50/50 Women of Influence with Linda Mandolini: Changing the World, One Corner at a Time

Linda Mandolini didn't plan on a career in affordable housing. Like so many leaders in our industry, she discovered it almost by accident during a college internship and never looked back. In this episode of the WAHNcast 50 Over 50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing series, host Babbie Jaco sits down with Linda, CEO and President of Eden Housing, to explore nearly four decades of leadership, innovation, and impact. Their conversation goes far beyond development. Linda shares why preserving affordable housing matters just as much as building it, how sustainable organizations are created, what today's leaders need to succeed, and why mentorship has shaped every stage of her career. Along the way, she reflects on the women who opened doors for her, the importance of helping emerging leaders "jump into the pool," and why solving complex problems has always been a team sport. As Linda reminds us, affordable housing isn't just about buildings. It's about creating the stability that allows people, families, and entire communities to thrive.