Brooke Etie: A trailblazing Story of Resilience, leadership and Authenticity
Photographed by Priyanca Rao | Trailblazers Empowerment Project
Meet Brooke Etie—Affordable Housing Leadership, Navigating Breast Cancer and Women’s Empowerment
https://youtube.com/shorts/N6YbPUXbTRc
Watch this behind the scenes video from Brooke’s Trailblazer shoot
In the world of affordable housing, where innovation meets compassion, Brooke Etie stands as a beacon of resilience and leadership. As a Director at Quadel Consulting & Training with nearly 20 years of experience in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and HUD compliance, Brooke has dedicated her career to enhancing housing accessibility across the United States. But her story goes beyond professional achievements—she is a breast cancer patient, a devoted mother of three, a loving wife, and a community advocate in Dallas, Texas. Captured through Priyanca Rao’s empowering Trailblazers Project, Brooke’s photoshoot showcases her authentic self during her cancer journey, inspiring women to embrace their full stories. This feature dives into her path, challenges, and wisdom, highlighting how she balances high-stakes leadership with personal growth and family life.
From Public Housing Roots to Nationwide Impact:
Brooke’s Journey to Quadel Consulting
Brooke Etie’s career in affordable housing began at one of the largest public housing authorities in the country, where she implemented innovative strategies and thrived in her role. However, a pivotal opportunity led her to Quadel Consulting & Training in June 2024, a firm renowned for providing training, technical assistance, and outsourcing solutions to public housing agencies (PHAs) nationwide.
“But it turned out to be, honestly, a change that I didn’t know that I needed. It gave me a chance to really step into my power.”
At Quadel, Brooke oversees remote technical assistance engagements, including program outsourcing, and leads training initiatives. Her work focuses on partnering with PHAs to improve operations, strengthen compliance, and create lasting impact for low-income families. With her background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Brooke brings a unique blend of empathy and expertise to the field, ensuring that affordable housing policies not only meet regulatory standards but also uplift communities.
Revolutionizing Affordable Housing: Innovative Strategies with AI and Automation
In an industry facing challenges like resource constraints and increasing demand, Brooke is at the forefront of modernization efforts. Quadel’s strategies under her guidance emphasize automation and artificial intelligence to streamline workflows, making housing more accessible for vulnerable populations.
“Helping them modernize and reimagine what’s possible and how they do their business, which is… really fun for me. It’s really exciting.”
By automating processes in the HCV program, Brooke’s team reduces administrative burdens, allowing PHAs to focus on serving residents more effectively. These innovations address critical issues in affordable housing, such as waitlist management and compliance with HUD regulations, ultimately bridging gaps in housing accessibility for underserved communities across the U.S.
Facing Breast Cancer with Grace: A Story of Resilience and Authenticity
Diagnosed with breast cancer amid her demanding career, Brooke underwent chemotherapy and a double mastectomy in 2025. As a breast cancer patient, she reflects on how the experience transformed her perspective. Choosing to participate in the Trailblazers photoshoot during treatment—without hair—she embraced vulnerability to inspire others.
“There’s so much power in showing up just the way you are. Imperfect.”
Brooke shares that cancer, while taking much from her, also brought invaluable lessons in gratitude and self-reflection. “It doesn’t have to be a death sentence,” she says, viewing it as an opportunity to pause, reassess, and make meaningful changes. Her story resonates with breast cancer survivors, women in leadership, and anyone navigating life’s uncertainties, emphasizing that authenticity fuels true empowerment.
Balancing Act: Family, Community Leadership, and Self-Care in Dallas
As a busy professional, Brooke juggles her role at Quadel with family life in Dallas, where she’s a mother to a 5-year-old and two college-aged step-sons, and a supportive wife. She’s also the president of her neighborhood association and volunteers with various homeless organizations, addressing homelessness through relational approaches.
“I want to look back, and I want… I want to be proud of myself. I want my family to be proud of me, I want my sons to be proud of me.”
Acknowledging her challenges of prioritizing family amid work demands, Brooke credits her wife for keeping their lives grounded. Activities like golf, pickleball, regular walks and traveling kept her active during treatment, reinforcing the importance of movement and connection. Her community involvement, including volunteering, highlights her commitment to social impact beyond her professional sphere.
Empowering the Next Generation: Advice for Women in Male-Dominated Industries
Drawing from her experiences in the traditionally male-dominated affordable housing sector, Brooke offers candid advice to young women aspiring to lead.
“Don’t wait for permission. And don’t wait on the, “make-believe” ladder to move up.”
She urges stepping into discomfort for growth, finding mentors, and recognizing one’s expertise. “Why not me?” she asks, encouraging confidence and authenticity. Brooke’s own mentors, like Katie Goar and Sandra Soucie at Quadel, exemplify pouring into others, creating environments where women’s voices thrive.
The Influence of Mentorship: Learning from Leaders Like Katie Goar
Mentorship has been pivotal in Brooke’s journey, particularly her current role at Quadel.
“I’ve never met someone who pours into other people the way she does.”
Praising Katie Goar for her leadership and care, Brooke notes how such support helped her feel worthy and empowered. This “pouring in” extends to the affordable housing industry, where Brooke now mentors others, fostering a cycle of upliftment for women leaders and advocates.
Brooke’s story is a testament to resilience, reminding us that true leadership emerges from embracing life’s messiness with courage and grace.
“Cancer took a lot from me, but I think that I’ve also gained a lot of perspective. And lots of good came from this.”
Embracing Vulnerability: Brooke’s Trailblazers Photoshoot Experience
Participating in Priyanca Rao’s Trailblazers Project was a transformative moment for Brooke, who flew from Dallas to capture her essence amid her breast cancer treatment. Opting to proceed without waiting for her hair to grow back, she viewed the shoot as a powerful act of self-acceptance, turning a challenging period into an opportunity for empowerment. The session, though longer than anticipated and initially nerve-wracking due to planning, became a joyful collaboration that left her feeling seen and celebrated. Upon seeing the photos, Brooke was deeply moved, describing them as a beautiful reflection of her strength and authenticity—imperfect yet profoundly inspiring.
“This version is me, and it’s beautiful, and I’m proud of it,” she reflected, noting how the images captured her journey’s raw truth, reinforcing her message that women don’t need to wait for the “perfect” moment to shine.
“I had a choice to do this shoot now, with or without hair. Or wait until I get it back. And this is a part of me. This version is me, and it’s beautiful, and I’m proud of it.”
About Brooke Etie
Brooke Etie, LCSW, is a Director at Quadel Consulting & Training, a leading firm in affordable housing solutions, where she specializes in Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program management, HUD compliance, technical assistance, and innovative training for public housing authorities (PHAs) nationwide. With nearly 20 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, Brooke Etie drives operational improvements through AI-driven automation and workflow streamlining, enhancing housing accessibility for low-income families and underserved communities. As a breast cancer patient, women’s empowerment advocate, and community leader in Dallas, Texas, Brooke Etie volunteers with various organizations and serves as president of her neighborhood association. A devoted mother of three and wife, she balances high-impact leadership with family life, inspiring others through her authentic journey of resilience and growth. Connect with Brooke Etie on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/brooke-etie-lcsw-1493258 or email her at betie@quadel.com for collaborations in affordable housing, breast cancer advocacy, or women’s leadership initiatives.
About the Trailblazers Empowerment Project
The Trailblazers Empowerment Project was created by Priyanca Rao, a portrait photographer who helps women step into their most powerful selves. Each session is designed to honor who you are and reflect back to you the strength that’s been there all along.
Priyanca combines luxury portraiture with deep listening and storytelling, creating images that not only look beautiful, but feel like truth. This project is about visibility, confidence, and transformation. You leave with powerful wall art that reminds you everyday of your highest self.
Apply here to be part of the project.
Check out more Trailblazer profile’s here.
Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Remembered.
You have a story. You have something to say. Let’s show the world who you are becoming.
📍 www.priyanca.com/trailblazers
📸 @priyancaraophotography
As part of the Trailblazer Empowerment Project by Priyanca Rao, we were honored to photograph Brooke Etie an inspiring leader whose work aligns deeply with our mission advocating for affordable housing, AI leadership, cancer patients, LGBTQ stories, with intentional and powerful imagery. Priyanca Rao Photography specializes in eco headshots and personal branding photography tailored for women in executive, creative, and leadership roles, including CEOs, CTOs, CMO’s therapists, coaches, artists, musicians, wellness professionals, entrepreneurs, small business owners and real estate professionals. Known as a top NYC and Westchester photographer, Priyanca also serves clients throughout Connecticut (CT), New Jersey (NJ), and Long Island, delivering branding photos that elevate websites and social media presence. Whether you’re a founder, president, podcaster or change maker, this women’s empowerment project continues to spotlight authentic voices through meaningful portraiture designed to help you stand out and lead with confidence.
