Diana Bustos's Journey of Growth and Support - "With You All the Way"
In 2013, Diana was a college student balancing two part-time jobs, determined to make ends meet while pursuing her education. When she accepted a role as a Resident Services Coordinator at two multifamily properties in San Ysidro and Chula Vista, she had no idea how much this role would change her life. What began as a job soon became a calling. Diana discovered her passion for creating housing environments where residents not only had a place to live, but a supportive community that fostered well-being and growth.
Reflecting on her start, Diana says, “Working as a Resident Services Coordinator felt like coming home to a purpose I didn’t know I had. I wanted residents to feel seen, supported, and connected, and I knew we could make that happen.” Drawing on her background as a teacher’s assistant, she approached her work with dedication, creating structured programs for residents, organizing community events, and cultivating an atmosphere of care and respect. This foundation not only served residents but also demonstrated her natural leadership and vision for community-building.
Diana’s dedication did not go unnoticed. Within two years, she was promoted to Director of Services, responsible for 25 properties across San Diego County. This role presented new challenges—leading a team of resident service coordinators, overseeing properties for both families and seniors, and delving into complex areas like tax credit financing and regulatory agreements. These tasks were demanding, but Diana remained focused on her mission to build strong, inclusive communities. Her commitment was unwavering, though there were moments when she felt the weight of her responsibilities. Fortunately, the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) was by her side, offering the resources, support, and community she needed to succeed.
Diana’s first experience with SDHF came in 2014 at the Resident Services Support Network (RSSN) Institute, where she found valuable resources and tools that helped her in her role. From that point on, SDHF became a constant presence in her career, providing workshops, educational programs, and opportunities to connect with other leaders in the field. In 2015, she joined the RSSN Committee, deepening her involvement in SDHF and giving her a chance to shape the future of resident services for others.
Her time with SDHF proved transformational, especially during strategic planning sessions with her peers. “Sitting with other dedicated professionals, brainstorming ways to make resident services even more impactful—it was inspiring. I began to see that we could do more than manage properties; we could build communities that empowered people,” Diana shares. SDHF’s support helped her to develop a broader vision, understanding resident services as a vital part of affordable housing, one that could drive meaningful change.
Throughout her career, Diana has seen shifts in her roles, from her early work as a Resident Services Coordinator to Director of Services and now as a project manager in construction. SDHF has been with her at each stage, offering professional development, educational resources, and a supportive network that has helped her navigate new challenges. Today, Diana continues her work with a commitment to creating sustainable housing communities, uplifted by SDHF’s ongoing guidance and encouragement.
Diana’s story is just one example of how the San Diego Housing Federation is with you all the way. Whether fostering professional growth, offering critical resources, or building connections within the housing sector, SDHF is committed to supporting individuals, organizations, and communities at every stage of their journey.
As we continue our “With You All the Way” campaign, we celebrate stories like Diana’s and the essential role SDHF plays in amplifying voices, bridging gaps, and shaping futures. But we can’t continue this work without your support. Your contribution will ensure that we can provide the programs, resources, and partnerships that fuel success stories like Diana’s.
Please consider donating to the San Diego Housing Federation today. Your gift strengthens the community we’ve built and empowers us to keep creating a more equitable housing landscape for all. Together, we will build a future where everyone has a place to call home.
With you all the way, we can make it happen.
