NYC Profiles: Ericka Keller-Wala CEO Of Brisa Builders Making An Impact In Affordable Housing

Ericka-and-Brisa-Image-for-Feature-800x500.jpg

Having been a graduate of New York University, Brooklyn College, and the College of St. Rose, not only earned Ericka K Wala remarkable credentials, but she was also able to gain a true sense of being involved in various community affairs. After a decade of working for the NYC Department of Education, Ericka Wala decided to apply her skillset to add value to the construction and development business her family built.

Ericka expanded the company’s reputation as a HUD 202 General Contractor by building senior housing for faith-based sponsors and transformed the organization to one that would build on the growth of affordable housing with faith-based establishments and religious partners.

Wala has received numerous awards and certifications during the progression of both of her careers that include:

  • The 2009 Queens Rotary Club “Unsung Hero Award”

  • The 2010 NYS Senate “Constituent of the Month Citation”

  • The 2012 National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) “Woman of the Year Award”

  • The 2015 Mayor Hall -Village of Hempstead “Woman of the Year Award”

  • The 2016 “General Contractor and Emerging Developer of the Year Award” from the New York State Association of Minority Contractors

The above-listed awards do not include the many recognitions and honors she has received for non- profit and for profit affordable housing efforts.

Ericka K. Wala of Brisa Builders Brings Affordable Housing Development to Brownsville

Between being a resident of several NYC communities, and the skillset and compassion she developed as a teacher, Ericka has become a true staple in community development and renaissance.

One of Wala’s most recent projects involves the erection of a 230-unit affordable housing building that will also include an addition of commercial units being built in the Brownsville community where Wala grew up. This development will provide housing to low-income seniors, formerly homeless families, and low-income residents.

Situated in the corner of Brownsville, Brooklyn where Christopher Avenue meets Glenmore Avenue, this venture will be led by a team of developers which includes the teams at Brisa Builders, Lemle & Wolff, and the African American Planning Commission, Inc. (AAPC).

The new development will feature 20,000 sq. ft. of new community and commercial space where the Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union will call home. Moreover, locals will be able to enjoy a new sit-down restaurant, along with a salon that will be managed by a cosmetics establishment that is owned by a local resident.

The new location will also dedicate space to the Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (CBEDC), and other associates who will inflate their programming for young business owners and deliver services for entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations.

New York City salutes Ericka Keller- Wala!

Read original article here.

Paper Plus Rocket