Inaugural Cohort of NAHRO-LDG Scholars Announced in Boston

NAHRO and award-winning multi-family housing developer LDG Development announced the inaugural NAHRO-LDG Scholars cohort at CONNECT to Results, the association’s recently-concluded summer conference in Boston.  The NAHRO-LDG Scholars program is a new 10-year venture that will provide $1 million in scholarships and internship opportunities to low-income students from around the country. Students will also receive networking opportunities with housing professionals from NAHRO member agencies nationwide. 

The inaugural NAHRO-LDG Scholars are (pictured left to right): 

• Carvis Proby, South Mississippi Housing and Development Corp and Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. VIII 
• Natasha White, Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County 
• Valeria Rocha, Cameron County Housing Authority 

Eligible students must reside in HUD-assisted affordable housing administered by NAHRO member agencies, who submit applications on their behalf. The NAHRO-LDG Scholars were chosen from the seven regional winners of the NAHRO National Merit College Scholarship: Natasha White (Middle Atlantic Regional Council); Emily McKenzie (North Central Regional Council); Kasey Corrado (New England Regional Council); Pahoua Yang (Pacific Northwest Regional Council); Amara Payne (Pacific Southwest Regional Council); Carvis Proby (Southeastern Regional Council); and Valeria Rocha (Southwest Regional Council). Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, LDG has developed almost 10,000 units for families and seniors across eight states. The company was founded almost 25 years ago based on the belief that everyone deserves a quality place to live.  

“At LDG, we have the honor of providing thousands of families with affordable homes,” said LDG co-founder and principal Chris Dischinger, and LDG co-founder Mark Lechner. “The NAHRO-LDG Scholars program allows us to take a step further and not only invest in their future, but hopefully inspire them to become a part of the affordable housing industry.”   

“I lived in public housing when I was young, and I would not be where I am today without many helping hands and financial assistance,” said NAHRO President Carl S. Richie, Jr., who is a practicing attorney as well as the Board Chair of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA). “I am excited to extend a helping hand to a new generation of students and future professionals.”  

NAHRO is a national organization of affordable housing and community development professionals and industry partners, whose members provide housing to more than 8 million people. “Housing providers know that while stable housing is the foundation to a healthy future, access to a quality education and work skills are key to a young person’s success,” said NAHRO CEO Adrianne Todman. “NAHRO is thrilled to partner with LDG to help these scholars achieve their full potential. This investment will pay dividends for generations to come.”