Mission Success: Scaling Impact Through Resident Services

April 21, 2026

Podcasts Affordable Housing Featured National More Operations & Technology

In this podcast hosted by MHN’s Laura Valean, Rebecca Ely of Operation Pathways reflects on navigating leadership as a woman and driving change in affordable housing.

From fighting food insecurity to advancing housing affordability, Rebecca Ely has built her path around one core idea: Real change happens when you connect resources with the people who need them most and invite others to step into that mission.

Now Director of Resource Development at Operation Pathways, the resident services arm of The NHP Foundation, Ely operates at the crossroads of affordable housing, philanthropy and community impact. But her story goes far beyond strategy and funding models. With a background that includes serving as vice president of institutional advancement for Jubilee Housing, along with other leadership roles, she brings extensive experience in nonprofit management and fundraising.

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In this episode of Mission Success: Women in Multifamily, MHN’s Laura Valean sits down with Ely to explore what leadership actually looks like behind the scenes, from navigating expectations as a woman in the industry to now contributing to a broader shift where resident services are finally being recognized as essential, not optional.

The conversation also reveals a more personal dimension: how leadership evolves alongside life itself. As a mother of two teenagers, Ely reflects on setting boundaries and what it takes to stay intentional with her time and energy.

Tune in for a discussion on impact, leadership and building a career with purpose in the affordable housing sector.

Here’s what you’ll hear about: