.png?width=5280&height=2970&name=Candace%20V.%20%20(2).png)
Baton Rouge, LA —The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) is thrilled to announce Candace Valenzuela, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Southwest Region, as the closing speaker for the 2024 State Housing Conference. The event, which will be held on October 28, 2024, at The Baton Rouge Capitol Hilton, promises to be an exciting gathering of housing professionals, policymakers, and community leaders.
Candace Valenzuela, appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration in April 2022, oversees HUD operations across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico and 118 Recognized Native American communities from her base in Fort Worth. As one of HUD's ten regional administrators, she plays a crucial role in managing federal housing assistance and ensuring effective administration of housing policies across the Southwest region.
RA Valenzuela's career is a testament to her deep commitment to public service and community empowerment. Growing up with experiences of food and housing insecurity, she credits HUD and public education with providing her family the stability they needed. Her journey from these challenging beginnings to becoming the first in her family to graduate college underscores her dedication to advocating for others.
Prior to her current role, RA Valenzuela was an influential voice on the Carrollton-Farmers Branch school board, where she made history as the first Latina and first Black woman to serve. Her efforts focused on ensuring affordable housing for educators and strengthening educational opportunities for students.
“RA Valenzuela’s personal and professional journey exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated public service can have on communities,” says Marjorianna Willman, LHC Executive Director, “When we consider her past experience as a development manager for Metrocrest Services and now her work as the HUD Regional Administrator, her commitment to combating hunger, housing insecurity, and unemployment her unwavering commitment to service and changing lives is evident.”
As the closing speaker at the LHC’s 2024 State Housing Conference, RA Valenzuela will share her insights on advancing housing equity and the importance of federal and local partnerships in addressing housing challenges. Her participation will provide valuable perspectives and inspire attendees to continue their efforts in creating sustainable and inclusive housing solutions.
For more information about the conference and to register, please visit www.LouisianaHousingConference.com
About the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)
The Louisiana Housing Corporation is dedicated to promoting and ensuring affordable housing opportunities for all Louisiana residents. Through various programs, services, and partnerships, the LHC addresses housing needs, supports community development, and fosters economic growth across the state.
Media Contact:
LHC Conference Team
Louisiana Housing Corporation
225.763.8700