In this WAHNcast replay from their hit session at the 2025 National Summit, four incredible women from Indiana WAHN, Danielle Smith, Scarlett Andrews, Jennifer Green, and Janine Betsey, share how building a “Personal Board of Directors” can shape not only your career, but your life. What started as professional networking evolved into a trusted circle of mentors, cheerleaders, and truth-tellers who challenge, support, and advocate for one another—on the job and beyond. Along the way, these women became close friends, navigating leadership roles, career pivots, and life’s big moments together. Tune in for stories, laughter, and practical tips for creating your own personal board, finding the right mix of voices at your table, and building relationships that last. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned leader, you’ll leave inspired to find your people and keep them close.

In this episode of WAHNcast, Lakeysha Sowunmi, founding president of the San Diego Women's Affordable Housing Network, chats with Simmone Ruff, Director at CSH Housing Solutions in San Diego. Discover the vital role of supportive housing, from its deep affordability to its essential wraparound services, and how it differs from traditional affordable housing models. Learn how policies like Cal AIM and collaborations with healthcare systems are transforming the landscape, providing sustainable funding, and fostering community health through housing. Tune in for an insightful discussion on overcoming barriers, building partnerships, and driving impactful change in the affordable housing sector.

When you meet Teara Harris, you know instantly—this woman is a force. In this episode of WAHNcast, she shares her powerful journey: from overcoming childhood adversity and learning to read in 7th grade, to becoming a preacher, HR pro, nonprofit founder, and real estate developer transforming her hometown. As the Founder and CEO of Communities of Tomorrow, Teara is on a mission to close the affordable housing gap in rural and small-town communities across Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Her work at The Rail District is reshaping Lagrange, GA—turning neglected spaces into inclusive, mixed-income neighborhoods with affordable luxury homes, homebuyer assistance programs, and spaces that bring people together. Teara reminds us that leadership isn’t about popularity—it’s about purpose, persistence, and showing up for your community, especially when it’s hard. You’ll laugh and you’ll be reminded why home matters.

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Foster, the first full-time Executive Director of the National Association of State and Local Equity Funds (NASLEF), whose career spans urban planning, government, nonprofit finance, and equity investing. With a deep belief in the power of resilient, compassionate communities, Michelle shares her winding path into affordable housing finance—including a life-changing move to Detroit, a time bank she founded as a grad student, and a systems thinking approach that now drives her leadership. She reflects on the importance of local engagement, the impact of landmark projects like Andy’s Place, and NASLEF’s expanding vision—including the addition of its first national member. Michelle brings over a decade of experience across sectors and a rare blend of data expertise, community insight, and visionary leadership. Her personal mission? To foster cycles of learning and giving that strengthen the social fabric.

In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with Kim Duty, Executive Director of the Affordable Housing Investors Council (AHIC) and longtime housing policy leader, to talk about: Her unexpected start in housing while helping Holocaust survivors in Berlin; 25 years of industry-shaping work at the National Multifamily Housing Council The power of mentorship, association leadership, and self-advocacy, How AHIC is driving investor engagement and best practices in affordable housing, Why emerging leaders—and peer networks—are the future of the industry, Practical optimism on addressing housing challenges through tech, policy reform, and collaboration, Kim’s story is both energizing and instructive, filled with wisdom for anyone working in—or entering—the affordable housing space. Tune in for a masterclass in impact, leadership, and reinvention.

In this episode of ”WAHNcast,” host Katessa Archer interviews Bob Simpson, founder of the Multifamily Impact Council. They discuss the council’s mission to promote affordable and sustainable housing, the financial viability of affordable housing, and the importance of impact investing. Bob shares insights on industry challenges, the need for streamlined processes, and the value of diverse leadership. The conversation emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and resident-focused solutions, urging industry leaders to foster inclusive environments and prioritize long-term community impact in affordable housing initiatives.  Also, please follow The Multifamily Impact Council’s Newsletter here: https://housingimpact.substack.com/

In this thought-provoking episode of WAHNcast, hosts Angie Truitt and Mark Shelburne sit down with Dr. Gregg Colburn, co-author of Affordable Housing in the United States, and Emila Sutton, Director of Housing and Neighborhoods for the City of Raleigh, to explore how research, policy, and on-the-ground leadership intersect in the fight against homelessness. Together, they bust common myths, unpack why some communities succeed where others fall short, and dive into the powerful role of zoning, cross-sector collaboration, and public advocacy. From national data to local wins, this conversation bridges academic insight with real-world application and leaves listeners with a hopeful, actionable vision for change. Whether you’re a policymaker, advocate, or housing practitioner, this episode will inspire you to rethink assumptions and lean into evidence-based, community-driven solutions.

New Episode of WAHNcast is live! In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Christina Ott, CFO of Rural Housing Developers, to explore the critical role rural communities play in the affordable housing landscape. Christina shares her inspiring personal journey—starting in a USDA-assisted unit at age 19—and now leading efforts to preserve and rehabilitate affordable housing across Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.  From the unique challenges of rural development to the creative solutions her team employs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in equitable housing for all. Hear how 780+ rural units were brought back to life—and why preserving small-town housing matters more than ever.  Listen now and join us in advocating for affordable housing everywhere, not just in the cities.

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.  💡Tune in to hear how passion, perseverance, and global perspectives drive change in our industry!  #WAHNcast#ScholarshipWinner #AffordableHousing #WomenInRealEstate #Leadership#FutureLeaders

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! 👏💙 #WAHN #Leadership #AffordableHousing #LifetimeAchievement

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.