EmpowHer

Building Trust, Culture, and Community, Season 2 — Episode 2

February 26, 2026

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Season 2 — Episode 2

Building Trust, Culture, and Community 

In this episode of the EmpowHER Podcast, hosts Nicole Graham and Tanya Dempsey are joined by Vlada Kineff, the first President of the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust.
Vlada shares her journey into public housing leadership, what drew her to the work, and why clarity of purpose has guided every major decision along the way. From her early work in utilities and sustainability to helping start up an entirely new public entity, Vlada reflects on what it means to lead in highly visible, high-stakes environments — and why discomfort is often part of the job.
They explore how the Trust differs from NYCHA, the importance of transparency and resident partnership, and what it takes to intentionally build culture from the ground up. The conversation also dives into personal sustainability, mentorship, and the realities many women leaders face when balancing professional responsibility with life outside of work.
They discuss:

  • Building the Public Housing Preservation Trust from scratch

  • Transparency, resident partnership, and public accountability

  • Personal sustainability vs. work-life balance

  • The role of mentorship and building strong networks

This episode is a thoughtful look at leadership rooted in mission, humanity, and long-term impact.

If there’s a topic or theme you’d like to hear in a future episode, reach out to us at ⁠info@csgadvisors.com⁠. 

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More EmpowHER Episodes

Building Trust, Culture, and Community, Season 2 — Episode 2

CEO Talk Show & Year-End Reflections, Season 2 — Episode 1

Turning Hardship into Strength – Episode 32

How to Lead Without Losing Yourself – Episode 31

The Trailblazer’s Path – Episode 30

CSG Advisors Incorporated is a national, full service, independent financial advisor that assists public finance clients in the design, financing and implementation of affordable housing, urban redevelopment and economic development initiatives. Over the past 20 years, CSG has advised on more housing bonds than any other municipal advisor, as reported by Thompson Reuters. CSG Advisors is entirely employee-owned and independent. Employee owners include minorities and women.

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