Stop Asking for a Seat. Start Building the Table. Season 2 — Episode 8
Season 2 — Episode 8
Stop Asking for a Seat. Start Building the Table.
Ever feel like your career took a wild turn? Here’s how Julienne ended up transforming housing policy against all odds.
In this episode of EmpowHER Podcast, hosts Nicole Graham and Tanya Dempsey sit down with Julienne Joseph, MBA, Senior Vice President of Single Family Programs at the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency, to discuss her journey through housing finance, policy, leadership, and public service.
With more than two decades of experience across government, nonprofit, and private sector housing finance, Julienne has held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore. Her career has been shaped by a people-centered approach to housing, from her early work as a loan officer and housing counselor to her leadership in national housing policy.
Her journey into housing finance was purely accidental. She started as an intern in public relations, but after 9/11, she found herself pivoting entirely. A chance opportunity as a loan officer assistant opened the door to a field she never planned to enter. Along the way, she developed a passion for making a difference in affordable housing, and learned that policy should stem from the real experiences of people, especially those affected by housing crises.
They discuss:
• The importance of homebuyer education and housing counseling
• How failure can build confidence, humility, and clarity
• Leading with empathy during moments of national crisis
• Why authentic leadership matters, especially for women and women of color
• The power of building your own table instead of waiting for a seat
The key? Listening to communities instead of dictating policies from above. It’s about empathy and understanding the needs of those we serve.
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The views, opinions, and statements expressed by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not represent the views or opinions of CSG or any of its associated persons. CSG does not endorse, adopt, or verify the accuracy of any statements made by podcast guests. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute municipal advisory, financial, legal, or investment advice. Nothing discussed in this episode should be construed as a solicitation or recommendation of any kind. CSG Advisors is currently registered as a Municipal Advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.
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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