Manuel Lajara has extensive experience in case management and program development within community-focused organizations. Currently serving as a Housing Case Manager at Comunilife, Inc. since March 2024, Lajara previously held positions including Case Manager at WHEDco, Case Aide at Graham Windham, and Assistant Director at Cluster Inc. Additionally, Lajara founded Now Hire NYC, a program designed to assist young individuals from low-income backgrounds with resume building and job readiness. Educational background includes studies at Borough of Manhattan Community College from 2013 to 2016. Other roles include Program Specialist at Henry Street Settlement and TIP Assistant at the Center for Living and Working, where Lajara mentored teenage interns.