The Great Equalizer

Dani Black https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniblacknyc/ from AppWork and host, Cecilia Cossio, sat down together at Podcast Palooza to discuss maintenance, technology, and optimizing the resident experience. Dani shared how AppWork transforms multifamily maintenance operations through innovative technology, supporting maintenance teams, and optimizing resident experiences with tools that foster engag...

In this insightful interview, Cecilia Cossio https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliacossio/ speaks with Monica Garcia https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-garcia-28a47678/about from Marquis Asset Management about her journey in affordable housing, the importance of community stability, and the future of housing development. They explore misconceptions, resident impact, and leadership in the industry. Ma...

Affordable Housing Architect, Cecilia Cossio https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliacossio/ is shaking things up with her relaunched podcast, The Great Equalizer. Cecilia started her podcast journey with Affordable Foundations to educate on practices, policies and systems that help run properties. The Great Equalizer is taking it to a new level of empowering people into the ownership equity mindset. I...

Real estate investor, K. Trevor Thompson linkedin.com/in/ktrevorthompson , shares his inspiring journey from entertainment to successful multifamily real estate investing, highlighting the power of syndications, lessons learned from early deals, and strategies for navigating market challenges. This episode offers valuable insights for both new and experienced investors looking to build wealth thro...

Join Cecilia Cossio in a compelling conversation with Paul Montelongo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmontelongo/ , a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur, as he shares his journey from buying a small lot at 17 years old to scaling a portfolio of over 1400 units. Discover key lessons on deal evaluation, building a resilient mindset, and balancing profitability with affordability in workf...

In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio speaks with Ann Burr Little , COO of Sustainable Housing Partners, about the critical intersection of housing, disability, and poverty. They discuss the Thrive Housing model, which aims to provide comprehensive support to residents, ensuring they not only have a place to live but also the resources to thrive. The conversation highlight...

In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio speaks with Joe Rinderknecht, founder of Cowboy Capital and Tiny's Tribe. They discuss the transformative power of real estate, the importance of community support, and the journey of building a legacy through mentorship and personal growth. Joe shares his experiences in multifamily real estate, strategies for success, and the sign...

The conversation explores the impact of modular construction on workforce development and its potential to address the housing deficit. Steven Bennett discusses the current state of modular construction, its transition from fringe to mainstream, and the challenges posed by a shortage of tradespeople. 00:00 Introduction to Modular Housing 03:03 Steven Bennett's Journey into Modular Construction...

In this episode, Cecilia Cossio speaks with Lisa Gutierrez, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-gutierrez1/ Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development for Affordable Housing at U.S. Bank Corp Impact Finance. They discuss the evolution of affordable housing finance, the importance of supportive services, and the personal journeys that drive their passion for this work. Lisa shares insi...

Affordable housing isn’t just about structures — it’s about stories, families, and futures. In this insightful episode of Affordable Foundations, Cecilia Cossio sits down with Keith Gregory, Director of Planning and Development at the Housing Authority of Kansas City, to explore the heart behind housing. Keith opens up about the human side of housing development — how understanding family needs, e...

When we talk about “affordable housing,” what do we really mean? Is it just about lowering rent—or is it about building stronger, more connected communities? In this thought-provoking episode, Cecilia Cossio sits down with Dr. Alan Ferguson to unpack the deeper layers of housing affordability and its impact on economic mobility. Together, they explore how financial literacy, community planning, an...

What happens when purpose meets profit in the world of affordable housing? In this powerful episode, Cecilia Cossio sits down with Austin Richardson — a veteran turned developer — to explore how his journey from military service to real estate has reshaped his understanding of leadership, community, and legacy. Austin shares what it means to serve not just through uniform, but through action — cre...

Affordable housing development is never just about constructing buildings—it’s about designing communities, empowering people, and solving systemic challenges. But how do we make multifamily housing both affordable and sustainable without sacrificing quality or the resident experience? In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with Christy Schnurle https://www.linked...

What does it take to transform loss into legacy—and use real estate as a tool for justice and impact? In this eye-opening episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with Melvin and Jacqueline Landry, the powerhouse couple behind Moreland Equity Capital. Their story is one of resilience and reinvention—from Melvin’s early rental ventures to Jacqueline’s bold leap from corporat...

What if one property could be the starting point of generational wealth? In this inspiring episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio is joined by real estate veteran Tommy Jones, https://www.wealththroughrealestate.us/ affectionately known as the "Facilitator of Dreams." With over 25 years of experience helping thousands of families achieve homeownership, Tommy shares why re...

Affordable housing is about more than just construction—it’s about community, legacy, and heart. In this inspiring episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with Rich Buquet, the dynamic leader of Garland’s Habitat for Humanity, whose journey from Christian ministry and music to housing leadership is as meaningful as the homes he helps build. From the hands-on commitment of...

What happens when public housing leaders prioritize empathy over red tape and people over processes? In this powerful episode of Affordable Foundations, Eugene E. Jones Jr. linkedin.com/in/eugenejones1 — seasoned housing executive and author of Housing Humans — joins Cecilia Cossio for a candid conversation on what it really takes to lead transformational change in communities. From his journey ac...

Affordable housing success doesn’t start with buildings — it starts with people. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio is joined by Kiki Clarke https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiki-clarke/ , an expert in property operations and leadership development, to explore what really drives impact in affordable housing. Spoiler: It’s not just policies and procedures — it’s the culture y...

Affordable housing isn't just about buildings—it's about people. Behind every stable, thriving community is a dedicated team of property managers balancing compassion, compliance, and community needs. In this powerful episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with industry veterans Katurah Gentry https://www.linkedin.com/in/katurah-gentry-985851356?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apa...

Affordable housing doesn’t begin with a hammer and nails—it begins with funding. But not just any funding. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, we sit down with Derric Hicks https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrichicks/ , a seasoned expert with over 25 years in financial services, to unpack the complex but powerful role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in making affordable...

Affordable housing isn’t just about brick and mortar—it’s about creating communities where residents can grow, thrive, and find lasting stability. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with Sandra Robicheaux https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-robicheaux-bsbm-cam-4b7635a5/ to explore the vital role of leadership, representation, and resident support services in af...

Affordable housing is more than just providing a roof over someone’s head—it’s about fostering environments where families and individuals can truly thrive. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with community advocate Sandra Donaldson https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-donaldson-mpa-mba-9267a550/ to explore the vital role of Resident Support Services. What makes...

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) aren’t just industry trends—they are essential for creating strong, resilient communities. In this episode of Affordable Foundations, host Cecilia Cossio sits down with affordable housing expert Joanna Rodriguez to uncover how DEI principles directly impact housing accessibility, community development, and policy-making. What does it mean to design communitie...