Employee Spotlight
Shymora Cooper, Financial Opportunity Center + Housing Hub Manager
In our first of a series of Employee Spotlights, we sat down with Shymora to learn about what brought her to Piedmont Housing, what fuels her passion, and what contributes to her sense of community.
Shymora Cooper is ‘family rich’. Raised with a deep sense of community care that infuses her work at Piedmont Housing. She is rooted by her experience in public housing, commitment to impacting true economic mobility, and passion for the value and vision of each person.
Shymora’s roots in Charlottesville area are deep and broad. In addition to her work at Piedmont Housing, she serves on the Charlottesville City School Board, Board of Directors for Vinegar Hill Development Corp, and as an active supporter to dozens of residents who lean into her advocacy and care. Her family life is rich as well. She is raising five children, including two foster care youth, and continuing her mother’s tradition of being a pillar of community cohesion. Shymora loves to travel, connect with friends, and enjoys those rare moments of simplicity in life.
Shymora’s role at Piedmont Housing
At Piedmont Housing, Shymora is the Financial Opportunity Center + Housing Hub (FOC) Manager which currently includes managing our Housing Counseling and Navigation, Financial Coaching,
Employment Assistance, Income Supports, Eviction Prevention and Black Mothers Blooming. The FOC serves over 600 residents each year. She’s also active on the JEDI Committee and Advocates of Awesome!
What inspires you at Piedmont Housing and how can we grow?
I believe PHA is heading in the right direction, but there’s always more work to be done. One important step is to continue telling the stories of the community and honoring the people who came before us. It’s important to hire individuals who are genuinely invested in the community and committed to centering the voices of residents.
PHA should continue developing programs like BIPOC Downpayment Loan Assistance and the anti-displacement program that Tasia and her team are a part of, ensuring that residents in the Fifeville community have opportunities to purchase affordable homes in the neighborhoods they once rented in. Being mindful of the partners we work with is essential—making sure they align with our mission and values.
Empowering residents to be their own advocates and voices is vital to our mission. By uplifting the community and ensuring that everyone feels heard, we can continue to make meaningful progress together.
What would you say is the “Beautiful & the Ugly” of Charlottesville?
Charlottesville is a city divided between the “haves” and the “have-nots.” It’s a place where those with money thrive, while those without it struggle to make ends meet. An influx of wealthier residents has driven up rent prices, making it increasingly difficult for those who grew up here to afford to live in their own community. While there are programs designed to help, they often fall short. We need more than just assistance; we need systemic changes. This includes fair wages, access to affordable childcare, and quality education and healthcare that serves everyone—not just the elite. True progress will only come when every resident has opportunities to thrive, especially those who have been historically marginalized. Charlottesville would become a place where justice is served equally, opportunities are abundant, and every voice is valued and heard.