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Our trailblazing trio

26/06/2025

We're proud to spotlight three inspiring women in our team who are shaping the future of housing

Shahina Khanam, Shabana Yousaf and Lizzie Williams, leaders from our Housing and Asset Investment teams and our Board, were each shortlisted at this year’s Women in Housing and Housing Heroes awards.

Lizzie’s leadership in setting new standards for the housing sector earned her the Women in Housing Innovator of the Year award.

The awards honour the trailblazers, change-makers and future leaders who are driving progress innovation and inclusion across our communities.

 

Lizzie Williams – Innovator of the Year winner

Lizzie, our Director of Strategic Asset Management, has led a game-changing rollout of smart home technology across the majority of our tenants’ homes.

Working with our IT team and smart homes tech company, Aico, the programme Lizzie has led allows us to detect repair and environmental issues early, helping to make sure homes better maintained and residents’ wellbeing is better supported.

Highlights of her impact:

  • Empowering residents with insights into their home’s health
  • National advocacy through a BBC documentary on how smart technology can help tackle damp and mould
  • Securing long-term investment through data innovation
  • Inspiring tech-driven transformation in repairs and beyond
“Lizzie is a true pioneer. She has not only embraced innovation but has actively shaped it."

Chris Jones, Aico

“Shahina didn’t just help me secure a home; she gave me hope."

A resident Shahina has supported

“Her leadership has strengthened Poplar HARCA, ensuring we remain accountable, transparent, and resident-focused."

Mohammad Sadek, our Corporate Governance Coordinator