Coretta C. Ginyard is the Regional Executive Director of Housing at Gaudenzia, Inc., where she leads all housing programs across the organization’s multi-state footprint. With nearly 20 years of experience in transitional housing, behavioral health services, and nonprofit leadership, Coretta plays a critical role in advancing Gaudenzia’s mission to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
A passionate advocate for underserved communities, Coretta began her academic journey at Eastern University, earning a degree in Addiction Studies in 2006. She later completed her master’s degree at Lincoln University in 2010. Her commitment to advocacy took root early—joining the Board of Directors at Dignity Housing in 2007, where she became a vocal supporter of women facing homelessness in Philadelphia.
In 2021, Coretta was appointed Director of Housing at Gaudenzia and charged with revitalizing and expanding the organization’s housing portfolio. Under her leadership, Gaudenzia’s housing programs have grown in both reach and impact. She earned certification in the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) to help residents overcome educational barriers and improve access to employment and stable housing.
Coretta currently oversees 19 housing programs across Pennsylvania, making a significant impact on housing access and stability throughout the Commonwealth. Her leadership includes managing Philadelphia’s largest shelter for single women—a 135-bed facility that serves as a vital resource for the region. In 2024, she further expanded her expertise by enrolling in Temple University’s Real Estate Institute, where she is preparing to complete her final exam to obtain her Pennsylvania real estate license.
A respected voice in the behavioral health and housing sectors, Coretta has participated in public forums such as the Upper Darby Opioid Epidemic Forum, where she shared insights on addiction, recovery, and housing as a foundation for long-term stability. Most recently, she was selected to lead Gaudenzia’s first-ever city-funded Wellness Center—an innovative initiative designed to support individuals transitioning out of treatment and into permanent housing.
Why I Work at Gaudenzia:
“I work at Gaudenzia because it has profoundly shaped both my personal and professional journey. Over the past 25 years, this organization has helped mold me into the charismatic leader I am today. Gaudenzia has taught me to lead with integrity, to stand for the greater good, and to live by the principle that ‘it’s better to understand than to be understood.‘
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and the unwavering support I’ve received. Gaudenzia believed in me—even during times when I struggled to believe in myself. For that, I will always be thankful.”