A Commitment to Leadership Development
Nazareth Housing is proud to celebrate Board Member Hannah Pennington on her recent completion of the Coro Leadership New York Fellowship, a competitive nine-month leadership development program that brings together professionals from across New York City’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Leadership New York, a program of Coro New York Leadership Center, is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues shaping New York City. Hannah was selected as one of only a small number of leaders to participate in this year’s cohort.
Having spent a decade working in New York City government before joining the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Hannah was already familiar with Coro’s reputation. “I had heard about Coro throughout my career in city government,” she said. “When I saw the opportunity to apply, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue.”
Learning Through Experience
The fellowship began with a multi-day retreat focused on leadership development, self-reflection, and relationship-building among participants. Over the following nine months, the cohort met monthly for full-day sessions featuring leadership experts, facilitators, and discussions on key issues affecting New York City.
One unique aspect of the program challenged participants to step outside their areas of expertise. Hannah was assigned to a housing and economic development group, where she worked alongside fellow participants to plan and lead a citywide issue-focused event.
Building Lasting Connections
For Hannah, the most meaningful part of the experience was the relationships she built. “What sticks out most is how quickly you become close with this group of people,” she said. “There’s an immediate connection and an incredible amount of support and networking. I’m a natural connector, and building meaningful relationships is something I enjoy both professionally and personally.”
The fellowship also provided a valuable opportunity to learn and grow outside of her day-to-day work environment. “There is something powerful about having a professional experience that exists outside your workplace,” she said. “You gain a different perspective and build a network of people you can rely on.”
Deepening Her Understanding of Housing Challenges
Her experience studying housing and economic development also deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by many of the individuals and families served by Nazareth Housing.
“Through Coro, I had the opportunity to better understand aspects of housing and development that I wasn’t as familiar with,” she said. “At the same time, I was continuing my work with Nazareth Housing and gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges developers and providers face in their efforts to address the enormous need for affordable housing in NYC and beyond. The more you understand these complex funding and regulatory systems, the more meaningful the work becomes.”
Bringing New Skills to Nazareth Housing
Hannah believes the fellowship has strengthened the skills she brings to her role as a Nazareth Housing board member, particularly her ability to connect people, build consensus, and leverage relationships to support the organization’s mission.
“I’ve always been told that I’m a connector and a consensus builder,” she said. “The fellowship challenged me to think about how I can more intentionally use my knowledge, relationships, and resources to help organizations like Nazareth Housing.”
The Power of the Coro Network
Because Coro’s impact extends well beyond the fellowship itself, Hannah also sees long-term value in the network she has built. “Coro doesn’t really end,” she said. “You stay connected with your cohort and become part of a larger alumni community. Those relationships and connections can continue to create opportunities to support Nazareth Housing and strengthen our impact.”
A Special Connection to Nazareth Housing
Hannah credits much of her commitment to Nazareth Housing to the organization’s unique culture and dedicated leadership. “I’ve been involved with many boards and advisory groups over the years, and none compare to Nazareth Housing,” she said. “The organization is accomplishing so much, yet it remains incredibly community-focused. There are so many longtime supporters who all stay involved and also personally committed.
Hannah was especially grateful to see Nazareth Housing Executive Director Rachel Levine attend the Coro New York’s Leadership Conference in May, in which Hannah moderated the panel. “Rachel is herself an incredible connector and supporter of her staff and the board. It was wonderful to have her be there,” Hannah said. The conference brought together civic and nonprofit leaders from across New York City to discuss leadership, resilience, and cross-sector collaboration.
Nazareth Housing congratulates Hannah on this accomplishment and is grateful for the leadership, expertise, and passion she brings to our Board of Directors.