Hispanic Leaders in Affordable Housing: Insights from the 2024-2025 HDTI Cohort

For over three decades, the Housing Development Training Institute (HDTI) has been equipping individuals with the skills to successfully develop affordable housing. As we welcome the 2024-2025 HDTI cohort, this Hispanic Heritage Month we’re proud to highlight several Hispanic/Latinx participants who are not only gaining valuable expertise but also bringing unique perspectives to their work, driven by their cultural identities and lived experiences.

Carmen Noyola, Linc Housing
Carmen’s journey into affordable housing was sparked by her deep commitment to addressing systemic barriers in marginalized communities. Having had first-hand experience with California’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems, she is passionate about creating housing solutions that not only provide shelter, but also mental health services and employment opportunities.

Carmen’s background plays a significant role in shaping her work: “My goal is to create inclusive spaces where all families can thrive, reflecting the values of resilience and support that are central to my heritage.”

Through HDTI, Carmen looks forward to learning how to identify sites that not only make financial sense but also have the potential to transform lives, particularly for communities of color. “I’m excited to collaborate with others in the program to share strategies that will create lasting, positive change in our neighborhoods.”

Brian Ramirez, A Community of Friends
For Brian, who grew up in Southeast Los Angeles as a first-generation Mexican American, his cultural identity is woven into every aspect of his work in community development. Brian’s personal experiences allow him to understand the challenges faced by the communities his organization serves. “My goal is to use the insights and connections gained from HDTI to better serve our low-income BIPOC communities,” he says.

Brian is particularly eager to share the knowledge he gains through HDTI with other Hispanic and Latinx professionals, enhancing his projects to better serve the communities they house and support. “By becoming a more knowledgeable and experienced professional, I aim to strengthen the impact of our housing initiatives.”

Abigail Lopez, Many Mansions
Abigail’s curiosity about how cities and housing are developed began during her visits to Guatemala. As a Guatemalan American, she recognized the stark differences between communities in Guatemala and those in Los Angeles. This curiosity eventually led her to pursue a career in housing development, focusing on preventing homelessness and improving housing access.

She sees HDTI as an opportunity to build her skills as an Associate Project Manager and to learn from her peers. “I believe that learning from diverse perspectives will be key to creating projects that bring meaningful opportunities to Hispanic hard workers, from development to construction and management.”

Abigail is most excited about creating homes that not only serve Hispanic families but also provide them with the support they need to thrive. “Opportunity extends to the families we serve—Hispanic or otherwise—and we aim to give them a quality home where they can seek the help and support they need.”

These stories show the meaningful difference Hispanic/Latinx leaders are making in affordable housing, ensuring the communities they serve have the opportunities and support they need. As they continue their journey through the HDTI program, Carmen, Brian, and Abigail are great examples of how culture and personal experiences can inspire new ideas that create lasting change in housing development.

LISC LA remains committed to creating real and lasting change for Hispanic communities in Los Angeles and beyond.
HDTI is made possible with the generosity of Merritt Community Capital Corporation through their Commitment to California initiative. To learn more about HDTI, please click here.