I Am Project HOME: Yevette Carmichael
As Senior Vice President of People and Culture, Yevette Carmichael leads with dedication and care, overseeing Human Resources operations and guiding our Mission Nurture initiatives. Through this work, Mission Nurture ensures that the needs of our residents are thoughtfully supported, while upholding our vision and mission in every aspect of what we do.
So, you could say that people are her job. She knows a well-supported community is a healthy community, and one that can continue to effectively work to end homelessness in Philadelphia.
“I do wear many hats,” said Yevette. “I'm involved in recruiting, I'm involved in benefits, making decisions about what providers we're going to stay with how we can get better rates.”
Equally as important, Yevette works to ensure our departments and programs are well-staffed with the right people—and that our recruiting and hiring processes work for everyone. “I work within our team to make sure that we are following an equitable and efficient hiring process.”
Yevette Carmichael joined Project HOME in late 2022, a little over a year before President and CEO Donna Bullock came aboard. Since then, she has been a valued member of our executive leadership team, contributing to a smooth transition and supporting Donna during her first year of leadership.
A major component of that focused support was the implementation of new programs to foster a workplace where everyone is set up to thrive. “We’re making sure that we apply an equitable lens across all aspects of talent acquisition. So, from the time that you look on our website, what do you see and is it accessible to you? Is there a button on there where you can hear if you're visually impaired?”
Once someone joins Project HOME, Yevette wants to ensure that thoughtfulness continues. She is particularly proud of Homegrown Mentoring, a response to staff who yearned to progress in their careers with the help of some guidance from an internal mentor. The program exceeded Yevette’s expectations. At Project HOME, the spirit of thoughtfulness continues well beyond a new hire’s first day. One example is Homegrown Mentoring—a program created in response to staff seeking opportunities for growth and guidance from internal mentors. The initiative has been well-received and continues to support staff development across the organization.
“I love supporting leaders in being better leaders, because we all win when you have good leadership in place, we all benefit from it, including our residents.” - Yevette Carmichael
Like many people drawn to Project HOME’s mission to end chronic street homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia, Yevette also shared a personal connection to the work. “I had come from a background of having some lived experiences where my mom was a single mom. And she struggled. And I remember different times in our life, that if she had not worked two or three jobs, we might not have made it.”
Seeing her mother work tirelessly to provide for her family inspired Yevette to pursue a career that not only supports people faced with poverty but promotes equality and social justice for those underserved.
Some of her favorite memories at Project HOME stem from our weekly Inspirational Tuesday meetings, which gives time for us to hear from our community with lived experiences. “It really is just so inspiring at the same time, humbling just to know that we're a part of such a great work and not just making a difference for one person, but literally it could be for generations that they're resetting maybe something in their families,” she said.
Kindness and compassion are values that resonate throughout the Project HOME community. Yevette plays a role in supporting efforts that promote equality and fair working conditions, contributing to a workplace culture rooted in respect and care.
“I'm able to really express all of myself here. I don't have to hide anything. I don't have to pull anything back and I find a way to use the entirety of my being. I can be my authentic self here and for that I'm truly thankful.”
