Barika X Williams Barika X Williams is the Executive Director of the Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development Inc. (ANHD), a leading nonprofit focused on creating housing and economic justice for all New Yorkers. She is a leader and a national voice on how community development in marginalized neighborhoods can advance racial justice. Previously, Ms. Williams held the position of Assistant Secretary for Housing under the Governor of New York State. In this role, she oversaw pivotal housing initiatives for the state, including the management of a $20 billion housing plan and expanding tenant protections throughout New York. Her professional journey also took her along the path of Real Estate development. At the Urban Institute in Washington, DC, and later at NYU’s Metropolitan Center for Urban Education, she pioneered novel projects and published on topics including affordable housing practices, foreclosure prevention, disaster recovery, and the links between health, education, and housing. Ms. Williams previously served as a member of the US Treasury Advisory Committee on Racial Equity. She is also a member of various financial institutions' advisory committees including Capital One, Santander and sits on the Board of Urban Design Forum. Barika earned a Master's Degree in City Planning from MIT and a Bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Barika’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized. In 2020, the American Planning Association of New York honored her with the Robert W. Ponte Award, recognizing her dedication to creating a more equitable built environment in NYC, that understands systemic racism’s intersection with place and community. Furthermore, in 2022, she was named one of the top 100 nonprofit executives by City & State New York, and the following year, she was listed among the most influential individuals in New York real estate. In March 2024, she was featured on the "Power Players in Real Estate" list by PoliticsNY and amNY Metro. In February 2025, Barika earned a spot on City & State's prestigious New York City Power 100 list.