Alicka Ampry-Samuel

Since leaving HUD, I paused to reflect on what was next and where I could have the greatest impact. I’m glad to say I’ve landed where it makes the most sense, as Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Asset and Property Management at NYC HPD. Honored and ready.

I truly appreciate leaders who prioritize collaboration on affordable housing development and preservation, while also centering community. At the end of every year we hear “the new year will bring change and opportunity” but for who?

When DCRE brings people together, real change happens. It’s visible, tangible, and felt.

Thank you, DCRE, for the invitation to share my policy ideas and perspectives alongside such committed leaders. I encourage others to do their part. Every contribution matters, and every effort makes a difference.

Before the world of politics, policy, and public housing advocacy, I served as a Child Protective Specialist with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services.

I worked first in the Brooklyn Field Office and later citywide with the Office of Confidential Investigations. In that role, I was a proud member of AFSCME DC 37, Local 371, and I come from a proud union family: my mom was a member of Teamsters Local 237 and my dad with TWU.

So when I was asked to lead a breakout session on the affordable housing crisis at the annual DC 37 Member Legislative Conference , themed “Our Voice. Our Power. Our Future.” — I was all in!

I reminded members that when they fight, they win. 💪🏾 It was an honor to be invited and to lend my voice to the movement, and talk about what’s going on.

I joined CITYarts, Inc.’s ribbon cutting of the Liberty Mural, created by CITYarts youth with artist Mustart – Ivan Petrovsky, sponsored by The Soloviev Foundation.

Part of the Path of Liberty: That Which Unites Us installation at Freedom Plaza, the Liberty Mural depicts the Statue of Liberty w/ words from the Declaration of Independence, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and “All men are created equal.” It’s an inspiring celebration of youth voices, community art, and the ideals of liberty at the doorstep of the United Nations, especially in today’s climate.

This week UNGA80 opened w/the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” With President Annalena Baerbock of Germany presiding over UNGA80 I reflect on having lived in Bavaria and later watching my son attend high school in Frankfurt.

From serving as the Democracy & Human Rights Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, to speaking at the UN on women’s health and gender-based violence, and now standing with youth artists as they painted their vision of liberty, I felt right where I was supposed to be, encouraging and uplifting the next generation of leaders.

🌍 Art, diplomacy, human rights, and youth empowerment- my worlds collide beautifully.

I’ve had such a busy summer, and I’m glad it included joining CITYarts, Inc. at the ribbon cutting for the Shakespeare Steps project. One of the highlights for me was presenting certificates of accomplishment to the incredible teens who worked on the installation through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

It was a full circle moment because I was their age when I worked on my first mural with CITYarts, painted on the side of my building. That experience shaped how I see community, art, and opportunity.

As scripture reminds us: “To whom much is given, much will be required.”-Luke 12:48

All are welcome.