Raymond Lewis-Samuel (he/him)

To learn more about Raymond, please see his Introduction Video! 

Candidate for: New York District Coordinator

Current Professional Position: Resident Director

Current Institution: Syracuse University

Previous Professional Position(s) Held & Location(s): 

• Group Facilitator, House  of Ruth (Maryland)
• Residential Coordinator, Wesley College

Education:

• BS- Law and Justice Minor, Gender Studies, Wesley College
• MPA Candidate ('25), Syracuse University Maxwell School

Candidate Statement:

Thank you for the opportunity to run for NEACUHO’s NY District Coordinator. I share your vision to ensure that every person has access to resources in the housing profession, and I am inspired to invest in their future. I desire to be a part of a community of colleagues working to change our society. I will perform at the individual level while also promoting cultural and educational awareness at a communal level. I graduated from Wesley College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law and Justice with a double concentration in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice; I also have a minor in Gender Studies. My educational background prepares me well for this position as I am efficient at making decisions based on codes of ethics, regulations, and policies set forth by an administrative body. I am also well-versed in my knowledge of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and educating the public on heteronormativity and the harmful effects it has on people, specifically young adults and teens. I have facilitated group conversations, workshops, and trainings for the past four years. I have done this by attuning to and naming how participants use their power and inviting them to consider their impact on their peers.

My extensive group facilitation experience has equipped me with strong leadership skills. When I worked for the House of Ruth MD as a group facilitator, I created and appointed the lead for an evaluation system to review cases pending closure. Before becoming a Group Facilitator, I worked as a Resident Coordinator, certified in Peer Education, Safe Space, and Title IX Educator. I developed multiple events related to self-care, 2SLGBTQIA+ awareness, study techniques, sex education, and drug and alcohol education. I am well versed in creating a community that stretches far and wide and developing programs and topics around various challenging issues. I enjoyed doing this when I presented at NEACUHO in 2023 and ACUHO-I in 2024. In addition to this work experience, I draw on my analytical skills, honed by my studies, to solve student issues inside the residence halls; however, I am more than confident that my skills could be of use to the organization when connecting and maintaining connections with various campuses in our area as well as nationally.

As a Residence Director at Syracuse University, I bring my residents patience and compassion while holding them accountable for their actions. Change blooms from accountability. I understand the vital role of connections in our profession and am committed to bridging troubled waters for our members. I am dedicated to serving as a public servant to the members of NEACUHO and am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to our shared mission. Thank you for your consideration. 

Brenden Navarro (he/him)

Candidate for: New York District Coordinator

To learn more about Brenden, please see his Introduction Video! 

Current Professional Position: Residence Director

Current Institution: Syracuse University

Previous Professional Positions

• Resident Assistant/Assistant Resident Director at SUNY Geneseo (2017-2020) 
• Resident Director at Keuka College (2021-2022) 
• Assistant Director of Inclusion & Belonging at Keuka College (2022-2023)
• Associate Director of Residential Education at Alfred University (2023-2024) 
• Residence Director at Syracuse University (2024-Current)

Education:

• BS in Communication, SUNY Geneseo
• MSM in Management, Keuka College

Candidate Statement:

In every era, there are those who stand at the crossroads of change, who recognize that the status quo is not a guarantee of success, but a challenge to be met with visionary leadership. Today, we find ourselves at such a crossroads within NEACUHO in a post-COVID world with re-examined attitudes towards higher education and budget constraints prioritizing keeping the doors open. I’m not just offering my candidacy for District Coordinator, I’m offering my commitment to progress, and advocacy for our shared values.

At each institution, I have witnessed firsthand the power of residence life to shape futures, foster community, and elevate voices that might otherwise go unheard. As a Resident Director and Assistant Director of Inclusion & Belonging at Keuka College, I didn’t just fulfill a role, I believe I built foundations. Foundations rooted in equity, inclusivity, and the unwavering belief that every student deserves a place at the table.

When I transitioned to Alfred University as Associate Director of Residential Education, my mission was to lead initiatives that didn’t just touch the surface but reached into the core of student engagement to reimagine Living Learning Communities, to prove that with strategic vision and collaborative effort, we can take on challenges.

Today, as Residence Director at Syracuse University, I oversee a community that is as diverse as it is dynamic. My experience in residential management and student support has taught me that leadership is not about being in charge, but it’s about caring for those in your charge. And that is exactly the kind of leadership I intend to bring to NEACUHO: care. Care for our colleagues. Care for our colleagues in less desirable financial situations. Care for our colleagues in the unknown with the future of their institution and our industry.

My direct involvement with NEACUHO may be new, but my commitment to the principles of our profession is true. The role of District Coordinator is not merely an administrative duty, but a platform from which we can amplify the voices of our members, advocate for their needs, and drive forward the initiatives that will define the future of our organization.

Leadership is not just about steering the ship; it’s about setting the course. My experience in strategic planning and collaboration across departments has prepared me to do just that. As District Coordinator, I will bring that same energy and strategic thinking to NEACUHO, ensuring that our district is not only responsive but proactive in meeting the needs of our members.

We stand at a pivotal moment, a moment where our choices will shape the future of our district and our organization. If given the opportunity to serve as your District Coordinator, I pledge to focus on strengthening our community, enhancing professional development, and advocating tirelessly for the needs of our members. I am not just committed to making our district a place where we can all grow—I am committed to making it a place where we can all lead.

Thank you for your consideration.