Deputy Director Jenny Maeda has made an extraordinary impact in her more than ten years at N2N. From finance and HR to IT and property operations, her leadership has touched every corner of the organization. Jenny leaves both our communities and our team stronger, shaped by her thoughtful decisions, steady guidance, and deep commitment to the work.
We are grateful for all she has contributed and wish her the very best as she continues her mission-driven career as Controller at The Weld Trust. Before her last day on June 5th, we asked Jenny to reflect on her time at N2N and share a few parting thoughts.
What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time at N2N?
While I’m proud of the growth and accomplishments we achieved over the past decade, what I’m most proud of is the impact. Every family that found stability, every new homeowner, and every resident who felt supported represents the collective work of an incredible team.
It has been a privilege to contribute to Neighbor to Neighbor’s work and to help create opportunities for people to build stronger futures.
Can you share an experience that captures the community impact of N2N?
One of the most rewarding parts of my time at N2N has been hearing from individuals and families years after they first connected with us. Whether it was a first-time homebuyer sharing that they are still thriving in their home or a resident expressing gratitude for the stability they found through our housing programs, those stories reinforced the lasting value of our work.
Housing is more than a place to live – it creates a foundation for opportunity. Seeing that impact unfold over time has been incredibly meaningful.
How did the challenges of the pandemic influence your approach to the work you do?
The pandemic reinforced the importance of being adaptable, mission-focused, and willing to act quickly when circumstances change. We faced unprecedented challenges and had to rapidly scale programs, adjust operations, and navigate significant uncertainty.
What stood out most was the resilience of our staff, residents, clients, and community partners. The experience reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about listening, collaborating, and staying focused on the people you serve.
It also strengthened my belief that stable housing is essential. During a time when so much felt uncertain, having a safe place to call home became even more critical.
As you prepare to leave, what will you miss the most, and how do you plan to remain connected to the mission of N2N?
What I will miss most are the people. Over the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, residents, and community partners who care deeply about one another and the community we serve.
The relationships I have built are what made this work so meaningful, and they are what I will carry with me moving forward. While I may be leaving my role, I will always be an advocate for N2N and will be cheering on the organization’s continued success for years to come.
