Kathy Makino-Leipsitz has dedicated her career to redefining affordable housing as a foundation for stronger families and healthier communities. Inspired by her own childhood experience of financial hardship after her father became permanently disabled, she developed a deep understanding of how income insecurity impacts every aspect of life. That experience shaped her mission to create safe, well-designed housing where people can live with dignity, stability, and pride.

Kathy believes affordable housing is directly connected to solving broader social challenges, including healthcare costs, food insecurity, income inequality, and child welfare Her work focuses on building communities that give families the opportunity to thrive rather than simply survive. For Kathy, affordable housing is not about lowering standards, it is about raising lives. She is passionate about creating environments where residents feel secure, supported, and empowered to build better futures for themselves and their communities..