How to Lead Without Losing Yourself – Episode 31
Listen to this episode on Spotify
In this episode of EmpowHER, hosts Nicole Graham and Tanya Dempsey sit down with Carmen Romero, President & CEO of True Ground Housing Partners, to discuss her inspiring journey from daughter of immigrants to nationally recognized housing leader.
With an affordable housing portfolio worth $1.2 billion in the DC metro region, Carmen has guided True Ground through a period of immense growth. Since becoming CEO in 2021, Carmen has led a transformative organizational rebrand, developed thousands of new affordable homes, and been nationally recognized as one of Affordable Housing Finance Top 50 Developers. Her leadership has strengthened resident service programs that redefined community impact, and enhanced organizational culture to become a preferred workplace.
Carmen opens up about what it means to lead authentically, balance personal and professional demands, and create a culture that values reflection, equity, and succession. Her story is deeply personal and rooted in compassion, collaboration, and purpose.
They discuss:
- How sabbaticals can strengthen leadership and organizational health
- Why authenticity and grace are essential to sustainable leadership
- The power of centering resident voices in decision-making
- Building systems that break—not just reduce—the cycle of poverty
Carmen’s journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most, with heart and intention.To catch up on past episodes or stay updated with new ones, visit csgadvisors.com/podcast or follow us on Spotify. We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more empowering stories from women shaping the future of affordable housing.
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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.