Columbus, OH, June 13, 2024 – The Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN) named Maia Cooper, Vice President – Development, Woda Cooper Companies, Inc., as the 2024 Female Champion. The award recognizes a top female leader in the affordable housing industry. Ms. Cooper received the award at WAHN’s Summit 2024 held June 9-11 in Atlanta.
WAHN leaders indicated that Ms. Cooper, “overwhelmingly won” the award based on submitted statements about her human decency and kindness, dedication in helping others, and initiative to write Everybody Deserves a Home, a children’s book that helps explain the need for affordable housing and ways that it is addressed.
Ms. Cooper coordinates Woda Cooper’s development activities in Virginia, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Texas, and assists with many development projects across the company’s 17 state footprint. Among her duties: she assists with site selection, reviewing and executing site control documents for new development projects, completing tax credit and various financing applications, and she interacts almost daily with state housing agencies.
“Maia is dedicated to advancing the cause of women in affordable housing and related professions. She is passionate about hiring, mentoring, promoting, and otherwise advancing the cause of women in the workplace. Her award is well deserved,” said Woda Cooper Companies’ President David Cooper, Jr.
Meeting and hearing the stories of residents, community partners, and public servants prompted Ms. Cooper to write Everybody Deserves a Home. The book is a rhyming story for children full of inspiring illustrations and impactful scenes. The animal characters in the book come from very different walks of life but learn about struggles and obstacles in finding a safe, affordable, and accessible home. The book emphasizes that housing isn’t one size fits all and that homes must cater to unique needs.
Jeffrey J. Woda, the affordable housing company’s Chief Visionary Officer, also expressed congratulations. “Maia’s impact in affordable housing is seen daily in our company, in her work with our partners, and across the industry, including in the reception of her book, Everybody Deserves a Home,” said Mr. Woda. “We are proud of recognition by the Women’s Affordable Housing Network.”
Ms. Cooper received a B.A. in History and a B.A. in French from Chapman University, magna cum laude, and a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.
Caption: Maia Cooper (at right in photo), Vice President, Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. was named the Female Champion for the affordable housing industry by the Women’s Affordable Housing Network. The award was presented at the organization’s recent Summit 2024 held June 9-11 in Atlanta. Ms. Cooper was joined at the conference by Woda Cooper Development Specialist Sophia Paulick (left).
About Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN)
The Women’s Affordable Housing Network is a dynamic community of individuals, organizations, and advocates committed to advancing affordable housing initiatives across the country. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and empowerment, WAHN strives to create a future where safe, affordable housing is accessible to all. Learn more here: Website.
About Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and its affiliates specialize in the development, design, construction, and management of high-quality affordable multi-family communities, senior communities, and single-family homes. The company was founded in 1990 and now has operations in 17 states and a portfolio of 330 communities and 16,000 units operating or under construction. Green building is standard with certifications including Passive House, Zero Energy Ready Homes, LEED, Enterprise Green, EarthCraft, and ENERGY STAR. Woda Cooper Companies has offices in Savannah, GA; Indianapolis, IN; Shelbyville, KY; Queenstown, MD; Mackinaw City, MI; Columbus, OH; and Norfolk, VA. Affordable Housing Finance magazine ranks Woda Cooper Companies 8th in nation among Developers and 22nd among Owners.
