Her Story
About Marva
Marva Bonner is an affordable housing professional with more than 28 years of experience in the industry, beginning her career in 1996. She has developed extensive expertise in multifamily housing compliance, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs, Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), Section 8 regulatory requirements, tenant file auditing, occupancy administration, and affordable housing training. Her experience includes serving as an Independent File Auditor, Housing Contract Specialist, Program Administrator, Community Manager, and Affordable Housing Trainer/Multisite Supervisor.
Bonner earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Government and her Master of Applied Social Science in Public Administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Throughout her career, she has conducted and monitored compliance reviews, reviewed tenant files and certifications, supported recertification processes, identified deficiencies, assisted property owners and agents, and trained staff on affordable housing programs and regulatory requirements. Her professional achievements include recognition as Youth Director of the Year, Woman of Excellence, and Trainer of the Year.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Bonner is committed to developing others and serving her community. She has served as a youth director at her local church, vice president of the Women of Excellence organization, and as a Sunday school and women’s ministry teacher. She attributes her success to understanding how affordable housing can transform lives and credits her mother and a former professor with teaching her practical skills, resilience, and the importance of continually aspiring higher. Her approach to leadership emphasizes competency, constructive feedback, personal interaction, and helping others recognize the meaningful difference they can make.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marva
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my extensive background in affordable housing and to understanding the profound impact that providing shelter can have on people’s lives. Since beginning my career in 1996, I have seen that housing is about much more than completing paperwork or meeting regulatory requirements. Families are seeking tranquility, opportunities to transition, and meaningful involvement in their communities.
My work allows me to interact directly with people and understand their goals beyond what is reflected in an application or file. That perspective has helped me approach affordable housing as both a compliance responsibility and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mother, who was an entrepreneur and seamstress, taught me practical skills and the importance of applying myself. I was also greatly influenced by a professor who taught me that ceilings should never limit my potential. I determine my own ceiling, and I should never stop aspiring to reach higher.
That advice has stayed with me throughout my career and has encouraged me to continue growing, learning, and pursuing opportunities rather than allowing limitations to determine what I can accomplish.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is being able to use my role and personal story to inspire and encourage others. I value the opportunity to share my experiences, connect with people, and demonstrate that our professional and personal journeys can have a meaningful impact on those around us.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My advice to young women is to always continue educating themselves, remain open to learning, and never stop growing. At the same time, it is important to love and value yourself throughout the process. Personal growth is not only about professional development but also about understanding who you are, taking care of yourself, and giving yourself the grace to grow along the way.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the most important values in my work is helping others develop competency and confidence so they understand that their work makes a difference rather than simply making them feel like they are following a set of instructions. I believe training should empower people to understand the purpose behind what they do.
I also value constructive feedback and meaningful one-on-one conversations. Taking the time to speak with people individually can reveal their potential in ways that an application, file, or standard process cannot. I believe people should be given opportunities to grow and should understand the difference they can make through their work.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.