Both LISC and NHSNYC strive to promote and preserve sustainable homeownership for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers by providing the tools and the access to funds necessary to purchase and maintain their homes and properties, which in turn provides financial stability and ultimately strengthens their communities. NHSNYC is recognizing Valerie White, Head of National Housing Strategy at LISC with a Homeownership Champion Award for this work as well as for her commitment to homeownership as the primary tool for building and maintaining intergenerational wealth, and essential to establishing a strong financial foundation to build equity and achieve financial goals. NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy will present the award to Valerie.

NHSNYC is recognizing Andrew Cooke, Senior Managing Director, Business Development and Enterprise Accounts at Hines, with our Property Management Champion Award for his exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to the property management profession. Throughout his career, he has helped elevate industry standards, built and led high-performing property management teams, and championed excellence across the field. Through his mentorship, industry leadership, and dedication to developing the next generation of real estate professionals, Andrew has strengthened both the profession and the communities it serves, exemplifying the values of integrity, innovation, and service that align closely with NHSNYC’s mission.

NHSNYC is recognizing Airbnb with this year’s Lending Champion Award for its commitment to strengthening communities through its $100 million Community Investment Fund. Airbnb provides these grants around the world, focusing on issues that matter most to its stakeholders, including environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, mental health, and housing security. As a recipient of $1 million in Airbnb funding support last year, NHSNYC has seen the transformative impact that such a large scale grant can have. NHSNYC is proud to recognize Airbnb for its leadership in providing desperately needed neighborhood services, such as the home repair grants that NHSNYC has been able to offer to struggling NYC homeowners.