Annetta Seecharran

About Annetta Seecharran

Visionary leader and path breaker with 30 years of experience driving systemic change through bold policy, program innovation, stakeholder alignment, and capital mobilization. A champion for social justice, economic equity, and affordable housing with a proven track record in building unlikely coalitions across government, private sector, and nonprofit partners to unlock capital and opportunity. Skilled at translating vision into strategy, navigating complex institutional environments, and advocating for underserved communities from local to national levels. Built two groundbreaking organizations from nascent stages to leading institutions. Nationally recognized spokesperson featured in the NYT, WSJ, CNN, NBC, CBS, NPR, and more. An immigrant who grew up in the Bronx, Annetta brings lived experience of economic marginalization and systemic inequity to her work, transforming communities.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Chhaya Community Development Corporation

   May 2016 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Transformed a financially fragile community development organization into a nationally recognized powerhousefor housing justice, economic equity, and immigrant rights—growing budget, staff, and mission impact fourfold. Pioneered multi-sector funding strategy, mobilizing $10M+ for the first time by forging new partnerships with federal, state, and local government agencies—demonstrating ability to unlock public capital at scale through strategic stakeholder alignment. Shaped philanthropic strategy by engaging multiple major NYC foundations in Chhaya’s policy agenda, resulting in their adoption of housing policy priorities aligned with our community development work. Secured landmark policy victories in stabilizing LMI homeownership: NYS Homeownership Assistance Fund, advanced ADU/basement apartment legalization at the state level, and won significant zoning reform through NYC’s City of Yes regulations—directly expanding the supply of affordable homeownership. Quadrupled homeownership programs, including foreclosure prevention and first-time homebuyer initiatives; published two groundbreaking reports on affordable homeownership loss in Queens; laid the groundwork for Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in the borough. Launched and scaled an economic justice portfolio—free tax preparation, financial counseling, credit building, and small business development—serving the most economically vulnerable immigrant populations with tools for lasting economic mobility. Directed crisis capital deployment during COVID-19: secured and distributed nearly $1M in emergency rent assistance, food security programming, and small business relief, protecting hundreds of families and entrepreneurs from displacement and closure. Led unprecedented multi-year capital campaign to build the first-ever South Asian multi-service community center; secured funding for two locations, advancing social infrastructure investment in an underserved community.

Education

• Fordham University

  MA, Int'l Political Economy

• Yale School of Management

  Executive Education, Women on Boards, Executive Management

• Manhattanville University

  BA, Political Science

• Columbia Business School

  Exec Mgmt Certificate, Non-Profit Management

• Harvard Business School

  Certificate, Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management