Matthew Bowers speaks at the opening of Amistead Apartments.

With 25 years of experience in community development, Dora Leong Gallo serves as the CEO of network member A Community of Friends. Her experience also includes housing policy, planning and entitlements, environmental quality, public art, government affairs, and constituent development.

Resident representation is a hallmark of the NeighborWorks approach to community development and affordable housing. The idea is that residents know their communities best, and that nonprofits serving the community should allow residents to play a key role in their strategic decision-making. NeighborWorks affiliates also concentrate on underserved populations, including U.S.

Patricia Garcia Duarte, president and CEO of network member Trellis, is a trailblazer in the affordable housing and community development field. This year, she was selected as one of the Phoenix Business Journal's Outstanding Women in Business.