Background
My name is Lynn Peterson and I am originally from Connecticut, living in Hartford and then Marlborough. My early childhood experiences shaped my interest in urban planning. In Hartford, we lived in a solid neighborhood where children played in the backyards, rode bikes to the park, and chatted with older neighbors on their front porches. Marlborough was more rural, and had woods to explore and a lake, but required buses to go to school and was difficult to connect with friends after school. Comparing the pros and cons of the two places I lived made me think about how communities were or weren’t designed for walkability and interaction. I have always been passionate about social justice and I made the connection early on that where people live and how cities and towns were segregated by physical design, has a great deal to do with attitudes people have from lack of connection with one another.
I moved to Boston for college and stayed in Massachusetts where I live with my husband. We have three adult children and a grandchild. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, and volunteering.
Professional Journey
I worked as a live-in personal care attendant for some of my time in college. My first job out of undergrad was at AgeSpan (previously called Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley) working as a congregate housing coordinator for seniors and providing case management to seniors in independent housing. These two experiences made the connection between availability of services in housing and the ability to live independently.
At Tufts, I learned technical skills and policy, and had hands-on assignments and internships. I interned with the city of Boston in the planning department. One of my assignments was to assist Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, a community organizing group that was taking control of development in their neighborhood, with inventorying, mapping and researching ownership of vacant parcels, and to interview residents and merchants about their visions for the community.
I was hired as a project manager for the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development, a non-profit that provided consulting to service-oriented non-profits. Over 20 years I was able to work with 45 organizations on planning and development of residential programs and supportive housing. I held many roles including assistant director, director of strategic initiatives, and real estate director.
My current position at NeighborWorks America, moved me from the micro-level of development to a macro-perspective of community development. I coordinate our services to the NeighborWorks network and external partners. In this role, I also facilitate learning cohorts and peer groups, and organize forums and trainings which means I am always learning and engaged in stimulating work.
What has been one of your most memorable and/or biggest learning lesson in your position?
One role I have particularly enjoyed is developing the Advancing Leaders in Real Estate, a cohort for new affordable housing project managers. We recruit mentors from our staff and the field, offer monthly topics with guest speakers, and provide in-person and online training from NeighborWorks America’s training program. As for a learning lesson, I try to keep in mind that the community development leaders have a lot on their plates and NeighborWorks is but one of their many funders and networks. We need to always listen and adapt our services to match the current needs.
What is one advice you'd share with individuals transitioning or entering into this sector?
Explore all the possible roles – community engagement, neighborhood or regional planning, policy, development, government or non-profit lending, teaching. You can move from one role to another. What excites you most? How can one position set you up for the next one? It is an exciting field but also difficult, I recommend finding ways to connect with others who can offer support and guidance.
Advancing Leaders in Real Estate cohort at their graduation in Washington DC (September 2023)