Her Story
About Darlene
Darlene Swearington, M.S., AICP, is a Senior Community Development Executive and Senior Grants Officer with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the Houston field office. With nearly two decades of experience in community development, housing policy, and federal grant administration, she provides strategic oversight, compliance guidance, and technical assistance for multimillion-dollar HUD programs supporting affordable housing, homelessness response, disaster recovery, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization throughout Texas and the Gulf Coast region.
Throughout her career, Darlene has built extensive expertise in managing federal grant portfolios, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, HOME-ARP, Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), and Continuum of Care (CoC) programs. She has served in local and federal government roles, including urban planning positions with the City of New Orleans and City of Houston, where she developed a strong understanding of both policy development and community-level implementation. Her work focuses on regulatory compliance, risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, capacity building, and strengthening partnerships among government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Darlene holds a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans and a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Louisiana State University. She is a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and has completed executive development programs through HUD and the University of Maryland. Beyond her government service, she is passionate about civic engagement, nonprofit support, and creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities. Guided by perseverance, faith, and a commitment to public service, Darlene continues to advance initiatives that promote housing stability, economic empowerment, and stronger communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Darlene
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and the determination to never give up. Despite facing obstacles, rejection, and uncertainty, I stayed committed to my path and trusted that each challenge was leading me toward something greater.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is adapting to reduced resources and increased workloads. With staffing cuts and fewer opportunities for expansion, many of us are taking on the responsibilities of multiple roles. While growth opportunities are limited, I remain focused on delivering quality work and navigating the changes with resilience.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My faith in God is the foundation of who I am and guides both my personal and professional life. Growing up in a civic-minded environment shaped my commitment to service and inspired my career path. I value compassion, community, and the opportunity to make a positive impact by helping others.
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