Wanda Langley-Hardy
Wanda Langley-Hardy is an accomplished asset management professional and operations expert with a distinguished career spanning affordable housing, property management, and leadership development. As President of Unicorn Strategies Consulting LLC, she leverages decades of experience to help organizations and professionals in the multifamily housing industry strengthen financial performance, operational efficiency, and leadership capacity. Wanda is known for her dynamic, results-driven approach — combining technical expertise with an inspiring ability to cultivate ownership mindsets among teams at every level.
Before founding Unicorn Strategies, Wanda held senior leadership roles including Senior Vice President of Asset Management at April Housing , A Blackstone Portfolio Company and Director of Asset Management at Lincoln Avenue Capital, where she oversaw multi-state portfolios and led initiatives focused on optimizing performance and long-term value creation. She is a Certified Housing Asset Manager (CHAM) and holds multiple industry credentials, including certifications as an Asset Management Specialist (AMS), Tax Credit Specialist (TCS), and Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) — underscoring her deep knowledge of the affordable housing landscape.
Throughout her career, Wanda has been driven by a passion for empowering others — whether through her "Think Like an Owner" training tour or her mentorship of emerging housing leaders. Her leadership philosophy centers on education, empowerment, and excellence, guiding teams to make informed decisions that align financial health with community impact. Based in Virginia, Wanda continues to shape the future of affordable housing through her commitment to innovation, accountability, and transformative leadership.
• Certified Housing Asset Manager
• Certified Occupancy Specialist
• Tax Credit Specialist
• Asset Management Specialist
• Blended Occupancy Specialist
• Problem Solving
• Business Strategy
• Southside Virginia Community College- A.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining a healthy balance between work and home life — I truly believe that everyone should embrace that mindset, because no matter how dedicated you are, work should never overtake your life; you can give everything to a job and still be replaced the next day, so it’s essential to stay grounded and keep your life in balance.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A few guiding principles have shaped both my career and my life:
Work hard, play hard. Success requires dedication — but joy keeps you grounded and creative.
Keep your family first. They’re the foundation that makes every professional win meaningful.
Never believe you’re irreplaceable. Stay humble, stay hungry, and always keep learning.
And remember: no matter how many “Nos” you hear, the right “Yes” can completely change the trajectory of your career — and your life.
I carry these lessons with me every day at Unicorn Strategies Consulting, and I’m grateful to share them as part of my feature in Influential Women.
#InfluentialWomen #Leadership #CareerAdvice #WomenInBusiness #Gratitude #UnicornStrategies #ThinkLikeAnOwner
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
This industry will challenge you, stretch you, and — if you let it — shape you into a confident, purpose-driven leader.
My advice:
Own your seat at the table — even if you’re still learning. Confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s believing that your voice and perspective matter.
Master the business side. Learn the numbers, the compliance, and the “why” behind every decision. When you understand the financials, you understand how to drive impact.
Find mentors and allies — then be one. Growth happens faster when you lift as you climb.
Stay mission minded. Affordable housing isn’t just real estate; it’s people, stability, and community. Never lose sight of the lives your work touches.
And finally: Don’t wait for permission to lead. Lead from where you are — with authenticity, empathy, and excellence.
When women in this field lead with both head and heart, we don’t just build communities — we build possibility.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been overcoming gender bias — when I started in the 1980s and 1990s, women were rarely recognized as equals, and I often had to be louder and more assertive just to be heard — but those experiences also became opportunities to break barriers, prove my expertise, and pave the way for other women to succeed in this industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Creativity and balance are most important to me — whether in my work or personal life, I value the ability to create, express, and enjoy the process, which is why I love spending my time enjoying my family and especially my 3 year old grandbaby as well as my time crafting, especially as I move from finishing my fall projects to starting my Christmas ones.