Building an Inclusive Future: Alexandra Dawson's Impactful Career in Affordable Housing
5.22.2023
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LISC StoriesAffordable Housing
Alexandra Dawson, the Director of Lending + Investments for LISC LA, is an inspiring figure in the community development space here in LA. She has worked hard to become a leader and champion for diversity and inclusion.
Alexandra’s passion for community development was sparked by her experience with housing insecurity growing up. Her early life was comfortable and secure but when her parents divorced, everything changed.
From the age of 11, Alexandra’s family moved from place to place every few years. The experience was stressful, and Alexandra became keenly aware of the economic realities of life. She worried about how her mother would cover rent and mortgage payments, knowing that if they fell behind, they could lose their home again.
It was this personal experience that drew Alexandra to the field of affordable housing. As soon as she learned that it was a career option, it made sense to her. Alexandra felt compelled to work in a field where she could help provide secure and stable housing for others who may have experienced the same challenges she did.
Alexandra’s journey into the community development field began with a chance encounter at a career fair at UCLA. She struck up a conversation with the HR representative from the Cesar Chavez Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on affordable housing, education, and social services.
Intrigued by the organization's mission and the work they do, Alexandra applied for and landed a job working for the general counsel at the Foundation. She soon discovered her passion for affordable housing development and made a career transition to the housing development department at the organization.
Alexandra’s story is a testament to the power of chance encounters and following one's passion. As she began her career in the industry, Alexandra faced the intimidation of working in a male-dominated space, compounded by the complexity of the work. However, with the support of mentors at the Cesar Chavez Foundation and through the LISC CA HDTI program, of which she is an alum, she learned to navigate the challenges and become a confident and assertive leader.
Her experience with housing insecurity as a teen underscores the importance of affordable housing and the impact it can have on people's lives. It also highlights the need for diversity and inclusion in the industry, as people from diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives and insights to the work of providing safe and stable housing for all.
In her current role at LISC LA, Alexandra is focused on building a cohesive lending strategy that is innovative and accessible to the people we serve and she is committed to working with diverse borrowers who have traditionally been excluded from accessing capital.
Alexandra’s message to other women aspiring to leadership roles in the industry is to trust themselves and their abilities, find mentors, and be open to learning and growth. She also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry, both in terms of representation and career opportunities.
"The real estate industry has historically been white-male dominated, but the work that we do in the affordable housing sector primarily serves people of color, particularly Black and Brown families. It is crucial that we have representation from these communities in the development of affordable housing projects and in the workforce itself. This is why programs like LISC CA HDTI and LISC LA AmeriCorps place a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Additionally, working in the affordable housing industry can be a great career option that not enough people know about."
Alexandra’s personal story and professional accomplishments are an inspiration to anyone considering a career in community development. Her commitment to serving diverse communities and advocating for equity and inclusion make her a true leader in the field.
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