Part 1: Katie welcomes ChangeMaker Tyrone Roderick Williams, CEO of Fresno Housing, to explore the remarkable journey of an architect-turned-housing innovator who’s reshaping affordable housing in California’s Central Valley. Williams shares his “scenic route” from Prairie View A&M University to MIT and explains how his diverse experience in architecture, urban planning, and real estate development has prepared him for leading an organization serving nearly 50,000 residents. Drawing from his transformative work in Atlanta and Sacramento, Williams discusses how large-scale revitalization initiatives can serve as catalysts for community change. He introduces his “presentation ready” philosophy for property management, challenging industry norms and emphasizing the importance of dignity in affordable housing aesthetics. The conversation takes a deep dive into Fresno’s current housing crisis, revealing how the perfect storm of the Great Recession, COVID-19, and migration from coastal California has doubled housing values and increased rents by up to 60% in recent years. Williams outlines innovative solutions, from hotel conversions to partnerships with the California Housing Finance Agency, while facing a daunting 50,000-unit housing deficit. This episode offers valuable insights into how visionary leadership, combined with practical experience and a commitment to excellence, can address some of affordable housing’s most pressing challenges.

Part 2: In this compelling second part of Katie’s conversation with Tyrone Roderick Williams, CEO of Fresno Housing, they dive deep into how modern technology is reshaping public housing and resident services. Williams shares valuable insights about cybersecurity challenges in housing authorities and discusses the innovative Beyond Housing Foundation, which has already accumulated over $1 million in assets to support resident education and workforce development. Drawing from his experience on the California State University Cybersecurity Advisory Foundation, Williams offers crucial perspectives on protecting sensitive resident information while modernizing housing services. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as he discusses his passion for creating educational opportunities, revealing how Fresno Housing has helped 62 residents with scholarships this year alone. Williams, author of “Igniting the Power to Succeed,” shares his leadership philosophy and vision for breaking cycles of poverty through education and workforce development. His approach to leadership development and commitment to opening doors for others offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in creating lasting social impact. This episode showcases how innovative leadership, technology integration, and a commitment to resident success can transform public housing into a springboard for economic mobility and generational change.