2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Cheryl L. Chandler- Roberts

Cheryl L. Chandler-Roberts is the Executive Director and founding member of the African American Alliance for Homeownership (AAAH), a non-profit 501(c)3, HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency in Portland, Oregon. Ms. Roberts has worked in the non-profit housing arena for over 35 years. She is also a certified counselor, trainer, and holds a degree in Criminal Justice. Her Illinois roots spurred her interest and passion for financial equity and inclusion within Oregon’s African American community. AAAH since adopted the motto “Obtain, Sustain, Maintain, and Retain” through homeownership.

Ms. Roberts has led the charge to develop programs that assist low to moderate income, African American homeowners achieve and retain generational wealth. These FREE programs include: The Home Retention Program, AAAH’s Culturally Relevant Homebuyer Education Classes, Homeowner Asset Preservation (Estate Planning); Day of Service; Water Leak Program, “Homes for Sale” Bus Tour, AAAH’s Annual Homeownership Fair, and the Power to the People PDX (P2P). Additionally, under Ms. Roberts’ leadership AAAH disbursed over $1.5 million to homeowners facing foreclosure, while supporting 30 families with over $500k in Down Payment Assistance Funds to purchase their first home. AAAH has counseled more than 10,000 individuals facing foreclosure.