I am Namulinda Lester, a passionate advocate for cooperative housing and social equity. I bring a blend of knowledge, leadership, and a deep commitment to community development through my experience in affordable housing administration and arts management. Working as a co-op housing Manager and serving on the Board of the Cooperative Housing Federation of Toronto has given me a solid experience in representing and serving members of the cooperative movement.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to accessible and sustainable housing options for marginalized communities, focusing on approaches that support and uplift individuals facing housing insecurity. I have worked on the operational and strategic aspects of affordable housing, overseeing policy development, and management systems. My experience with governance and oversight has strengthened my ability to contribute to organizations that prioritize accountability and transparency in their operations.

In my current role with Nia Centre for the Arts, I supported the renovation of Canada’s first professional multi-disciplinary Black arts centre, ensuring that the organization’s capital project aligned with its strategic goals – creating a safe space for Black youth and emerging artists to explore their artistic passions. This experience strengthened my project management capacity, equipped me with strong financial literacy and governance skills, as well as a deep understanding of the importance of strategic planning to drive long term success. I am especially committed to creating environments where diverse voices are heard, where collaboration is key, and where policies reflect the lived realities of those we serve.

I have firsthand experience how co-ops can make a difference in people’s lives because I grew up in Riverdale Co-operative and I remain a member over 20 years later. When my family moved to Toronto in 2002 after many years overseas the co-op provided us a stable and affordable home in a diverse, welcoming community. When the time came, after eight years in the co-op, the CHFT Diversity Scholarship was important to my success in university.

I have a strong commitment to the values of cooperation, and equity, which resonate deeply with my own lived experiences. I believe that diverse perspectives and lived experiences are essential in creating meaningful and impactful policies that truly reflect the needs of the people they serve. I am passionate about contributing to CHF Canada’s mission of strengthening a united co-operative housing movement across the country.

I bring to the table my expertise in strategic oversight, policy development, and community engagement, as well as my dedication to the principles of governance, financial accountability, and sustainability. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a movement that enables affordable, sustainable, and inclusive housing solutions for Canadians. I am committed to supporting CHF Canada’s vision of creating communities that are not only affordable but also equitable, vibrant, and resilient.