We recently caught up with HSSJ alumna Isabel Sperry. Read below what they had to say about their time in HSSJ and how it has impacted their current career.
"After graduating from GW in 2021, I began my career at Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC) as a Resident Services Coordinator. AHDC is a non-profit community developer committed to creating and preserving quality affordable housing and community-focused spaces to empower our residents and benefit Alexandria’s neighborhoods. Throughout my first year at AHDC, I helped distribute over $1.5 million in rental assistance funds to 160 households. Additionally, I worked with my colleague Garth Robinson to establish a Tenant Advisory Board. The Tenant Advisory Board aids in community engagement, as the board members host quarterly events at their building. They also hold quarterly meetings to collect resident feedback on their community, unit, and management. We use this feedback to constantly improve our properties and the services that we provide. Data collection is an integral component in our decision making process as we introduce new programs. Thus, I pioneered a yearly Resident Focus Group to assess the effectiveness of our current Resident Services Programs and discover how we can grow. Lastly, I worked on several notable distributions including Thanksgiving Food Baskets, Toys for the holidays, and backpacks for back to school.
My time in HSSJ allowed me to enter the workforce with knowledge and connections. I was able to use my experience in my professional projects, making me a valuable member of the team from the time I was hired. Since entering the workforce I have formed many meaningful connections with other likeminded professionals and worked on projects that I am truly proud of."