S2Ep17: Karen Speakman and Jennifer Lawson with NeighborGood Partners

The 302 Podcast

About NeighborGood Partners

NeighborGood Partners is a nonprofit affordable housing and community development organization. Our mission is to strengthen communities through housing, lending, and education. We provide homeownership, financial education, and foreclosure prevention services throughout Delaware. We are also a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that lends for affordable housing and community facilities, a housing development consultant, and involved with housing development throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. As the Northeast Regional TA provider for the USDA Self-Help Housing program, we cover 21 states. All are successful resources to advance communities region wide.

Karen Speakman, the Executive Director of NeighborGood Partners, brings over four decades of dedication and expertise in affordable housing and community development to her role. Since stepping into executive leadership in 2018, she has skillfully managed a team of 45 and an operating budget of $6.5 million, driving the nonprofit's mission to fortify communities through innovative housing, lending, and financial educational services. Starting her journey at NeighborGood Partners (formerly NCALL) as a Housing Specialist before rising to Deputy Director, Karen has been pivotal in developing 46 rental housing complexes, overseeing the Real Estate Development line of business, the Restoring Central Dover initiative, as well as Homeownership Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, and Stand by Me financial coaching—plus advocating for impactful public policy—at both federal and state levels. Her academic foundation in Urban Affairs from the University of Virginia, coupled with her partnership among various housing and redevelopment organizations, underscores her commitment to creating equitable housing solutions.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Karen is a proud resident of Dover whose personal life mirrors her professional values of community improvement and social advocacy. Her engagement in activities like pickleball, volunteering at church, and a book club reveals a lighter side to her, offering a glimpse into her interests and hobbies outside of her demanding career. Karen's story is not just one of professional success but also of personal passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, making her a true inspiration in the field of community development and affordable housing.

Jennifer Lawson, Marketing and Communications Manager, has a robust background that spans over 23 years. Her role at NeighborGood Partners combines her creative service experience with her innovative approach to marketing. Jennifer is at the heart of the organization's communication initiatives, spearheading the rollout of the NeighborGood Partners brand and marketing strategies. Spreading the word about the services that NeighborGood Partners offers to our local and regional communities, her proven track record of success is a testament to her ability to not only conceive creative solutions but to implement them effectively, driving forward the mission of NeighborGood Partners in affordable housing, lending, and financial education.

Away from her professional endeavors, Jennifer's life is full of vibrancy and community engagement. Residing in Smyrna with her family, her love for learning and creativity extends into her personal hobbies as well; she is an avid podcast listener, sports mom, and an artist who finds joy in expressing herself through various mediums.