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Season 2 — Episode 4
In this episode of the EmpowHER Podcast, we welcome Rosa Estrada, Executive Director of St. Mary’s Communities, to share her journey into affordable housing and the moment that changed everything.
What started as an unexpected experience working on a housing discrimination case became the foundation for a career spanning HUD, local government, and nonprofit development.
Rosa brings a thoughtful and honest perspective on what it takes to create housing that is not only financially feasible, but truly supports residents and communities.
In this episode, they discuss:
- The evolution of affordable housing and public-private partnerships
- Why resident services are critical to long-term housing stability
- The real trade-offs behind financial feasibility and development decisions
- How community advocacy can transform projects and outcomes
Rosa also shares an honest perspective on leadership, growth, and the reality that this work is never simple, but always meaningful.
Have a topic or theme you’d like us to explore this season? We’d love to hear from you: info@csgadvisors.com
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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.
*Source: Securities Data. Volume amount in $ mill. Market share is % of all housing issues with or without advisors 2002-2024