Tori Gayle
Tori Gayle is a housing coordinator and case manager serving individuals and families in the College Station-Bryan area through the Brazos Valley Council of Governments. In her role, she works closely with participants who receive housing vouchers, as well as those enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. She helps clients navigate program requirements, connect with resources, and build pathways toward long-term stability and independence.
With approximately two years of experience with the HCV program, Tori has developed a strong background in participant support, case coordination, tenant relations, and housing program compliance. Prior to entering the housing field, she worked in property management and was actively involved with a local apartment association. Her experience in both housing assistance and property management has given her a well-rounded understanding of the challenges tenants face and the importance of providing compassionate, practical support.
Tori approaches her work with empathy, honesty, and a commitment to helping others succeed. She values building trust with participants and recognizes that housing services often require patience, flexibility, and the ability to work with people from many different backgrounds.
As she continues to grow professionally, she is currently pursuing her real estate license to expand her knowledge and opportunities within the housing industry.
• Family Self Sufficiency
• HCV-Specialist- HOTMA NOW
• Apartment Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the individuals who have supported me and given me opportunities along the way. I am especially grateful for those who were willing to take a chance on me—people who guided, trained, and mentored me with patience and confidence. Their leadership and willingness to invest in my growth have played a significant role in shaping my career and helping me reach where I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I would say the best career advice that I've ever received is to get in a field that you actually like, that way it's not work. When you're doing something you enjoy, it doesn't feel like work, and that makes all the difference in your career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give is basically just make sure it's something that you're wanting to do. It's not an easy job, and you're having to deal with all different types of people. So just make sure it's something that you're actually wanting to do and have a passion for, whatever field that may be. That's the advice I would give, because it makes it a lot easier if it's something that you're actually wanting to do, instead of doing something just to get a paycheck.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The primary challenges we’re facing right now relate to the housing situation and the availability of funds. I’ve been working to reassure participants that we will address those issues as they arise. At this time, our funding is stable, and we are in a good position to continue supporting them.
In terms of opportunities, my focus is on providing consistent assistance to participants and continuing to expand my own knowledge of the program. Ongoing trainings and updates help ensure that I stay current on program developments and prepared to navigate a variety of situations effectively.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my field are empathy and compassion. These qualities allow me to truly understand and support the individuals I work with. Honesty is equally essential; maintaining transparency builds trust and strengthens my relationships with both participants and colleagues. Together, these values guide my approach in both my professional responsibilities and my personal life.