Next City isn’t just a news website, we are a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire social, economic and environmental change in cities. Part of how we do that is by connecting our readers to urban changemakers and holding an annual Vanguard conference bringing together 40 top young urban leaders. R. Denise Everson is a member of the 2014 Vanguard class.
Name: R. Denise Everson
Current Occupation: Sustainability Lead, DC Housing Authority
Hometown: Decatur, GA
Current City: Washington, DC
Twitter Tag: @rdenise80
I drink: tea
I am an: extrovert
I get to work by: car
The area I grew up is: suburbs
What was your first job? Working at the Atlanta Braves Stadium during the 1996 Olympics
What is your favorite city and why? Dubai. The people, food, shopping and weather are amazing.
What do you do when you are not working? Volunteer with my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta
Everson in Dubai, UAE
What do you like most about your current job? In my current position, I craft affordable housing policy, design quality homes, and leave a mark on future generations. It is so cool!
What is the coolest project you worked on? I am working on a net-positive energy project at Langston Terrace Dwellings, DC’s first public housing site.
What are the hard parts about your job? Not being able to replicate myself. I want to sprinkle a bit of me on more projects, but there is just not enough time.
What is the biggest challenge facing cities today? Lack of affordable housing for blue-collar workers and the teachers, fire fighters and police officers who serve the public.
What makes a successful leader? His or her ability to display empathy, build trust and garner support of those around her or him.
What’s the best professional advice you have received? Send thank-you notes after an interview.
Langston Terrace, Washington DC – 1930’s
Who do you most admire? My mom, a psychologist currently in Seminary.
What do you look for when hiring someone? Stickability: A history of loyalty to a an idea, person, profession or career.
What career advice would you give an emerging urban leader? Do not burn bridges, green them!