Essay: Women building for women – my first Habitat for Humanity Build
Back in July, my friend Brianne Sanchez reached out to me with an opportunity.
She had planned to take part in a Habitat for Humanity Build in September, but work obligations meant she could no longer participate. She wondered if I’d like to take her place within the all-women team.
Joining together with a group of powerful women leaders while giving back to an excellent cause? Sign me right up.
“Team Nailed IT Divas” was put together by Mary Mendenhall-Core, director of community engagement at Avenue Scholars Des Moines. She had participated in two Habitat builds before, and when she learned of the opportunity to lead an all-women build, she jumped at the chance.
“I’ve seen the incredible energy that women bring to causes,” Mendenhall-Core said. “It’s a great way to get behind a great cause in our community, but also a great way for women to come together.”
She’s very familiar with the role nonprofits play in our community. After a 23-year career at Principal Financial, she’s worked for an array of nonprofits, including United Way, Goodwill and Anawim Housing.
“When I speak to community leaders, they are always boasting about what a great community we have,” Mendenhall-Core said. “I always try to remind them that’s because we have such a good safety net in the nonprofits we have serving our community.”
She calls giving back to those nonprofits “paying back our civic rent,” and believes it’s both a privilege and a responsibility. She challenges everybody to find a cause they care about to which they can offer their time and resources.
“Nonprofits rely on volunteers a lot. There are so many things that we can’t do that we rely on volunteers for,” she said. “When you can bring your knowledge and your skills to make an impact and be an extension of those nonprofits that are trying to make our community better, it’s huge.”
Paying back my own civic rent
I often find myself checking out the incredible work nonprofits do in our community and thinking, “Wow, I wish I had time to get involved with that organization.”
But, of course, my lack of time is just a story I tell myself, an excuse to avoid making my life a little more hectic. This Habitat for Humanity build offered the perfect moment to step out of my comfort zone and fulfill my responsibility to my community.
We began our build day with our leader listing off the jobs that needed to be done that day. A few of us at a time raised our hands to volunteer for each task. Several times, I heard women explain that a specific task needed to be done in their own home and they were using this opportunity to learn how to complete it themselves.
I volunteered to help put in flooring. I have a handy dad and two handy older brothers, so I was never tapped to help with house projects growing up. My home renovation experiences haven’t gone beyond painting walls and hanging picture frames.
So I surprised myself by also volunteering to cut the floorboards first with the power saw. I felt such a rush of adrenaline as I pushed the blade through the board. When I was able to slide the board perfectly into the corner of a closet, I felt an overwhelming rush of gratitude that I was able to contribute to a place that will one day mean safety and comfort to someone.
And that someone has a good chance of being a woman, too. Jaclyn Wulfekuhle, donor relations manager at Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, informed us that more than half of their homes are inhabited by women-led households.
No matter who will one day call that space home, it was a powerful reminder of why I need to work to pay back my civic rent more often.
A group initiative
I asked other members of the Nailed IT Divas to share their own thoughts about the experience. Here is what they had to say.
Janée Harvey, family well-being and protection division director, Iowa Health and Human Services
“I initially decided to take part due to the relationships that have emerged in this quasi-social group over the previous year. We intermittently get together for meals or activities, and spending time together while contributing to a project that makes the community better was appealing. I learned that one of the best ways to learn is through trial and error. Very few things did I do right the first time, but through perseverance we were able to complete many tasks. I think if it was not only women at the site, it would have been even more intimidating to try – and fail – at the tasks.”
Mary McCarthy, owner, Mary McCarthy Resilience & Grace
“My husband has always been the one working on projects around our house, and for years I lacked the confidence to try things like using a saw or tackling repairs on my own. This build gave me the chance to step in, learn and realize that I can do home improvement projects. It was so rewarding to contribute in a tangible way. I also learned so much about the women on our team — through sharing stories, struggles and celebrations while we worked side by side. The encouragement and camaraderie were inspiring, and I’d absolutely do it again. Each challenge turned into a learning opportunity, and I walked away with skills I can now apply in my own home.
“When women come together, something powerful happens. We bring unique strengths, creativity and perspectives that inspire one another and create lasting change. It’s not just about the physical labor — it’s about building confidence, connections and community. By working side by side, we show what’s possible when women lift each other up, and the ripple effect extends far beyond a single home.”
Christina Moffatt, volunteer
“I chose to participate in the build because the idea of women building for a woman homeowner felt deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just about constructing; it was about creating a foundation of security, independence and pride for another woman. The moment that stood out most was hearing that over 50% of homes go to women. Creating stability for them and their families. Plus they’re building the first set of townhomes in Waukee!
“When women come together to build for another woman, it’s more than just construction — it’s a statement of solidarity. It shows that we believe in lifting each other up, breaking down barriers and creating spaces where women can thrive. That collective support makes the impact even more meaningful.”
Erin Sawhill, clinical social worker and therapist
“What stands out to me is the idea of getting back while giving back. I get great joy out of helping others. Secondly, I also got the opportunity to try new things that I would have shied away from without such an opportunity. Using a circular saw and nail gun were not on in my wheelhouse. While I’m no expert, I was reminded to try new things. It’s not so scary.”
Gabrielle Vazquez, founder, Vazquez Law Office
“Like many of my experiences since relocating here from NYC six years ago, I have found the business women of Iowa to be an incredible force of love, compassion and leadership. So when I got invited to fill in on this women’s build the day before, I knew this was my moment! This seemed like a perfect way to give back to my community and help the stellar group of business women who put this together.
“I learned that behind the powerful personas some of these women are known for in the business world is a lot of caring, compassion and desire to make positive contributions to the world around them. About myself, I learned that I have come a long way in my recovery from perfectionism and have become uniquely adept at handling conflict, tension and differences without sacrificing my core values.”
Melissa Merrifield, founder, Caffeinated Conversations
“Strong connections are built by doing with others. You get to connect personally through serving our community! The moments that stick out to me the most are the synergies between the women and the cause, and how we come together to elevate others and serve our community. Together we make a greater impact. How we serve encourages others to rise and join in helping elevate our community through acts of service and kindness.”
