Her Story
About Kayla
Kayla Figueroa is a social work and nonprofit leader with 18 years of experience dedicated to strengthening communities and expanding access to resources for underserved populations. As a Senior Program Director and DLP Account Manager in Resident Services at Apartment Life, she oversees programs across multiple communities, aligning strategy with client goals while creating meaningful resident experiences that foster connection, belonging, and engagement. Her work combines strategic vision, relationship building, leadership development, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and families thrive.
Kayla’s professional journey has been shaped by both her expertise and personal experience. She began her career serving children, adolescents, and families in social services, including roles as an Adolescent Services Specialist, Family Advocate, Admissions Specialist, and Case Manager. At Hope House Florida, she helped advance initiatives supporting teen mothers and their children, building community partnerships and connecting families with critical resources. Her passion for underserved populations is deeply personal, informed by her experiences as a former foster child and teen mother and her understanding of the importance of having advocates and resources available during challenging seasons.
A graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor of Social Work, Kayla is passionate about creating opportunities that help people move from surviving to thriving. She has been recognized with an Award of Excellence at Apartment Life for her contributions and leadership. Outside of work, Kayla is a proud mother to a son in college and embraces life in Florida after growing up in Denver. She considers herself a Disney fan and enjoys kayaking, spending time at the beach, and reading with a sandwich in hand—her favorite forms of self-care and a reminder that caring for others begins with taking care of yourself. Guided by integrity, excellence, clarity, kindness, and a desire to create a “WOW Factor,” Kayla brings compassion and strategic leadership to every community she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my journey as a former foster child and teen mom, which taught me resilience and determination. I’m also grateful for the mentors and people who invested in me, shared valuable skills, and opened doors to opportunities that helped shape my growth and success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to never stop advocating for myself and never give up on achieving my dreams.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find your passion. Social work offers so many different paths, and once you discover your niche and what truly inspires you, your work will feel less like a job and more like a purpose.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in social work is limited funding and resources. At the same time, this creates an opportunity to find creative solutions, connect people with available resources, and advocate for greater support.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, excellence, clarity, kindness, and clear communication are the values that guide me. I believe in showing up, keeping my word, and following through. I strive to give a “WOW factor” in everything I do while treating others with kindness and communicating clearly.
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