Honoring Raj Sodhi-Layne: A Beacon of Neighborly Leadership
In every neighborhood, there are visionaries who don’t wait for change—they create it. Raj Sodhi-Layne, our newest Roz Clark Legacy Honoree, is one such leader. Her story is a powerful reminder that when one person steps forward with heart and purpose, an entire community can rise.
A Daunting Start, A Defining Legacy
Living in a 1,200-home community like Woodward Lake could have been overwhelming. But Raj saw not just the size—she saw the potential. She recognized a need to reconnect neighbors, especially around the care and inclusion of elders. With determination and grace, she partnered with the Master HOA Board, and in June 2023, Woodward Lake began its resurgence: a revival of the simple but powerful idea that neighbors should look out for one another.
From Vision to Vibrancy
Since then, 10 out of 14 neighborhood circles have been activated. Community signs now mark gathering points of connection. Safety cameras have been installed—not as tools of surveillance, but as instruments of shared protection. These cameras are carefully placed to enhance neighborhood safety while upholding the privacy and dignity of every resident. They send a clear message: this is a community that cares, not one that intrudes.
A Tangible Impact
The results are undeniable. Engagement has soared. Neighbors know each other better than ever. And perhaps most notably—property values have risen, not dropped. The presence of an active, organized neighborhood group has become a selling point, not a red flag. For future homeowners, the message is clear: Woodward Lake isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.
A Model for Others to Follow
Raj Sodhi-Layne has helped set a new standard for what neighborhood leadership can look like. Her work proves that safety, connection, and pride in one’s community are not only compatible—they’re inseparable. Woodward Lake now stands as a model for others to follow, showing that when people come together with purpose, positive change isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
Here’s to Raj—whose legacy reminds us that strong communities don’t just happen. They’re built, nurtured, and led.