March 11, 2025–Oakland, CA
Kayla Brons is a 2024-2025 Merritt Scholar studying for her M.A. in Urban and Regional Planning, set to graduate June 2025. She is currently working at the McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity as a Grant and Policy Writer.
- Why did you apply to Merritt Scholars?
After working for four years in the affordable housing industry, I pursued an Urban and Regional Planning graduate program to gain a deeper understanding of housing policy and affordable housing solutions. I applied to Merritt Scholars to engage with California’s affordable housing network, find mentors in the field, and connect with fellow housing-enthusiast peers.
- What drew you to the affordable housing field? Or, why do you want to work in affordable housing?
My first postgraduate role was in DR Congo, where I worked with a non-governmental organization that aided women victims of violence. Of the types of support provided by the organization, shelter was one of the most vital. Throughout this role, I saw the impact a safe, stable home has on people’s health and success, and I recognized that similar housing insecurities existed in my own neighborhood. When my contract ended, I returned to the United States interested in this type of development work in my home community and found Habitat for Humanity.
- What interests you about working in affordable housing?
There are such diverse affordability needs across the housing continuum. I’m interested in creative partnerships that address these needs, in addition to the variety of ways affordable housing is funded.
- What are some of your career goals or areas of interest that you would like to explore in your career?
Exposure to the housing industry with Merritt has grown my interest in affordable housing finance. I have loved working in the resource development space with grants and corporate sponsorships, and I am eager to explore other areas of housing finance in my career.
- What’s been a favorite part about Merritt Scholars?
I have loved all the opportunities to participate in conferences and events. Merritt staff go above and beyond to get to know Merritt Scholars and intentionally connect students with people and opportunities. Merritt has introduced me to so many people with careers in housing who I admire and who have helped me visualize my own career path.
6. Anything else you would like to add?
Merritt Scholars is the highlight of my graduate education experience. I am grateful to Merritt staff and mentors who are investing in future affordable housing leaders through the Merritt Scholars program. I feel more confident and hopeful advancing my career with the support I have received through Merritt Scholars.
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your experience, Kayla! We are excited to have you in the affordable housing industry!
About Merritt Community Capital Corporation
Merritt Community Capital Corporation is a nonprofit dedicated to our mission to provide equity capital for affordable housing exclusively to California. We do this by partnering with mission-aligned affordable housing developers throughout the state to ensure the most critical communities are developed and maintained for low-income residents. Since 1989, Merritt has created and/or preserved 12, 000 affordable homes, through investing over $1.6 billion, providing housing for over 30,000people.