TNDC is thrilled to have Diep Do as Director of Housing Development. A Senior Project Manager at TNDC for seven years, Diep Do succeeded Don Falk who became Executive Director in October of 2005.
 
Diep’s housing development experience is significant. In her previous post, she managed the acquisition, financing, design development, and construction of five affordable housing projects, including the renovated Dalt Hotel and the newly built Curran House. “Diep brings exceptional intelligence, integrity and pride to all she does,” says Don. “We’re very pleased that she decided to accept such a daunting challenge as presented in this new role.”

Prior to TNDC, Diep worked at Skid Row Housing, an affordable housing organization in Los Angeles, and at the Culver City Redevelopment Agency. She also researched housing policy and legislation at RAND Corporation as part of a national public policy fellowship. Diep has a Masters Degree in Urban Planning and a Bachelors Degree in Urban Studies, with an Asian American Studies minor, from UCLA.

A Personal Commitment

Beyond Diep’s work history and credentials is a personal and meaningful connection to TNDC’s mission. When she was a child, she immigrated to this country with her parents and six siblings. “My parents struggled for years to find affordable housing so we could be together,” says Diep. Despite working hard and saving all that they could, her parents were never able to obtain housing that was both adequate and affordable.

For Diep, housing is more than a physical structure. “It’s a place for family and friends to come together, a place to raise kids, and a place to call home,” says Diep. Her parents’ struggle is the reason for Diep’s commitment. “It was the reason that I studied urban planning,” she says.

Coming Full-Circle

Today, Diep oversees a team of five project management staff who are managing eight housing development projects totaling $150 million. In the next five years, she anticipates preserving or developing 1,000 more affordable housing units.

Diep has come full-circle, from living in cramped quarters with her family to working to provide housing for low-income people. But times have changed over the years, with organizations like TNDC stepping in to help meet the need for affordable housing. Luckily for us, Diep has stepped up to lead our prolific and experienced housing development team.