Past Events
Monday, November 24, 2025 at 06:00 PM · $20.00 USD
Nixon Peabody, 55 West 46th Street, New York, NY 100362025 Fall Panel
ADAPTIVE REUSE: TURNING VACANT OFFICES AND HOTELS INTO HOUSING
As New York City faces commercial vacancies and an ongoing housing shortage, office and hotels-to-residential conversion has emerged as a powerful opportunity to reshape the urban landscape. This panel brings together affordable housing developers, architects, lawyers, and architects to discuss their experience, including challenges and opportunities with this type of adaptive reuse.
Panelists will explore how policy reforms, financial incentives, and innovative design strategies can make conversion projects feasible and replicable.
MODERATOR AND PANELISTS
Danielle Ash – Partner, Adler & Stachenfeld LLP
Cha Lee – SVP, Slate Property Group
Ashley E. Doukas – Partner, Adler & Stachenfeld LLP
Julie Gonzalez – VP, JPMorgan Chase
Emma Manson – VP, RXR Development Services
Wendi Shafran – Principal, FXCollaborative Architects LLP
Light refreshments will be served
RSVP Deadline: November 17, 2025 - PLEASE NOTE THAT SPACE IS LIMITED
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Monday, November 03, 2025 at 05:30 PM
Slattery's Midtown Pub in New York, NYMember Meetup #1
Based on feedback from years past, we're changing up the way we do Member Meetups this year -- and adding more opportunities for members to get together in small groups and network informally over breakfast, lunch or drinks! Every few weeks, a new Member Meetup will be posted on the website with a date, time and location. Several assigned WHF Board Members will host the meetup and up to 10 members can RSVP. We have spread out these meetups throughout the year (and throughout the City) with TBD locations in Midtown Manhattan, Upper Manhattan/Bronx, Downtown Manhattan and near Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. Although we know things come up last minute, we ask that you do your best NOT to be a no-show, as space is limited.
Our first Member Meetup this year will be hosted by Board President, Emily Chen and Board Members, Sharmi Sobhan and Danielle Ash. We look forward to being your hosts!
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Zoom2025-26 Brown Bag #1
Please join us for an exciting and timely virtual brownbag session featuring Carlina Rivera, President and CEO of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing and Ana Chireno, Vice President with the MirRam Group.
This is a time of change for NYC, the state and the country. During our session, you will gain a deeper understanding of government structures, the process of policymaking, and policy implementation. What are the best ways to educate yourself on relevant policies? How do you determine which issues are most important to you? What strategies and tools are needed to influence outcomes? We will highlight best practices that will support you as you navigate issues that impact you personally and professionally.
This program is a collaboration between NYSAFAH and Women in Housing and Finance. While this virtual brownbag is open to all, please note WHF members can register at no cost. Registration for this event is now closed.
Date: October 28, 2025
Time: 12 noon – 1pm
Place: Virtual – zoom link will be provided after registration
Format: Presentation and Q&A
Cost: $10 for non-WHF members and no cost for WHF members
RSVP by: October 22, 2025
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 05:30 PM
Linen Hall 101 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10003Happy Hour 2025
Women in Housing and Finance (WHF) invites you to a happy hour to kick-off the 2025-2026 year!
Join us for an evening of networking, conversation, and community building. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the industry, this is a great opportunity to connect with others.
Feel free to drop by anytime between 5:30-7:30 pm on September 16!
Light appetizers are on us. Cash Bar.
Monday, July 28, 2025 at 03:00 PM · $20.00 USD · 36 rsvps
The Eliza2025 Summer Tour
Please join WHF for our annual summer tour of The Eliza and the new Inwood Public Library!
The site was developed as part of the Inwood Rezoning plan and includes 174 affordable homes, in addition to a brand new state-of-the-art Inwood Public Library, a Universal Pre-K, and Activities, Culture, and Training Center (ACTS).Please join us to learn more about this dynamic project developed by a joint venture of Community League of the Heights (CLOTH), The Children’s Village, Ranger Properties, and Alembic Community Development. You can find more information on the project here.
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm; Happy hour to follow! (Cash bar)
Location: The Eliza, 4790 Broadway, New York, New York (near the A or 1 train)
Cost: Members - $20; Non-Members - $40
RSVP Deadline: Monday, July 21, 2025
Thanks to our sponsor for this event, Mega!
Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 06:00 PM · $70.00 USD
Hotel Chantelle Rooftop in New York, NYMembers Only Annual Dinner 2025
WHF Members are invited to an evening of food, drink, and great company at WHF’s Annual Member Meeting and Dinner!
We’ll celebrate another successful year of programming, relationship building and knowledge sharing – and look forward to the exciting plans for the next year. Members will have the opportunity to vote for the upcoming year’s slate for the Board of Directors, and Officers. The nominations will be circulated ahead of the dinner.
$70 for WHF Members only. Please RSVP by May 12th.
Friday, April 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM · $10.00 USD
ZoomBrownbag #3 2025
Join us for an engaging virtual brownbag session featuring Aileen Reynolds, Assistant Commissioner of Housing Opportunity at NYC HPD. Aileen will provide an in-depth overview of the affordable housing marketing and lottery process, highlight upcoming changes, and share practical strategies to help developers, property managers, and leasing teams accelerate and optimize lease-ups.
With extensive experience managing the lease-up of affordable units across NYC—including for households at various income levels and individuals transitioning from shelter—Aileen offers invaluable insights into policy, public-private partnerships, and equity-driven housing solutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert guidance on navigating challenges, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring a smoother, more efficient lease-up process.
Date: April 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Place: Virtual – ZOOM link will be provided after registration
Cost: $10 – Event is for Members only
RSVP by: April 11, 2025
Tuesday, April 08, 2025 at 08:30 AM · $50.00 USD
TD Bank in New York, NY2025 Keynote Address
Please join us for our 2025 ANNUAL KEYNOTE BREAKFAST
where we are excited to welcome our Keynote Speaker
LISA GOMEZ, Chief Executive Officer, L+M Development Partners
Lisa Gomez brings nearly 30 years of experience in real estate development and finance to her role as Chief Executive Officer of L+M Development Partners, where she oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and leads its growth strategy. During her 18-year tenure with L+M, she has worked in various capacities and played a key role in establishing the company as a nationally recognized affordable housing developer. Before joining L+M, Lisa held senior positions at the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), JPMorgan Chase, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and Silverstein Properties, among others.
Date: April 8, 2025
Time: 8:30 am - 10:15 am
Place: TD Bank
One Vanderbilt, New York, NY
20th Floor Conference Center
Cost: WHF Members/Students: $50
Non-Members: $85RSVP Deadline: April 3, 2025
Thanks to our sponsors:
Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 06:00 PM
Linen Hall in New York, NYTrivia 2025
WHF Members are invited to join Women in Housing and Finance and The Community Preservation Corporation for Women's History Month Trivia Night. This event will be a night of friendly competition, new connections, beverages, and bites and your first drink is free!
Wednesday, February 05, 2025 at 06:00 PM · 55 rsvps
Nixon Peabody in New York, NY2025 Women's Executive Roundtable
Women in Housing and Finance is pleased to invite you to meet and converse with five impressive women executives representing the following sectors:
Development: Carolyn Au, Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Rose Companies
Finance: Desiree Francis, Managing Vice President, Community Finance, Capital One
Government: Lauren Connors, Senior Vice President for Development, NYC HDC
Legal: Meghan Altidor, Partner, Nixon Peabody
Nonprofit: Blanca Ramirez, President and Chief Executive Officer, Comunilife
Attendees will rotate among the executives in small groups, participating in intimate 15-minute conversations, each facilitated by a fellow WHF member. The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to hear from the executives and discuss their experiences in housing development with a focus on their roles as managers.
Date: Wednesday February 5, 2025
Time: 6PM – 8PM
Place: Nixon Peabody, 55 W 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Cost: Non- Members: $50, Members: $20, buy tickets below
RSVP Deadline: Friday January 31, 2025
Thank you to our location Sponsor: Nixon Peabody
Thank you to our event sponsors: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Friday, January 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM · $10.00 USD
ZoomVirtual Brownbag: What do the election results mean for housing policy?
Please join WHFNY for our second 2024-2025 Virtual Brownbag! In this informative webinar, Jessica Facciponti, Vice President of Government Affairs at New York City Housing Development Corporation will discuss challenges and opportunities we expect to see under the new presidential administration, both immediate and long-term.
Jessica is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the NYCHDC and she also leads NYC HPD's federal affairs work. In this role, she works in close partnership with elected officials, government agencies, and local and national organizations to improve and increase the available affordable housing resources in NYC. Jessica has more than a decade of affordable housing and homeless policy, program and operations management experience and has worked for various federal and local government agencies, non-profits, and direct provider organizations throughout her career.
Date: January 10, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Place: Virtual - ZOOM link will be provided after registration
Cost: $10 – Event is for WHF Members Only
RSVP: by January 4, 2025
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Fall Panel 2024
Please Join WHF for our 2024 Fall Panel, Preservation - Challenges and Opportunities. Critical events over the last few years have contributed to major impacts on every aspect of affordable housing, but the detrimental impacts to operating properties has been particularly long lasting. Increases in bad debt, physical vacancy, coupled with higher operating expenses mean many properties no longer meet their performance metrics, leaving owners with insufficient cash flow to operate and maintain their properties.
Join us as leaders from government, development, and syndication discuss their observations and recent approaches to facilitate the preservation and stabilization of affordable housing in New York.
MODERATOR AND PANELISTS
Moderated by Mica Wilson, Manager, Capital One Community Finance
Lisa Deller, VP, National Equity Fund Asset Management
Becky Koepnick, SVP & Chief Strategy Officer, HCR Portfolio Preservation
Kerry LaBotz, Assistant Commissioner, HPD Preservation Finance
Nicole Lockett, Managing Director, Genesis Companies
Light refreshments will be servedTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:
Friday, November 08, 2024 at 12:00 PM · 36 rsvps
Zoom2024-2025 Brownbag #1
Please join WHFNY for our first 2024-2025 Virtual Brownbag! In this dynamic workshop, led by Lee Bonvissuto, founder of PresentVoices, you will learn how to cultivate a powerful leadership presence that inspires confidence and drives results.
Discover practical tools to:
- Articulate your vision with clarity and conviction
- Project executive presence while maintaining authenticity
- Speak off-the-cuff with confidence in high-stakes meetings
- Enhance your virtual presence for impactful remote communication
Join us to amplify your impact as a leader in the housing and finance sectors.
Date: November 8, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Place: Virtual - ZOOM link will be provided after registration
Cost: $10 – Event is for Members Only
RSVP: by November 7, 2024 (DEADLINE EXTENDED!)
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 05:30 PM · 211 rsvps
Linen Hall in New York, NY2024 Happy Hour
Women in Housing and Finance (WHF) invites you to a happy hour to kick-off the 2024-2025 year!
Join us for an evening of networking, conversation, and community building. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the industry, this is a great opportunity to connect with others.
Complimentary Appetizers provided, Cash Bar
Wednesday, June 05, 2024 at 03:00 PM · $20.00 USD · 30 rsvps
Ali Forney Center in New York, NY2024 Summer Tour
Please join WHF for our annual summer tour in partnership with the Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest agency dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ homeless youths. You can find more information on The Ali Forney Center here.
Come learn more about Ali Forney Center’s housing opportunities, services, and programs by touring their new, 41,000 square foot service center, located in Midtown West. After the tour, we will ring in Pride Month with a happy hour at a local bar!
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm; Pride happy hour to follow! (Cash bar)
Place: Ali Forney Center 307 W 38th St, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10018
Cost: Members - $20; Non-Members - $40
RSVP Deadline: Monday, May 27th
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 06:00 PM · 72 rsvps
Hotel Chantelle Rooftop in New York, NY2024 Members Dinner / Annual Meeting
WHF Members are invited to an evening of food, drink, and great company at WHF’s Annual Member Meeting and Dinner on May 22nd, 2024.
We’ll celebrate another successful year of programming, relationship building and knowledge sharing – and look forward to the exciting plans for the next year. Members will have the opportunity to vote for the upcoming year’s slate for the Board of Directors, and Officers. The nominations will be circulated ahead of the dinner.
Tickets: $70 for Members***
Please RSVP by May 15th, 2024.
***Registration is now open!***
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 08:30 AM · $50.00 USD · 80 rsvps
TD Bank - One Vanderbilt in New York, NY2023 - 2024 Keynote
Please join Women in Housing and Finance for our 2024 Annual Keynote Breakfast!
This year's Keynote Speaker is Nicole Ferreira, President of CPC Mortgage Company
As the President of CPC Mortgage Company, Nicole Ferreira leads the nation’s only nonprofit-owned agency mortgage lender. Previously, Nicole served as EVP of Development at Beacon Communities where she oversaw development and preservation projects in New York and Connecticut. Nicole also served as SVP of Multifamily Finance and Development at the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal and EVP for Real Estate Development at the New York City Housing Authority.
Tickets: $50 for WHF Members; $85 for Non-members
Please be advised that business attire is recommended and ID will be required to enter the building.
Thank you to our event sponsors: Goldstein Hall, TD Bank, and CPC Mortgage Company
. 
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 05:30 PM · $0.00 USD · 11 rsvps
The Churchill in New York, NYTrivia
Women in Housing and Finance Members are invited to join a Women's History Month Trivia Night. along with the Community Preservation Corporation's DEIB Council!When: March 27th, 5:30-7:30pmWhere: The Churchill, 45 E 28th Street New York, NY
Cost: First drink is on us! Light Refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP below!
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM · $10.00 USD · 30 rsvps
Brownbag #3 2023-2024
The City of Yes: Housing Opportunity
Join us for WHFNY’s third 2023-2024 VIRTUAL Lunch and Learn, which will provide our members an opportunity to learn about “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity”—New York City’s zoning reform proposal that looks to address the housing crisis by making it possible to build a little more housing in every neighborhood. This Lunch and Learn will be led by Edith Hsu-Chen, Executive Director of the Department of City Planning. This presentation will be moderated by Vice Chair of WHF, Carrie Harris, Esq. of Goldman Harris.
Members will also have an opportunity to ask questions in an intimate setting.
Date: March 13, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Place: Virtual - ZOOM link will be provided after registration
Cost: $10 – Event is for Members Only
RSVP by March 6, 2024
**Thank you to Carrie Harris of Goldman Harris for her support while planning this event!**
Tuesday, February 06, 2024 at 06:00 PM · $20.00 USD · 61 rsvps
Nixon Peabody in New York, NYWomen's Executive Roundtable 2024
Women in Housing and Finance is pleased to invite you to meet and converse with five impressive women executives in the real estate, housing and finance industries, each representing the following sectors:
Development: Takisia L. Whites, Principal, Founder, Urban Impact Capital Partners LLC
Finance: Baaba Halm, VP, New York Market, Enterprise Community Partners
Government: Annika Lescott-Martinez, CFO & EVP, New York City Housing Authority
Sustainability: Bomee Jung, Co-Founder & CEO of Cadence OneFive
Nonprofit: Rebecca Zangen, Chief Policy Officer, The Network
Attendees will rotate among the executives in small groups, participating in intimate 15-minute conversations, each facilitated by a fellow WHF member. The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to hear the experts’ take on their experiences in housing development in New York, reflections, and ask questions about their professional growth and development.
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Place: Nixon Peabody, 55 W 46th St. 24th Floor., New York, NY 10036
Tickets: Please buy tickets below. Members $20, Non-Members: $50
RSVP Deadline: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Thank you to our location sponsor:
Thank you to our event sponsors:
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 01:00 PM · $10.00 USD · 28 rsvps
Zoom2023 Brownbag 2
Join us for WHFNY’s second 2023-2024 VIRTUAL Lunch and Learn, which will provide our members an opportunity for professional development. As we near the end of the year and approach the annual review period, Wendy Perdomo, M.P.A, M.S.Ed, Executive Leadership, Life Coach and Speaker, will share insight and guidance on how you can advocate yourself for a raise or promotion. Members will also have an opportunity to ask questions in an intimate setting.
Date: December 15, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Place: Virtual - ZOOM link will be provided after registration
Cost: $10 – Event is for Members Only
RSVP: by December 8, 2023
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 06:00 PM
Cancelled: This event has been cancelled.Cancelled: Holiday Mixer 2023
CANCELLED: This event has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict with another event being held on December 12. We urge you to support the Annual Night at the Museum, instead.
The Citizens Housing Planning Council is hosting a flagship event, the Annual Night at the Museum, on December 12, 2023. Please consider supporting CHPC's free event here: https://events.humanitix.com/chpc-s-annual-night-at-the-museum
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 06:00 PM · $20.00 USD · 55 rsvps
Adler & Stachenfeld LLP in New York, NY2023 Fall Panel
Many U.S. cities struggle to combat homelessness, and in New York City in particular, the state of homelessness has reached crisis level. With the number of unhoused individuals and families at the highest levels since the Great Depression of the 1930s, an influx of nearly 100,000 migrants within the past year, and a struggling shelter system, New York City needs an intervention. What happens when a city that is legally obligated to provide shelter runs out of shelter?
Join Women in Housing and Finance’s panel of experts for a discussion regarding New York's homelessness and increasing migrant crisis and explore ways to shore up an overburdened shelter system, including the conversion of under-utilized hotel and office space into affordable housing.
OUR MODERATOR & PANELISTS:
Moderated by Kristin Miller, Interim Executive Director, Homeless Services United
Lymaris Albors, Chief Executive Officer, Acacia Network
Meghan Smith, Associate Commissioner for Rehousing Operations, NYC Department of Homeless Services
Paul Woody, Chief Real Estate Officer, Project Renewal
Thank you to our event sponsor: JPMorgan Chase
Thank you to our location sponsor: Adler & Stachenfeld LLP
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM · $10.00 USD · 30 rsvps
virtual (zoom link will be provided after RSVP)2023 Brownbag 1
Please join us for Women in Housing and Finance's first 2023-2024 VIRTUAL Lunch and Learn.
The Lunch and Learn will provide an opportunity for WHF Members to have an in-depth conversation with Joscelyn Truitt, Vice President of Empowerment at RiseBoro and Sandra Erickson & Danielle Erickson Noak from Erickson Real Estate on some of the strategies being implemented to help residents and property owners manage through the current rental arrears crisis.
Please note, this event is only for active members of Women in Housing and Finance. Not a member, but want to attend the event? Go to this link on our webpage and become a WHF Member today!
Monday, September 18, 2023 at 05:30 PM
Linen Hall in New York, NYFall Happy Hour 2023
Join Women in Housing and Finance for a Welcome Back Happy Hour to launch our 2023-2024 educational programming year!
Feel free to drop by at any time between 5:30-7:30pm on September 18!Light appetizers are on us. Cash bar.