Our Mission

Diana Lyles is the Founder of Neighbors Advocating for Tenant Empowerment (NATE), Inc., where she is committed to educating tenants, advancing fair housing, strengthening communities, and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in matters affecting their housing.

A longtime resident of Howard County, Maryland, Diana brings more than two decades of experience in public service, labor leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. She began her involvement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) in 2005, initially training to become a union steward. She later went on to hold elected leadership positions, including Vice President of AFSCME Local 422 and Executive Board positions within AFSCME. She was also elected by her fellow union members to serve on an AFSCME collective bargaining team representing State of Maryland employees. Today, Diana remains a member of AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1.

Diana's passion for tenant advocacy is deeply rooted in lived experience. While working for the State of Maryland at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center – SETT Unit, she sustained serious injuries and was ultimately retired under Accidental Disability Retirement.

Following her injury, what began as a request for a basic reasonable accommodation—an accessible parking space—became an approximately 15-year struggle for resolution. Diana sought assistance from numerous local and state agencies, including the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Despite years of complaints and advocacy, the issue remained unresolved. Howard County Police later documented through official records that the parking configuration did not comply with applicable accessibility requirements.

That experience became one of the driving forces behind the creation of NATE. Diana realized that if someone with years of experience advocating for workers and navigating government systems could struggle to obtain a basic accommodation, many other tenants could be facing similar challenges without knowing where to turn.

Rather than allowing her experience to discourage her, Diana turned it into purpose.

She founded NATE to help tenants understand their rights and responsibilities, develop their voices as advocates, participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their housing, and have access to education and community resources.

Diana's years in labor leadership taught her that the people most affected by policies should have a voice at the table. Today, that same principle guides her work with NATE as she collaborates with residents, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, elected officials, housing stakeholders, and community partners to promote housing stability and stronger communities.

Her vision for NATE is rooted in a simple belief: when tenants are educated, informed, and empowered, they are better equipped to advocate not only for themselves, but for their families, neighbors, and communities.

"Knowing your rights is only the beginning. People also need a voice at the table."

— Diana Lyles

Sonia Watts serves as the Executive Director of Neighbors Advocating for Tenant Empowerment (NATE), Inc. (NATE), where she is committed to advancing the organization's mission of educating tenants, promoting fair housing, strengthening communities, and empowering residents through knowledge and advocacy.

A longtime resident of Fall River Terrace for more than 30 years, Sonia has witnessed firsthand the importance of safe, stable, and affordable housing. Her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges that many tenants face and has inspired her commitment to helping build stronger, more informed communities.

Sonia also serves as a Village Board Member for Harper's Choice, where she works alongside fellow board members to support community engagement and improve the quality of life for residents. Her dedication to public service reflects her belief that strong communities are built through collaboration, respect, and civic involvement.

As Fall River Terrace undergoes redevelopment, Sonia understands the uncertainty many long-term residents experience when their community changes. Her experiences have strengthened her commitment to ensuring that tenants have access to accurate information, understand their rights and responsibilities, and are treated with dignity and respect throughout the housing process.

As Executive Director of NATE, Sonia works to support the organization's mission by helping expand community partnerships, promoting tenant education, encouraging resident engagement, and advocating for policies that strengthen housing stability and equitable treatment for all tenants.

Sonia believes that education is the foundation of empowerment. She is passionate about helping create communities where residents understand their rights, have access to reliable resources, and feel confident participating in decisions that affect their homes and neighborhoods.

Her compassion, integrity, and commitment to service make her an invaluable leader within NATE and a trusted voice for strengthening communities throughout Maryland.

"Strong communities begin with informed residents. When people understand their rights and work together, they can create lasting change for future generations."

— Sonia Watts

 Rashida Muhammad, DrPH, MHS is a dedicated public health leader, researcher, and advocate committed to advancing health equity and strengthening communities. As the Vice Chairwoman of N.A.T.E. (Neighbors Advocating for Tenant Empowerment), she provides strategic leadership and expertise in public health, policy, and community engagement. Dr. Muhammad is passionate about promoting safe, affordable housing and empowering underserved populations through education, collaboration, and advocacy. Her extensive experience in research, program development, and health policy supports N.A.T.E.'s mission to protect tenant rights, improve housing stability, and create healthier, more resilient communities for individuals, families, veterans, and seniors. 

 Tremese Newsome serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of N.A.T.E. (Neighbors Advocating for Tenant Empowerment). A former Financial Analyst for the United States Government, she brings extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, compliance, and strategic planning. Tremese is dedicated to ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability while supporting N.A.T.E.'s mission to empower tenants and strengthen communities. She oversees the organization's financial operations, develops sustainable financial strategies, and helps position N.A.T.E. for long-term growth. Her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence provide a strong financial foundation that advances the organization's mission and impact.