Relentless dedication earns Housing Hero status for Carolina

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, Corporate Project Manager at Manningham Housing Association (MHA) in Bradford, has been shortlisted in the Inspirational Colleague of the Year category for the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.

Organised by Inside Housing magazine, the awards celebrate “the leaders, innovators and changemakers across the housing sector.”

Originally from Brazil, Carolina joined MHA as an Administrative Assistant to the Executive team and was promoted to Corporate Project Manager within four years.

Her current role is unique in the organisation and covers all aspects of its work including recruitment, training, IT and communications.

Carolina has placed MHA at the forefront of digital innovation and become a national speaker on the subject, specialising in AI.

She also leads on equality, diversity and inclusion with her work paving the way for MHA to become the first housing association in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said:

“Carolina’s achievement in being shortlisted for this prestigious national award provides the wider MHA family with the opportunity to celebrate her contribution and showcase her achievements to an audience far beyond our locality, whilst inspiring others to follow her selfless approach to success.

“She is incredibly modest and never acknowledges the enormous impact she makes.

“Her dynamic work on behalf of the organisation, our tenants, stakeholders and fellow staff members is always fully focused on delivering positive results for them and never about gaining recognition or praise for herself.

“We wish her every success at the awards ceremony.”

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, said:

“Carolina exemplifies the true spirit of a Housing Hero.

“Through her visionary leadership, our small housing association has made remarkable progress in implementing AI and digitisation, revolutionising our tenant services and operational efficiency.

“Carolina’s relentless dedication and pioneering efforts have shattered barriers, breaking down resistance and fostering a culture of embracing technological innovation.

“Her unwavering commitment to everything she does has elevated our organisation, empowering us to deliver excellent services and create lasting impact in our community.”

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira said:

“I am deeply honoured to be nominated as an Inspirational Colleague of the Year for the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.

“This nomination by Manningham Housing Association is not only a personal accolade but a testament to our collective efforts to drive positive change within the community.

“I share this recognition with my exceptional team, as it mirrors our shared commitment to excellence in service and innovation.

“Together, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where inspiration and collaboration lead the way.”

The winners of the Housing Heroes Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Manchester on Monday 24 June.