.” This is only the beginning of your journey as housing advocates and change makers, we are so excited to see what you do next!
Congratulations to EBHO’s Leadership Academy Class of 2025: Arvin Nassim Yazd, Christine Aguado, Deborah Carney, Jessee Williams, Katrina Santos, Marjorie Goolsby, Regis Harvey, Sucharitha Yelimeli, Tracey Nobil, Tracy Matthews, and Yvonne Evans.
Be well,
— Lindsay Haddix, Executive Director
Graduation Photos
Here are just a few snapshots from our graduation celebration!
Get involved!
Missed this year’s Leadership Academy? EBHO offers several other opportunities to get involved in advocacy work.
EBHO’s Lead Organizer Damion Scott is the Regional Organizing Coordinator (ROC) for the Bay Area chapter of Residents United Network (RUN), a branch of Housing California. RUN brings together people who live in or need affordable housing and who believe every Californian deserves a safe and stable place to call home. Through our partnership with RUN, Bay Area leaders have taken powerful action to make sure that our State Representatives vote for affordable housing.
Our January Lunch & Learn went into more detail on EBHO’s advocacy work, our organizing programs, and RUN. Reach out to Damion at damion@ebho.org if you are interested in joining!