Rodrigo Ramos’ career pathway has been inspired by curiosity, persistence, and a deep commitment to affordable housing. His journey began as an undergraduate at California State University Dominguez Hills, where he pursued a dual internship while participating in the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) AmeriCorps program.
As a member of LISC’s AmeriCorps program, Rodrigo had the opportunity to serve with local organizations to spearhead projects, engage local residents in the revitalization of their neighborhoods, and develop the skills, experience, and insights into community development.
Participating in this program introduced Rodrigo to the affordable housing industry and, more specifically, asset management. Having these early experiences helped Rodrigo build a strong foundation and deepened his desire to keep learning.
After completing his internship, Rodrigo began the process of identifying a role that would be a strong fit for his skill set and passion. Through consistent networking within the industry, Rodrigo came across an internship with Community Redevelopment Corporation of South Los Angeles (CRCD). Looking back, he knew Merritt had an active project in partnership with CRCD and often reflects on his “full circle moment” of eventually ending up at Merritt.
Rodrigo spent four years at CRCD, starting in an assistant role focused on administrative support. At the time, the organization didn’t have an asset management department—inspiring Rodrigo to help build one from the ground up. As the portfolio grew, so did his responsibilities, including making key decisions on behalf of CRCD.
This hands-on experience ultimately led Rodrigo to Merritt, where he has now been for a year and a half. Toward the end of last year, he reached a key milestone by taking on the oversight of a small portfolio— a proud moment and a reflection of the confidence his team places in him.
What fuels Rodrigo’s passion for affordable housing is the ripple effect of the work. While he may not be directly involved in development, he sees firsthand how Merritt’s work enables partners to fulfill their missions and help residents find stability. Site inspections often become moments of connection, where residents express gratitude simply for being seen and supported.
Rodrigo is especially proud of Merritt’s commitment to workforce development through the C2C initiative, which helps address the industry-wide need for training, leadership development, and resources for emerging professionals. He believes this investment in people is what truly sets Merritt apart.
“The affordable housing industry can be challenging without the right training and support. Merritt’s commitment to workforce development through C2C creates opportunities that didn’t exist before, and that’s something I’m really proud to be part of,” Rodrigo says.
Rodrigo knows from firsthand experience the impact of participating in C2C programs. As an AMS+ graduate, he gained the confidence and knowledge to be well-equipped in asset management and made meaningful connections that still play an important role for him today. AMS+ didn’t just strengthen Rodrigo’s technical skills—it strengthened his community and expanded his career journey.
Coming from an organization with a primarily local focus in Los Angeles, AMS+ introduced him to a statewide network of affordable housing professionals and partners, including Merritt team members like Izaac Bailon, our Director of Asset Management, who helped open the door to opportunities he may not have otherwise known existed.
Today, Rodrigo’s work reflects that broader perspective, as he supports a growing, statewide portfolio at Merritt. He is deeply engaged with our Merritt Scholars, regularly showing up to events, offering guidance, and sharing lessons from his own journey. Being part of C2C is about paying forward the support and access that helped shape his career—and ensuring the next generation of affordable housing leaders has the tools and connections they need to succeed.
Looking ahead, Rodrigo is excited about what’s next in his journey. With Merritt’s continued growth, there will be new challenges and new opportunities he can add to his skill set. Rodrigo is currently working toward his Certified Housing Asset Manager certification through the Consortium for Housing & Asset Management (CHAM®).
He continues to push himself outside his comfort zone and is eager to continue learning and being an advocate for more affordable housing in California, where the need remains critical. In a small but impactful organization like Merritt, Rodrigo values the chance to learn from his team members and contribute meaningfully wherever he can help. By drawing on each other’s strengths, he believes the team can continue to make a meaningful difference—one property, one partner, and one community at a time.
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.