Yocasta Nunez-Lightfoot HCCP, CPO

I  believe success comes from the people who support and encourage you. My faith, family, mentors, and colleagues have all played an important role in my journey. 

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible people in my corner my mom, my husband, my mentors Gina Harris , April  Girard   & Teddy Kitts and close friends who have consistently challenged me to become the best version of myself. They saw potential in me long before I always saw it in myself.

Their support has helped me stay focused on my goals while remembering that true success is not just about professional achievements but also about serving others with integrity and purpose.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my late mother-in-law, who passed away from cancer few years ago. She was an incredible woman, and one of the sayings she lived by was, “Plan your work and work your plan.”

It’s simple advice, but it has shaped both my personal and professional life. I’ve been with my husband for 18 years, married for six, and from the moment I met her, she repeated that phrase often. Her belief was that success doesn’t happen by accident. Whether you’re managing a project, building a budget, pursuing a career goal, or working toward a personal dream, you need a plan—and then you need the discipline to follow through.

Throughout my career, I’ve found that the most successful outcomes come from preparation, organization, and consistency. Things may not always go exactly as planned, but having a roadmap makes challenges easier to navigate and goals more achievable.

To this day, whenever I’m facing a new opportunity or challenge, I hear her voice reminding me to “plan your work and work your plan.” It’s advice that has stayed with me, and it’s a principle I continue to live by every day.

My advice to young women entering the multifamily housing industry is simple: be courageous and take the leap.

One of the things I love most about this industry is how many opportunities it offers. I’ve had the privilege of working in multiple roles throughout my career, and each experience taught me something valuable. Multifamily is a well-rounded industry that can lead you into property management, marketing, operations, compliance, regional leadership, asset management, and so much more. No matter your strengths whether it’s customer service, finance, problem-solving, leadership, or marketing, there is a place for you.

I would also encourage young professionals not to get too focused on titles or the next promotion. In today’s world, it’s easy to feel like you have to rush to the next level, but some of the most valuable lessons come from where you are right now. I genuinely enjoyed every stage of my career from leasing consultant to assistant manager, property manager, and now compliance. Each role helped prepare me for the next one.

Success isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about appreciating the journey. Take the time to learn, grow, and build relationships along the way. Be willing to ask questions, embrace new challenges, and continue learning as the industry evolves. With technology, innovation, and changing resident needs, there are more opportunities than ever to make an impact.

Most importantly, believe in yourself. If you’re second-guessing whether you’re capable, remember that growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone. Trust your abilities, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take chances. You may discover a career and a passion that you never expected

One of the biggest challenges in affordable housing right now is keeping up with constant changes in regulations, compliance requirements, and technology. The industry is evolving quickly, and professionals have to be willing to adapt and continue learning.

At the same time, I see that as one of our greatest opportunities. Technology and AI are helping us work more efficiently, streamline processes, and spend more time focusing on the people we serve. As affordable housing continues to grow and evolve, there are more opportunities than ever to make a meaningful impact while helping provide stable housing for individuals and families

The values that are most important to me are faith, loyalty, and appreciation for others.

My faith is the foundation of everything I do. It guides how I treat people, how I approach challenges, and how I try to lead both professionally and personally.

I also value loyalty—to my family, friends, colleagues, customers, and the organizations I serve. I believe in showing up for people, supporting them, and building relationships based on trust and respect.

Finally, I believe strongly in recognizing and appreciating others. I have a saying: “Give people their flowers while they’re here.” Too often we wait until someone is gone to tell them how much they meant to us. Whether it’s a simple thank-you, words of encouragement, or celebrating someone’s accomplishments, I think it’s important to acknowledge the impact people have on our lives. Success is rarely achieved alone, and I believe people should know they are valued while they have the opportunity to hear it.