Making Dreams a Reality

Radames Mercado-Barbosa sees education as an opportunity to realize his dreams. Recently, he received assistance from Alaska Housing to help him in that journey. 

Mercado-Barbosa is a junior at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he is part of the Weidner Property Management and Real Estate Program (WPM+RE). It is one of the few programs in the nation offering a four-year degree focused on management of real estate assets.

In March, Mercado-Barbosa was one of 23 WPM+RE students recognized at a ceremony acknowledging students’ academic achievements and commitment to the program and industry. Students were presented with more than $54,000 in travel and academic awards, including a $1,000 academic award from AHFC that will provide tuition assistance for Mercado-Barbosa. 

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“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities that have been granted to myself and my family by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. My success is a direct result of the kindness and support I have received on my journey to achieve my goals.”  

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Goals to Help Alaskans

Mercado-Barbosa is studying to achieve his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in real estate and property management.

His goal is to earn his real estate sales license to help guide fellow Alaskans to find the home that best suits their needs and desires. He has also voiced his desire to rent numerous properties to families who utilize the aid of Alaska Housing in order to provide others with the opportunity of a stable household.

“While I may still be on my way to making my dreams a reality, it is because of the help of people like those from AHFC that we can take those necessary first few steps towards our future.” 

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Photo of Catherine Stone, Director of Public Housing for AHFC, and Radames Mercado-Barbosa courtesy UAA Chief of Photography and Videography James Evans.