Her Story
About KaTrina
KaTrina Dudley-Ford is a Regional Asset Manager with 29 years of experience in the affordable housing industry. She began her career after working in an industrial bakery and transitioning into property management, where she has held positions including leasing agent, assistant, property manager, and senior property manager. She recently advanced to the role of regional asset manager. KaTrina holds an associate's degree from American Intercontinental University along with certifications as a Certified Occupancy Specialist and Management Occupancy Review Specialist. She is a member of the National Women's Affordable Housing Network in the Missouri chapter and continues her education through classes and additional certifications. KaTrina attributes her success to a former vice president who provided guidance and emphasized family first. She values family above all, along with honesty, constructive criticism, and ongoing growth. In her personal life, she enjoys bowling, spending time with her grandchildren, and co-leading the DNH Helping Hands nonprofit organization with her seven sisters to assist community members with rent, transportation, and back-to-school needs.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with KaTrina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a vice president I used to work for who always took the time to tell me what I was doing right and wrong, told me to slow down when needed, valued family first, and was very inspirational. I still call her to let her know how important she is to me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Take your time. Think before you move. Never let anything get in your way. Because if you want it, you can achieve it as long as you strive forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never stop, never give up. Soar until you can't soar anymore. Even when you think it's hard, turn your back to whatever's going on, face the outcome, continue to soar and grow and be developed. It's not a stopping point, it's a growing point. Continue to grow and learn.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities: I can still grow and go beyond a regional asset manager to be a vice president or even a president. Challenges: I'm new in this field and it is hard, so I need to continue to seek education to be more knowledgeable.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values would be family. I value my family 100% and watch out after my grandchildren. I value honesty, constructive criticism, knowledge, anything that can be given to me that I can grow from. Even after 29 years, I'm still growing.
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