Samantha Lee’s path into affordable housing was inspired by observing the real challenges many people face in accessing stable housing. Growing up in San Leandro—a working-class community in the Bay Area—she witnessed firsthand the structural differences that shaped her neighbors’ lives. From disparities in education and healthcare to the lasting impacts of redlining, Samantha saw how housing instability forced families, including those close to her, to make difficult, day-to-day choices.
“I truly believe that housing is the core of everything else in your life,” she reflects. This belief took hold early, as she watched friends move multiple times, live in overcrowded spaces, or leave the Bay Area entirely in search of affordability.
Inspired by these experiences, Samantha pursued a double-major in Urban Studies and Planning and Real Estate and Development at the University of California, San Diego, where a pivotal moment solidified her path. Through coursework on homelessness and research with UC San Diego’s Homelessness Hub, Samantha visited affordable housing developments and engaged directly with unhoused and formerly unhoused individuals, deepening her passion for affordable housing.
As a Merritt Scholar, Samantha has grown both professionally and personally. Attending her first conference last September—Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH)’s annual conference in San Francisco—the large space initially felt overwhelming. Over time, through smaller, more intimate settings like the annual Merritt Scholars Partners Celebration, and with encouragement from her cohort, she began to find her footing.
Merritt Scholars also expanded her understanding of the affordable housing landscape. Through “Meet the Leaders” sessions and exposure to different facets of the industry, Samantha gained insight into how policy, development, and operations intersect. Being part of a cohort that ranges in industry experience has been equally impactful because it allows her to lean on the wisdom and guidance of more seasoned Scholars.
Samantha was surprised to see her career interests evolve throughout her Merritt Scholars journey. While she initially saw herself pursuing policy or finance, her exposure through the program has sparked a strong interest in development and project management.
“At first, it’s easy to put yourself in a box because you’re not aware of all the career paths that are possible in affordable housing,” she explains. “But this experience has helped me challenge those assumptions.”
Looking ahead, Samantha is driven by a desire to make a place-based impact. Her goal is to return to the Bay Area and work within communities like the one she grew up in—ideally with a developer where she can stay closely connected to the people she serves.
“I’m inspired to create the kind of stability I saw so many people searching for growing up. Everyone deserves a place to call home—and the opportunity that comes with it,” she shares.
Samantha’s journey is a testament to the power of investing in emerging leaders. Her story reflects not only personal resilience, but also the broader impact of creating pathways into the affordable housing field—ensuring the next generation is equipped to build stronger communities.
About Merritt Community Capital Corporation
Merritt Community Capital Corporation is a mission-oriented affordable housing funder that serves the state of California. For more than 35 years, Merritt has been a trusted partner, investing more than $1.7 billion and creating over 12,500 affordable homes across California. Beyond investing in properties, Merritt invests in people. Through its Commitment to California initiative (C2C), Merritt proudly spearheads programs across the state that attract, train, and retain current and future affordable housers.
Merritt is also the west coast member of the National Association of State and Local Equity Funds (NASLEF), which empowers locally engaged, mission-driven housing and community investment partners to build thriving communities. By partnering with mission-aligned organizations and developers in the affordable housing space, Merritt ensures the most critical communities are developed and maintained for low-income residents.