HAND Collaborative Emerging Leaders Committee

The HAND Collaborative Emerging Leaders Committee is a group of professionals from diverse fields who meaningfully engage the issue of affordable housing and help support Nevada HAND’s mission through ambassadorship, volunteering, and advocacy.  

Who are HAND Collaborative members?

If you are a passionate professional in Southern Nevada looking to make a meaningful impact, you’re the perfect fit. This is an opportunity to enhance your understanding of affordable housing, widen your professional circles, and refine your leadership skills through philanthropy. 

Applications for the 2024 cohort have closed. We will open applications for next year’s group in early 2025. Click here to join the interest list.

Membership Benefits 

  • Expert-led education about affordable housing. 
  • A behind-the-scenes view of Nevada HAND’s mission in action. 
  • Unique volunteer opportunities. 
  • Service leadership experience. 
  • Opportunity to make a measurable positive impact on your community. 
  • A small cohort, to support quality connections and member engagement. 
  • Networking opportunities with community leaders, non-profit executives, and elected officials. 

Member Expectations 

  • Make a $100 philanthropic contribution to Nevada HAND’s Resident Services Program.  
  • Attend all meetings and events. 
  • Take an active role as a fundraising ambassador at the Nevada HAND Block Party on October 3, 2024.  
  • Build the knowledge and confidence to act as an advocate for affordable housing and Nevada HAND. 

Schedule of Meetings and Events 

  • May 31 Kick Off Your Service: overview of affordable housing and Nevada HAND’s work, including a community tour. Afternoon meeting, 90 minutes, in person, location to be announced. 
  • June 28 Deepen Your Knowledge: learn about our Resident Services program and get a behind-the-scenes view of a construction site. Afternoon meeting, 90 minutes, in person, location to be announced. 
  • July 29 Volunteer at a Grand Opening Event: attend and help support the grand opening of a new Nevada HAND community. Morning event, timing to be announced, in person, location to be announced. 
  • August 23 Learn More About Service Leadership: coffee and conversation with a Nevada HAND Board Member. Morning meeting, 1 hour, in person, location to be announced. 
  • September 13 Cohort Social Event: members will enjoy special access to a local high-profile entertainment event. Evening event, 2 – 3 hours, in person, location to be announced. 
  • September 27 Prepare to be an Effective Ambassador: education and training for your fundraising ambassador role at the Nevada HAND Block Party. Afternoon meeting, 45 minutes, on Zoom. 
  • October 3 Make an Impact as a Fundraising Ambassador at the Nevada HAND Block Party. 5:00pm – 7:30pm, Symphony Park at The Smith Center. 
  • October 25 Reflect, Connect, and Celebrate: closing meeting including a conversation with Nevada HAND leaders, group feedback on your experience, and social time. Afternoon/evening meeting, ~2 hours, in person, location to be announced. 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Fair Representation 

Nevada HAND is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion, in which differences in age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other characteristics that make each person unique are embraced and encouraged.  

Welcome, 2024 HAND Collaborative Cohort members!

We are looking forward to a great series of meetings and events in 2024, and we are proud to have you as ambassadors!

  • Tynesha Armstead, Membership Consultant, Archwell Health
  • Hernan Alvarez-Sanchez, Regional Political Director, Harris for President
  • Tracey Cole-Smalley, Mathematics Instructor/Club Advisor/Team Lead, Clark County School District
  • Sasha David, CDL Driver, Amazon
  • Jae Dillard, Realtor, eXp Realty
  • Anna Ladao, Market Point Sales Representative, Humana; Commissioner on Aging, State of Nevada
  • Clayton Neilsen, Project Director/Senior Project Manager, ARDURRA
  • Dallas Outlaw, Education Specialist, Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada
  • Heather Shoop, MSW, Assistant Manager, HRSA Grants Project Director, Clark County Social Service, Office of HIV
  • Jonathan Sussman, Owner/Manager, JDS Projects; Realtor, Gavish Real Estate & Property Management and TwinRock Partners
  • Nolga Valdez, Benefit Services Outreach Manager, Three Square

Thank you to our 2023 Inaugural HAND Collaborative Cohort!

A special thank you to the members of the inaugural HAND Collaborative Cohort in 2023! We had a fantastic experience working with all of you. Thank you for your engagement and investment in Nevada HAND. We are proud to have you as ambassadors!

  • Rina Foster, Founder + CEO, 84 Communications
  • Tanner Hale, Executive Director, Young Democrats of Nevada
  • Jill Lamonte, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
  • Malika El Bakkal Lees, Vice President, Community Manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Jilian Lopez, AVP of Community Engagement, HCA Far West Division
  • Mishon Montgomery, USAF Veteran; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Speaker, Trainer, Coach
  • Eduardo Nava, Police Sergeant, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
  • Sheyla Pierre, Director of Equity Development and Community Engagement, Roseman University of Health Sciences
  • Amir Zamani, Senior Acquisitions & Dispositions Analyst, AMH