Two Exceptional Kathy A. Possinger Housing Policy Fellows Selected for 2025

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) recently announced the selection of Jessica Aviva and Marrea Walker-Smith as the 2025 recipients of the prestigious Kathy A. Possinger Housing Policy Fellowship. This fellowship is aimed at fostering innovative research that supports the affordable housing sector. Each fellow will receive annual funding of up to $12,000 to conduct their research.

Importance of the Fellowship

PHFA Executive Director Robin Wiessmann emphasized the significance of the fellowship, highlighting its role in cultivating future leaders in the housing policy arena. He stated, “We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation of housing thought-leaders, and this fellowship helps to do that.” Over the past five years, the program has compiled an essential collection of original research that benefits housing professionals across Pennsylvania.

Meet Jessica Aviva

Jessica Aviva, the founding director of The Fruition Coalition, has a rich background in organizational leadership. Her previous role as a senior advisor at Hailstone Economic, a prominent small business in Scranton, showcased her dedication to facilitating sustainable community improvements. With a doctorate in organizational leadership and multiple degrees in sociology, nonprofit management, and marketing, Aviva has made significant contributions to regional housing initiatives.

Her research will investigate fair housing access in rural Pennsylvania, particularly as urban residents seek affordable homes in these areas. Aviva aims to provide rural communities with research-based tools to protect the fair housing rights of new residents, highlighting the growing importance of inclusive policies in these transitioning spaces.

Introducing Marrea Walker-Smith

The second fellow, Marrea Walker-Smith, is a multi-talented educator currently designing business courses for Devon Preparatory School. She has extensive experience as a consultant with various housing authorities and has served in several capacities within Chester city government for over 17 years. Walker-Smith holds multiple master's degrees and is on her way to completing a doctoral dissertation that aligns with her interests as a PHFA fellow.

Walker-Smith’s selected research will focus on the barriers faced by African Americans living in low-income housing developments when striving for financial independence. Her studies will lead to the creation of a financial literacy workshop and e-book to empower residents of Chester's low-income housing by enhancing their understanding of financial decision-making.

The Fellowship's Legacy

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the fellowship, which was renamed in honor of Kathy A. Possinger, an eminent figure in affordable housing policy. Possinger dedicated over 20 years to advocating for housing solutions that benefit underserved communities throughout Pennsylvania.

Conclusion

The contributions of Jessica Aviva and Marrea Walker-Smith through their research are poised to make a profound impact on the affordable housing sector in Pennsylvania. Their unique backgrounds and focus areas demonstrate the commitment of PHFA to foster innovative solutions in housing policy, paving the way for a more inclusive future. With the funding and support provided by the fellowship, both fellows are equipped to conduct valuable research that can benefit policymakers and the communities they serve.