Leader Spotlight – Rashida Reid (Rattray)

Rashida Reid (Rattray), she/her, is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the CT Fair Housing Center. While working full-time, Rashida is also pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Trinity college. 

For Rashida, diversifying the workforce of the housing field is essential. 

“Leaders of color bring valuable personal experiences and cultural insights, helping to better understand and address the unique and specific needs of their communities. This streamlines communication and trust because there is nothing like having someone that looks like you advocate for you. Communities often know what they need to thrive, they just need someone to listen to them. Additionally, having diverse leadership helps tackle historical inequities and promotes a sense of belonging and empowerment within these communities. It also fosters innovative solutions and better decision-making by bringing a variety of perspectives to the table. Overall, leaders of color often come in with a perspective that incorporates their lived experiences and that’s why it’s so important to ensure that they are in leadership positions,” said Rattray. 

This past legislative session, Rashida spent a significant amount of time at the State Capitol advocating for housing policies that would benefit all Connecticut residents. 

“I think the biggest win for me (this legislative session) was watching people who thought they were powerless, find their voice and become a part of a community. Despite the fact that the bill we were advocating for didn’t pass, we got people excited and empowered them, and that is a huge win in my eyes,” said Rattray. 

Rashida spent a great deal of her time in Hartford this legislative session advocating for various bills. She credits her confidence to testify in front of state officials to her time participating in Five Frogs’ Leading for Change program. 

“The most impactful part of the Leading for Change cohort was I was surrounded by professionals who were people of color and they all gave me confidence to really show up in whatever room I’m in,” said Rattray. 

Rashida encourages anyone who wants to improve housing in their community to align with organizations that are already doing the work. “The issue of “affordable housing” is so expansive and there are so many working parts that will eventually have to come together to remedy it. By aligning with a mission-driven organization already doing that work, you can learn more about how to contribute and pull more people in to help as well.”