Favorite Parts Of Being A VP IT Operations At EAH Housing
Leslie enjoys the "people aspect and the mission" of working for a nonprofit focused on affordable housing, contrasting it with for-profit experiences where the focus felt solely on maximizing profits; specifically, Leslie finds satisfaction in providing quality housing for those who may lack the resources to rent market-rate apartments and feels a sense of purpose knowing the money generated is reinvested into building more affordable housing. This mission-driven work provides a sense of fulfillment that was missing in previous roles, highlighting the importance of making a tangible impact on people's lives, especially those in need.
Nonprofit, Affordable Housing, IT Operations, Leadership, Mission-Driven
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Leslie Dabi
VP, IT Operations
EAH Housing (EAH Inc.)
UC Davis
Purdue Global University: MS Information Technology
Spanish & Other Languages, International Relations & Affairs
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking, Real Estate
Cyber Security and IT
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Importance of mission-driven work: Leslie emphasizes the personal fulfillment derived from working for a non-profit focused on providing affordable housing, contrasting it with the feeling of emptiness experienced in for-profit roles.
2. Impact on vulnerable populations: The role allows Leslie to directly contribute to improving the lives of low-income individuals, single parents, seniors on social security, and veterans, providing them with quality housing.
3. Redefining affordable housing: Leslie highlights the organization's commitment to building high-quality, affordable housing that challenges negative perceptions and provides a sense of pride and dignity for its residents.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your role?
I work for a nonprofit, and I think it's the people aspect and the mission that I enjoy most. I've worked for for-profit companies and high-end developments, and at the end of the day, it felt very money-driven.
The focus was always on making more money, raising rents, and increasing income. In a nonprofit, especially one focused on affordable housing, the people we serve are those who may not have the resources to rent market-rate apartments.
These individuals could be hard workers, single parents, seniors living off Social Security, or even veterans living off their VA funds. Our mission is to provide quality housing for everyone, particularly those with low incomes.
Every time I come to work, I'm reminded of this. We do generate income, but that money is used to build more amazing, affordable housing. The photos behind me show the quality affordable housing we've built.
People often have misconceptions about what affordable housing is, but if you do it right and love what you do, it's incredibly fulfilling. I left this organization in 2016 and returned in 2019, so I've been back for about six years.
When I left, I felt an emptiness. While I was making money for another company, I questioned who I was truly helping. Was I assisting those in need, or those who were already well-off?
The for-profit, high-end model isn't bad; it serves a specific audience. But for me, I enjoy this work because it truly has an impact. Helping people is the most important thing.