Austyn is passionate about transforming communities through equity-driven real estate development, leadership training, and workforce diversity. As the Director of Leadership Development Programs at CCRH, she leads the organization’s Diversity Internship Program, which attracts, trains, and retains Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the rural California affordable housing development field. She also spearheads CCRH’s Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) initiatives, embedding equity-focused practices into the organization’s operations and decision-making processes. 

 

Austyn combines her extensive experience in affordable housing finance with a deep commitment to social justice. After serving as Tax Credit Officer at the Colorado Housing Finance Authority and Vice President of Underwriting at Red Stone Equity Partners, she made a pivotal career shift to prioritize equity in the housing industry she loves. In addition to her work at CCRH, Austyn is the co-founder of YBUILD, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young Black professionals in land use and development. 

 

Austyn also provides consulting services in DEI strategy, organizational capacity building, and social media management. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban Land Institute Sacramento District Council and is the chair of its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Guided by the belief that inclusive decision-making starts with a diverse workforce, Austyn is committed to creating spaces and places that welcome all walks of life and center the voices of those most impacted.