b'\x02LeoNYCHA, Supervisor of Plasterers and TraineesMember since 1980In his own wordsLeo, a.k.a. The Godfather (as the men so fondly called him) was a true perfectionist, and especially when it came to plastering, his passion. He was a strong believer in teamwork and doing your best always. He inspired that spirit in allwho worked with him. Leo led a team of many men of diverse backgrounds, and it was not always easy. At times, therewere arguments between the men. He would talk to them in his firm way, yet caring way. He would explain they wereworking as a team- to complete that certain job- together- and have pride in doing so.Leo, a master plasterer, worked for many years as a supervisor with the NYC Housing Authority trainees in some challenging situations. He listened to and took each of the tenants issues seriously. He did plastering, tiling, repairing,rebuilding and finishing each task to completion. He left the tenants quite grateful and satisfied with the outcome.Plastering, a nearly lost art, was Leos passion. He derived much pleasure from a job well done. How many people go towork each day leaving their mark while doing and teaching what they love? Leo hoped to help contribute something special to the world. He did, and did it his way with pride and his love of plastering.\x02Juanita GomezNYCHA, Housing AssistantMember since 1986In her own wordsMy employment with NYCHA was a great experience from beginning to the end. I just could not wait for long weekends to end so that I could return to work. I loved my job; I was very happy and worked tirelessly.I was not recommended by anyone in getting my job with NYCHA. However, when my previous agency announcedthat they were moving out of NYC, it was time for me to make a move, and fast. As a single mother that was a must. I usedmy lunch hours to find my next job. I landed at 250 Broadway one day to get my application. Ms. Celestine spoke to meand placed me at a typewriter. She said, You need to pass a typing test. And, so I did. When she said, You have a job.And handed me a bunch of other papers, I knew I was blessed. I ran back to the tube, back to my job a little late.Approximately two weeks later, I received a call from the Personnel Department with an appointment to report toCentral Office for my assignment. My first assignment was Union Avenue Consolidated. The first person I met was Ms. AdaBurgos, Housing Assistant. What a mentor for me!I started as a receptionist and a week later, I was promoted to Superintendent Secretary to Miguel A. Peterson, Sr.There was a lot of work because the development was just coming up brand new. But I wasnt afraid of the work, and so I started rolling with all the office staff and the work got done.Thank you Mr. Kane and Ms. Burgons for all your help. A special thank you to Mr. Peterson who took the time toteach me the many different requirements and duties needed for the job. He was patient and knew what was importantto get the job done right.I worked as a Housing Teller and in 2009, I was promoted to Housing Assistant. On March 1, 2012, I retired with myTeamster Local 237 Union and my NYCHA benefits. Feels great!210 '