OUR TEAM

As the visionary behind HPP Cares CDE, and HOUZD Construction and Development- a subsidiary company of HPP Cares, Katherine spearheads strategic initiatives that aim to dismantle barriers to affordable housing  opportunities for BIPOC Communities. With an unwavering commitment to social justice, Katherine champions matters related to housing the unhoused, advocating for affordable housing, and financial literacy for low- and moderateincome BIPOC homeowners. Additionally, she is all about enhancing access to ADU design, financing, and construction, and empowering underserved communities to create generational wealth. Katherine’s leadership
embodies a profound dedication to equity and empowerment in every endeavor.

Gabriela brings 24 years of managerial and real estate expertise. Her dynamic personality, problem-
solving skills, and fluency in English and Spanish enable her to efficiently handle office and client

matters. As a Home Retention Specialist, ADU Specialist, and DRE Licensed agent, Gabriela recently
completed the NACBA Paralegal Bootcamp 2020-2023. With her extensive background and dedication
to excellence, she plays a pivotal role in HPP Cares’ operations, ensuring seamless service delivery
and client satisfaction.

Estefany’s skills are not limited to her HPP Cares receptionist and administrator roles; she is a team
leader, a problem solver, and a dedicated professional contributing to the success and growth of HPP
Cares. Proficient in English and Spanish, with software proficiency, excellent administrative skills, and
experience in the retail sector, Estefany has honed her customer service skills to deliver exceptional
service to a diverse clientele. Her dynamic background, positive energy, and commitment make her a
valuable member of HPP Cares, contributing success and efficiency to the team.

With over 20 years in communications, HPP Cares’ Director of Stakeholder Relations and Outreach,
Mpume, brings extensive experience to the role. A former print and radio journalist, corporate materials
developer, and editor, she possesses diverse corporate communications expertise. Her commitment to
affordable housing has seen her qualify as an ADU Specialist and HUD-Certified Housing Counselor.
Her extensive professional journey has not only honed her skills but has also fostered in her a profound
adaptability, tolerance, and a deep understanding of cultural, age, and personality diversity.

Motivated by her commitment to seeing people housed properly, Diana joined HPP Cares as an
Administrative Assistant. However, her dedication and proficiency have propelled her to excel in her
current role within the Invoicing Department, where she efficiently manages invoicing processes and
compiling essential financial reports. Additionally, Diana assists with microloan documentation. Notably,
she is a certified ADU Specialist, underscoring her multifaceted contributions to HPP Cares’ mission of
fostering accessible and sustainable housing solutions.

Genesis serves as HPP Cares’ receptionist, invoice processor, and production assistant. Beyond
these responsibilities, she is a certified ADU Specialist, and is dedicated to refining her skills as a
Manufactured Housing Specialist. As a vital member of the Invoicing team, Genesis provides exemplary
support to clients throughout their ADU projects. Her goal is to facilitate a seamless and stress-free
experience, ensuring payments are handled efficiently and promptly. Genesis’s unwavering commitment
contributes significantly to fostering positive experiences for clients with HPP Cares.

Having assumed a few positions within the organization, HPP Cares Account Manager, Brittany, has
gained extensive knowledge about affordable housing. Her willingness to learn and grow has seen her
move from receptionist, to managing quality control, to ADU Expert.
Her quiet but resilient demeanor, even-tempered personality, and her proficiency in English and
Spanish, see her delivering great service to clients making her a great asset to the organization.

HPP Cares Account Manager, Nancy Ruiz, gently and successfully handholds clients as they navigate
their ADU projects journey, employing skills she learnt from years of experience in the customer service
and counselling fields. Her proficiency in English and Spanish, also makes it easy for her to connect with
clients in their preferred language. Nancy recently qualified as an ADU Specialist. She has her eyes set
on the Manufactured Housing Sales, and HUD Housing Counselor qualifications.

Emily, the long serving member of the HPP Cares team, manages critical areas of our organization such
as the Grant & Contract Administration, Property Management, and Microloans. With a keen eye for
grants that align with our mission, she identifies vital funding opportunities. Emily navigates the microloan
process with efficiency and care, providing swift assistance to interested clients. Her commitment to
ongoing learning ensures top-tier service delivery. With her meticulous attention to detail, problem-solving
prowess, and unwavering dedication to excellence, Emily stands as an invaluable asset to our team.

With over 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry, I’ve joined HPP Cares as a Housing Advisor.
My background in the mortgage industry as a Mortgage Loan Processor, Retention and Loss Mitigation
Expert has enabled me to assist hundreds of homeowners in retaining their properties, perfectly aligning
with HPP Cares’ mission and vision to House People Properly and preventing people of displacement.
Additionally, being bilingual in English and Spanish allows me to serve a wider range of clients
effectively. I am committed to making a meaningful impact within our community through HPP Cares.

Karen oversees payment documentation for homeowners, contractors, suppliers, and municipalities.
This involves meticulous verification of documents to ensure accuracy and compliance. Her role extends
beyond just document verification; she actively communicates with relevant stakeholders to provide
timely information, address concerns, and facilitate smooth interactions among all involved parties.
With a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity, Karen plays a crucial role
in the seamless execution of payment processes, fostering trust and efficiency in every aspect of her
responsibilities.

Yolanda plays a pivotal role as the on-site property manager for multiple properties in Southern
California, overseen by HPP CARES and HOUZD, to provide vital support for housing insecure
individuals. She coordinates site viewings for prospective participants, maintains the upkeep of these
properties, and manages the application process. Yolanda’s efforts are instrumental in ensuring that
individuals have access to the resources and support they need to secure stable affordable housing in
the Southern California area.

Omar Chavez is a bilingual real estate appraiser with 20+ years of experience. Known for his seamless
transactions and tailored solutions, he’s earned a reputation for integrity and exceptional service. Fluent
in English and Spanish, Omar’s expertise spans residential, commercial, and ADU specialties, making
him the go-to advisor for buyers, sellers, and investors. With a deep understanding of market trends
and a commitment to excellence, he exceeds expectations by providing personalized support. Whether
buying, selling, or investing, Omar Chavez is your trusted partner for successful real estate valuation.

Lyzza is a creative and experienced Social Media Specialist with over 4 years of experience in the
industry. She is proficient in various design software and most of all she has a strong understanding of
social media marketing principles. Her role includes, among other things, designing and creating HPP
Cares graphics for social media, marketing materials, and managing social media accounts and creating
engaging content.

Tyson brings unparalleled expertise to HOUZD Construction and Development, a subsidiary of HPP
Cares. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for quality craftsmanship, he ensures that every project
is done to specification. As a valued member of the HPP Cares family, he embodies the company’s
commitment to excellence and innovation in affordable housing solutions.

Wayne, a diligent Construction Contractor, recently joined HOUZD Construction and Development,
a subsidiary of HPP Cares. With a proven track record of excellence in housing construction, Wayne
brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. His commitment to quality craftsmanship
and attention to detail are evident in every project he undertakes. Wayne’s dedication to delivering
superior results aligns seamlessly with the mission of HOUZD Construction and Development, making
him an invaluable addition to the team.

Ebony Richardson comes to HPP Cares with over 20 years of experience supporting underserved communities. A two-time graduate of California State University Dominguez Hills, she started her career in the non-profit sector at the Coalition for Responsible Community Development, leading youth advocacy, education, career placement, health services, and coordinating residential services for unhoused adults, seniors, and transitional age youth. After Coalition For Responsible Community Development, Ebony worked as the Senior Program Associate for Social Action Partners and the Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc. where she managed large projects for Blue Shield of California, Los Angeles Community College District, and the County of Los Angeles. 

Bringing 10+ years of savvy customer service and administrative experience, London is a dynamic addition to our team. With a degree in sociology, she’s all about community vibes and opening doors for those who need it most. A true Los Angeles native, London is a passionate advocate for her city, always pushing to make a positive impact and uplift the people around her.

An entrepreneurial and driven real estate professional with a talent for building relationships and
identifying business opportunities to grow revenue and improve operations. She has strong planning
and project management skills with a focus on achieving deadlines while maintaining quality.

Stephanie, bilingual in Spanish and English, is a skilled and experienced general contractor with over 12
years combined experience in the property management and construction fields. Her expertise in Fair
Housing Laws and property maintenance makes her a valued asset to HPP Cares. Stephanie is known
for her meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership skills, and ability to deliver projects on time and
within budget.

Jennifer is HOUZD’s Interior Stylist. She specializes in curating interior finishes for ADUs - helping
clients pick or decide on the finishes for their recently completed ADUs or suggest upgrades where
applicable, transforming clients’ visions into reality. With Jennifer’s expertise, every ADU becomes a
sanctuary of style and comfort, reflecting the unique personality and preferences of its occupants.

Jasmin makes a profound impact, empowering homeowners one ADU at a time. As a Certified ADU
Specialist and sales expert, she guides clients through the intricacies of ADU’ing with fervor. In addition
to ADU sales, she’s an LA realtor, she excels with investors, which propelled her into the luxury market
orchestrating multi-million-dollar transactions. Jasmin’s sales journey, which commenced in 2019,
embodies commitment, delivering results, and a genuine passion for turning clients’ dreams into reality
at HOUZD, a subsidiary of HPP Cares.