Post by Community Housing Innovations

For Women’s History Month, CHI would like to honor Lena Anderson, CHI Board Member and Community Advocate. As an educator and an advocate, Lena has dedicated her life to serving her community.  Born in White Plains, New York, she graduated from White Plains HS in 1956 in the top 10% of her class.  Lena is a lifetime learner, earning her Master’s in Special Education from Coppin State University, her Juris Doctor from NY Law School, and a Master's in Administration and Supervision. After 30 years of service, Lena retired from the Greenburgh School District in 2008.  She is now an Education Consultant for Legacy Partners NYC.   Lena is the Past-President and Gold Life Member of the White Plains/Greenburgh Branch of the NAACP.  Under her leadership, the branch forged the national agenda under the seven “Game Changers.” Lena has called attention to the inequality and mistreatment of African-Americans in all aspects of our society, including ensuring police accountability; partnered with White Plains to obtain body cameras; and now focuses on Economic Empowerment and Sustainability as the chairperson of that NAACP committee.   Lena is a member of Bethel Baptist Church for the past 60 years and has been integrally involved in the life of the church. She has been the Director of Christian Education for eight years. “Justice Ministry” is her vocation, and her love of God permeates everything she does.   Lena is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  As a GOLD Member, former President, and Chartering member of Pi Iota Omega Chapter, White Plains, she continues to participate in the life of the sorority as a servant, spiritual mentor, and advocate for the service programs of Pi Iota Omega that render “Service to all Mankind.”  In 2020, she was awarded the Betty Shabazz Trailblazer Award by the Westchester County African American Advisory Board with proclamations from senators and legislators. Among her many awards, Lena also received the Excellence in Citizenship Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Regional Conference, the Women’s League of Voters Citizenship Award, and being honored by the Juneteenth Committee of White Plains for her community service.  Lena’s commitment to fair housing is reflected in her service as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Community Housing Innovations (CHI). This non-profit organization provides housing for the homeless and provides services to support and encourage their transition into permanent housing and homeownership.   Although Lena has received many awards and honors over the years, she gives GOD the Glory. Her appreciation for life and justice go hand in hand with the teachings of Jesus.  Through life’s disappointments and victories, she presses towards the mark as she holds onto the words of Paul “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His pleasure”. (Philippians 2:13)