WAHNcast

In this episode of "WAHNcast," host Angie Truitt discusses rising insurance costs in the affordable housing sector with Nikki Freyman, Senior Asset Manager at Enterprise Community Partners. They focus on the financial strain these costs place on providers, particularly in disaster-prone areas like the Gulf Coast. Nikki shares insights on the trends, challenges, and potential solutions, including regulatory changes, innovative insurance options, and the importance of public-private partnerships. The episode underscores the urgent need for systemic change to ensure the sustainability of affordable housing amidst escalating insurance premiums.

In this special episode of WAHNcast, we dive into the world of affordable housing law with attorneys Angie Truitt, Jennifer Merlo, Andrea Steel, and Mark Shelburne. Whether you're a student exploring your path or a practicing lawyer curious about mission-driven work, this episode is packed with real talk and valuable insight about how law intersects with housing.

Did you know that 42% of employees feel uncomfortable with workplace political discussions? In our most recent WAHNcast "Asking for a Friend" episode, we tackled this very issue. We discussed how setting boundaries, practicing self-awareness, and understanding company policies can help navigate these tough conversations. Seeking support from professional networks or a mentor can also provide valuable guidance.

Hear from the leaders of the original North Carolina chapter

In our latest episode of WAHNcast's "Asking for a Friend", we dive deep into a listener's experience with workplace bullying and discrimination. One key takeaway? Document everything! Dates, comments, and patterns of behavior can be invaluable if you need to escalate the issue to HR.  The discussion is one you can't miss if you've ever had conflict in the workplace, or if you want to know how to support others who do!

In this episode of WAHNcast, co-host Angie Truitt chats with Ashley Northcutt, President and CEO of the Women's Affordable Housing Network (WAHN). Ashley passionately discusses WAHN's rapid growth and the upcoming National WAHN Summit. They highlight the Summit's inclusive environment, diverse programming, and networking opportunities designed to empower women in the affordable housing industry. From technical sessions and service projects to wellness and time reserved for fun, Summit 2025 promises something for everyone. Ashley's enthusiasm is contagious as she encourages all to attend, emphasizing the transformative power of community and support in advancing women's roles in affordable housing.

Meet Monyka Chan, one of WAHN's four $5,000 College Scholarship winners and founder of Columbia University's Chapter of WAHN! Her journey from Cambodia to Columbia University to NYC affordable housing is nothing short of inspiring.  In this episode, Monyka shares how she discovered WAHN through a WAHNcast episode, how she overcame financial challenges as a first-generation college student, and her vision for sustainable,human-centric affordable housing.  

The Women's Affordable Housing Network is proud to honor Lori Little as the very first recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award—an award created in her name to recognize a career of dedication, leadership, and impact in affordable housing.  Lori's unwavering commitment to making housing accessible, her mentorship of future leaders, and her ability to "smell the right opportunities" (yes, she really does have a superpower for that!) have left a lasting mark on the industry. Her reflections on leadership, balance, and resilience are an inspiration to us all. Join us in celebrating Lori's incredible impact—drop a comment below to share how she has inspired you!

This Women's History Month, we celebrate the legacy of Babbie Jaco, a powerhouse in affordable housing whose journey from secretary to CEO is nothing short of inspiring. In this special WAHNcast episode, Babbie shares her incredible career story—growing a company from three employees to over 550, navigating the industry's evolution, and leading with both heart and grit. Now in retirement (but busier than ever!), she reflects on the importance of ethics, mentorship, and building a workplace where people want to stay. She also shares wisdom from the books that shaped her leadership, the power of heart work, and her unforgettable philosophy of flying by Buick to get the job done. From making multimillion-dollar decisions to making her mom's coffee just right, Babbie reminds us that every season of life has its own leadership lessons. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and the kind of real talk that makes Babbie an industry icon.

We got to sit down with Joy Horak-Brown, the unstoppable force behind New Hope Housing in Houston, Texas. Joy's passion and leadership have redefined what's possible in affordable housing, creating not just homes but opportunities for dignity, community, and stability. In this episode, we explore her incredible journey, groundbreaking projects, and the inspiring ways her team is tackling homelessness and housing insecurity. Joy's candid insights on the power of persistence, intergenerational living, and leveraging community partnerships are not to be missed!   Get ready to feel inspired by Joy's relentless drive to create a brighter future for Houston and beyond.

In this episode of WAHNcast, we sit down with Andy Williams, CEO of Rehab Warriors, to discuss his mission to empower veterans through careers in real estate development. From workforce training to revitalizing communities, Andy shares how Rehab Warriors is creating opportunities and transforming lives. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on impact, innovation, and the future of housing!

Jean Dahlquist joins us for a powerhouse conversation about networking, career pivots, and finding your place in affordable housing. From securing pigs at the Wisconsin State Fair to law enforcement in the Coast Guard to managing LIHTC deals across the West Coast—Jean's journey proves that curiosity, confidence, and connections can open unexpected doors.  Hear how she turned informational interviews into a career breakthrough, why she still uses a Rolodex (yes, really!), and her best networking hacks for anyone looking to grow in this industry.

In the inaugural episode of "Asking for a Friend," co-hosts Angie Truitt and Millie Hurt explore the complexities of career transitions during significant life changes, such as pregnancy. They address a listener's dilemma about whether to disclose her pregnancy during job interviews and whether to stay in a demanding job or seek a more family-friendly position. Drawing from their personal experiences and expert HR insights, Angie and Millie emphasize the importance of transparency, assessing company culture, and seeking community support. The episode aims to create a safe, supportive space for listeners navigating similar career challenges.   DISCLAIMER: The content of this WAHNcast's "Asking for a Friends" series is for informational and discussion purposes only. It is intended to feel like a conversation among friends—not as legal, medical, or professional advice. If you are facing a situation that requires legal guidance, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified attorney or professional who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

In this latest WAHNcast episode, technical experts Christina Rieck Loukas and Quin Seiler, shareholders at Winthrop & Weinstine, take a deep dive into the complexities of Year 15 issues in affordable housing. With decades of combined experience in construction and real estate litigation, Christina and Quin break down key red flags, legal strategies, and practical advice to help developers and partners navigate the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.

Hear from the leaders of the original Florida chapter

We are thrilled to announce a very special episode of WAHNcast featuring the legendary Nan McKay! Known for her pioneering work in the housing industry, Nan shares her incredible journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving company that now has over 1,000 employees. With stories of her early career, working 17 different jobs, including a flight attendant and cocktail waitress, to her leadership in housing authorities and founding her successful training business, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.  Nan opens up about her experiences, the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur, and balancing family life while growing her business. She offers insightful advice on leadership, resilience, and how to embrace opportunities—even when they're scary.  Tune in to hear Nan McKay's story of hard work, integrity, and the power of following your dreams!

Kimberlee Schreiber is a trailblazing woman on the executive leadership team at The Michaels Organization.  Kimberlee's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a leasing agent, she rose to become President of one of the nation's top management companies. Her leadership is rooted in empowering others, with over 300 teammates promoted in just the last year under her guidance!  In this episode, Kimberlee shares her philosophy of hiring for attitude and aptitude, discusses her hands-on approach to building enduring community relationships, and reflects on the importance of fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability.  Tune in to hear about her incredible journey, her work with Disney on attainable housing, and her passion for lifting up others in the affordable housing space. This is an episode you don't want to miss!  Listen now and get inspired!

Kimberlee Schreiber is a trailblazing woman on the executive leadership team at The Michaels Organization.  Kimberlee's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a leasing agent, she rose to become President of one of the nation's top management companies. Her leadership is rooted in empowering others, with over 300 teammates promoted in just the last year under her guidance!  In this episode, Kimberlee shares her philosophy of hiring for attitude and aptitude, discusses her hands-on approach to building enduring community relationships, and reflects on the importance of fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability.  Tune in to hear about her incredible journey, her work with Disney on attainable housing, and her passion for lifting up others in the affordable housing space. This is an episode you don't want to miss!  Listen now and get inspired! 

This week on WAHNcast, we're thrilled to spotlight Delicia Gunn, Founder and CEO of Indigo Engineered and Hempselation LLC.  Delicia shares her remarkable journey from her roots in Baton Rouge, inspired by her childhood friend's battle with cancer caused by environmental toxins, to becoming a trailblazer in sustainable engineering. Her latest venture, Hempselation LLC, is revolutionizing the construction industry with eco-friendly, non-toxic insulation made from hemp. As Delicia says, "What's behind the walls matters," and her work is leading the charge for healthier, greener spaces for all. Delicia's insights into resilience, entrepreneurship, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field are as inspiring as her mission to protect our planet and future generations.  Tune in to hear Delicia's story, learn about her groundbreaking projects (including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial!), and discover how she's paving the way for innovation in infrastructure

We're thrilled to announce our latest episode featuring none other than Cindy Prater,  Alabama WAHN President and our WAHNderful Woman of the Year! Cindy's passion for affordable housing shines in this heartwarming and inspiring conversation. From her journey into the industry to building an unstoppable chapter, Cindy embodies leadership, generosity, and the spirit of community.  Listen in as Cindy talks about how WAHN has re-energized her, brought together incredible women across Alabama, and the magic of empowering others. We're so proud of all Cindy has accomplished—her humility and kindness paired with her unwavering dedication make her a true force in affordable housing. Don't miss out! Tune in now and get ready to be inspired. #WAHNcast #WomenInLeadership #AffordableHousing #Inspiration #CommunityEmpowerment

We're excited to introduce Wendy Tamis Robbins in our latest WAHNcast episode! Wendy is an inspiring advocate for mental health, a seasoned attorney, author, and speaker who openly shares her journey of overcoming anxiety and finding peace. Wendy, our keynote at this past year's WAHN Summit, brings her valuable insights on managing burnout, balancing career demands, and breaking the stigma around mental health. Listen in as Wendy's wisdom encourages us all to embrace self-care, set boundaries, and build supportive communities. Don't miss this important conversation! #WAHNcast #MentalHealthAdvocate

In honor of Veterans Day, we're excited to share our latest WAHNcast episode featuring the inspiring Dominique Dove, Government Appellate Attorney with the U.S. Army JAG Corps and a powerful advocate for veterans and affordable housing! Join us for a deep dive into her journey championing equitable military policies, including groundbreaking changes in parental leave and support for women in the armed forces. Dominique's work has impacted 400,000 soldiers, reshaping military policy and setting a powerful example of change. Beyond her role as a government appellate attorney, Dominique has been recognized by the ABA as a "Top 40 Young Lawyer on the Rise" and serves as a trusted advisor to our WAHN Network. Tune in to hear her stories of resilience, her advocacy for women veterans, and her insights on shaping policies that support both family life and housing equity. #WAHNcast #Leadership #Equity #VeteransDay #HousingAdvocate

We are beyond excited to bring you the latest episode of WAHNcast, featuring Katie Goar from Quadel Consulting. In this inspiring episode, Katie shares her journey from babysitting at age 12 to leading an innovative company at the forefront of affordable housing solutions. We dive deep into the importance of creativity, leadership, and work-life balance, including how Katie empowers her team to bring their best ideas forward by creating space for innovation.  Katie also opens up about Quadel's groundbreaking Homeownership Program, a creative initiative that supports employees in becoming first-time homeowners. The personal and professional care Katie brings to her role is nothing short of transformative. Plus, you won't want to miss her thoughts on mentorship, leadership in affordable housing, and how she balances a career with raising a family of Five kids!

We are excited to feature Nicole Ferreira, President of CPC Mortgage Company at the Community Preservation Corporation, in our latest WAHNcast episode! Nicole has forged a remarkable career in affordable housing, holding key leadership roles across the public and private sectors, including Beacon Communities and New York State Homes and Community Renewal. As an adjunct professor at both Pratt Institute and NYU's Shack Institute of Real Estate, she continues to shape future leaders in real estate development and finance.  In this episode, Nicole shares her inspiring journey—from her early career days at NYCHA to spearheading large-scale urban revitalization projects. She delves into the complexities of affordable housing finance and the power of community transformation. Join us for an engaging conversation with one of the industry's most impactful leaders!  Listen now to hear Nicole's insights and leadership strategies, and don't forget to tune in for more upcoming WAHNcast episodes! 

In this latest WAHNcast episode, technical experts Christina Reick Loukas and Quin Seiler, shareholders at Winthrop & Weinstine, take a deep dive into the complexities of Year 15 issues in affordable housing. With decades of combined experience in construction and real estate litigation, Christina and Quin break down key red flags, legal strategies, and practical advice to help developers and partners navigate the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.   What to Expect: - Spotting potential Year 15 disputes before they arise   - Drafting partnership agreements to avoid conflicts   - Managing investor exits and understanding purchase options   - Preparing early for smooth LIHTC compliance transitions     If you're a developer in affordable housing or real estate, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you plan strategically and mitigate risks. 

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, WAHN is thrilled to feature the incredible Cat Vielma, a trailblazer in the affordable housing industry, and member of our Advisory Board. With over 20 years of experience spanning public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Cat has dedicated her career to ensuring that hardworking families have access to safe, affordable housing.  Born in Chile and raised in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, Cat brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work as the Director of Acquisitions at Red Stone Equity Partners LLC, where she leverages tax credit investments to tackle the housing crisis across the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, and the Midwest.

We're excited to announce the latest episode of the #WAHNcast with Kamilah McAfee, CEO of Wesley Housing in DC, as her and the company celebrate their 50th Anniversary!  Their theme is "celebrating the legacy of our past, inspiring hope for our future".  Kamilah shares her inspiring journey, starting from her first internship at a Big 5 accounting firm to leading one of the most impactful affordable housing developers, which was named Nonprofit Developer of the Year in 2022. Hear her thoughts on servant leadership, the power of adaptability, and the lessons she's learned from her unique career path in both the public and private sectors.  Some key takeaways from the episode: '- How growing up in a family business shaped her leadership approach, -'- The pivotal role of resilience and innovation in affordable housing, especially during COVID, -'- Wesley Housing's continued mission to serve the most vulnerable communities with inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.  Tune in to get inspired by Kamilah's story and the impact she's making in our industry. 

We're thrilled to share our latest episode of the WAHNcast featuring the incredible Stacy Bliagos, Executive Director of HANAC.  It is great timimg because you can help support them at their GALA in October!!  In this inspiring conversation, Stacy dives into her journey— from growing up in an immigrant family to her early job at a fake fur factory, to building her leadership in affordable housing. Stacy shares how lessons learned from her parents and her determination to make a difference shaped her career.  Key Highlights:

In our latest episode, we are thrilled to sit down with Lopa Kolluri, Senior VP at M&T Bank, whose international and stateside journey in housing finance has transformed lives across sectors. From her early work in global development to leading affordable housing efforts here in the U.S., Lopa shares the powerful story of migration, community, and the pivotal role of home. Tune in to hear her insights on navigating challenges, breaking barriers as a woman of color, and the importance of mentorship. Don't miss it! 

Hear from the 3rd Generation leaders of the Atlanta Chapter

Join us for an inspiring power hour with Commissioner Eileen Higgins, a trailblazer and someone who has a lifetime of community service in communities she has lived around the world. She delves into her impactful work with innovative mixed-income projects and transformative community initiatives. An especially insightful part of the discussion is around logical interaction between government, legislators, and the housing authority to ensure budgeting, permitting and more do not hold us to the development of new projects.  This dynamic discussion highlights her dedication to improving lives and fostering vibrant, inclusive communities.

Hear from the leaders of the original Ohio Chapter. 

Sharon's enthusiasm is truly infectious. Her unwavering commitment to aiding individuals with health and housing needs is unparalleled, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have her passion driving our industry forward. She articulates the profound impact of housing shortages, highlighting the alarming statistic that only one in four individuals in need of housing assistance actually receive it. Sharon compellingly argues that this crisis extends beyond shelter, framing it as a critical national security issue. Tune in to discover why housing is a security concern!

Hear from the leaders of the original Indiana Chapter. 

Join Ms. Hazel Ann Harris as she reflects on her upbringing in Georgia's cotton fields and the joy of her family's first home, highlighting the resilient community spirit and her mother's influence as a community leader. Enjoy hearing Ms. Harris's pride in her accomplished children, including Malaika Serrano who joins her for this episode, and her heartfelt bond with her grandchildren, topped off with a touching recital of a cherished poem passed down through generations.

Emily Cadik is highly respected in the affordable housing sector, with WAHN as one of her biggest fan clubs. Her advice on exposure therapy as a tool for personal growth highlights her bravery, evident in her early career as a trailblazing woman in many male-dominated spaces. Through her insightful points on self-worth and knowledge sharing, she's earned widespread respect and continues to inspire with her evolving work in the field throughout the year.

The latest EmpowerHER series of WAHNcast highlights Lisa Lim, General Counsel of the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust.  Lisa shares her journey, insights on navigating implicit bias and gender inequality, and perspectives on AAPI representation in leadership. Tune in for stories of resilience, leadership, and advocacy for equity in affordable housing. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Lisa, joined by Tanya Dempsey and Nicole Graham, CEOs of CSG advisors! 

Angie and Sadie highlight how our board members' different talents, ability to communicate well, and passion for the industry make our organization strong. They bring a mix of skills that help us make a huge impact in the affordable housing industry.

A career trajectory spanning from law to nonprofit to banking has provided her with a unique vantage point, having experienced both sides of the closing table. This diverse background has enriched her perspective, enabling her to grasp the complete picture. Her multifaceted view empowers her to adeptly leverage funds, resources, and community elements to not only enhance affordable housing but also foster supportive communities.  

We have created an environment where you can be yourself.  When people can show up as themselves, you make real change, not just in this organization, not just in your community, in the entire affordable housing industry, and we are extremely passionate about the fact that this is a social issue that is the largest in the country, the largest in the world, and we are making a real impact.

The 'WHY WAHN' series of the WAHNcast sheds light on the reason Ann Cone and Richelle Patton started Atlanta WAHN as an informal networking group. We can think of no better way to kick off this series than to hear from them and explore why leadership and sponsors across the country are involved in WAHN.   editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr

Matthew Paschall championed equitable real estate development, garnering firm support to host a national conference dedicated to the cause. editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr

This episode of the EmpowHER series highlights an exceptionally successful CEO who, well ahead of her time, championed workplace equity and flexibility, while leaving a profound mark on the affordable housing industry.   editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr

This episode of the EmpowHER series features an insightful interview with a successful woman who has navigated her career with a blend of curiosity, prioritizing family, and implementing impactful housing policies.   editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr

Join us as we explore how Ashley navigated through hobbies, education, volunteering, and professional experiences to unveil her true strengths. The journey led her to a deeply gratifying role at the Women's Affordable Housing Network, an organization she passionately supports, dedicating her time to foster its expansion nationwide. Tune in and find inspiration for your own path.   editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr