Manda Laporte

Manda LaPorte is a Research Associate at the Housing Assistance Council, focusing on equitable access to affordable housing in rural communities across the United States since June 2022. Previously, Manda served as a Research and Information Stevenson Center Fellow, conducting research on housing trends and policies impacting rural America. Manda also has experience as a Graduate Assistant at Illinois State University, supporting classroom instruction, and held various roles at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, including Community Engagement Specialist and Training and Rebuild Crew Leader, focusing on community outreach and affordable housing initiatives. Manda's international experience includes serving as a Rural Community Development Agent and Environmental Educator with the Peace Corps. Manda holds a Master of Science in Political Science from Illinois State University and a Bachelor of Arts in International/Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara.