Committees & Initiatives
Initiatives
Ally Pledge
By taking it, you join a growing community of advocates championing WAHN’s mission and vision. We deeply value the courage and dedication of our allies and warmly invite you to stand with us!
CREW Diversity Survey
An amazing organization with a strong history of conducting impactful benchmark studies on gender diversity in the workplace. CREW has graciously agreed to carve out the data for affordable housing if you choose WAHN when filling out the survey.
Survey closed 3/31/25. Stay tuned for the report
Mentorship
To help participants grow professionally and network through recurring meetings with a mentor.
Minority Owned Business Directory
We aim to provide a convenient platform for businesses owned by women and minorities to connect with potential customers and partners.
SheSpeaks Directory
Our goal is to offer an easy-to access list of experts for conferences, panels, podcasts, and more. Join us and amplify women’s voices. If you would like us to consider adding you to the directory, please submit your details.
WAHN University (WAHN U)
WAHN U is the national college and university initiative of the National Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN). WAHN U introduces top-tier students from colleges and universities across the country to careers in the affordable housing industry while connecting learning to real-world impact.
WAHNpro: Training Classes
WAHNpro is WAHN’s exclusive professional development program designed specifically for professionals in the affordable housing industry. Created by WAHN members, for WAHN members, WAHNpro offers expert-led courses that help participants build industry knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and grow with confidence. Through a combination of practical learning and community connection, members gain the tools they need to advance their careers while earning a WAHNpro Certificate upon completion of eligible programs.
Woman Owned Business Directory
We aim to provide a convenient platform for businesses owned by women and minorities to connect with potential customers and partners.
Ally
The ALLY Community is made up of male and male-identifying individuals in the affordable housing industry. Members support WAHN’s growth and success in various ways, including taking the Pledge, assisting with sponsorship, and volunteering at events.
Program Director:
Abe Kruger & Ben Goates
Initiative
Join the Ally Pledge
By taking it, you join a growing community of advocates championing WAHN’s mission and vision. We deeply value the courage and dedication of our allies and warmly invite you to stand with us!
Communications
If you’re all about sharing what’s going on with WAHN through social media, newsletters, press releases, podcasts, emails, and website content, we want you on Communications! Your skills and expertise will contribute to the effective promotion of our nonprofit’s mission and help us reach a wider audience.
Program Director:
Angie Truitt
Committee Members:
Nina Galluzzo
Thank you to our amazing storytelling team, photographer Sarah Elizabeth Larson and videographer Ralph Jean, for helping us share WAHN with the world through your keen eyes, creative minds, and beautiful work.
Events
We proudly work with Sawyer Creative as our event planner.
Committee Members:
Debbie Dancy, Nina Galluzo, Esmeralda Montalvo
Federal Policy / Advocacy
Emily Cadik hosts a quarterly call with dynamic speakers sharing relevant and informative information for our members about the industry and our roles in advocating for affordable housing.
We are looking for a Program Director of Advocacy to lead the next initiative of our committee which will focus on developing a comprehensive guide and offering courses on effective collaboration with government representatives. Our goal is to provide a clear understanding of the critical need for Affordable Housing and to ensure it remains a top priority in legislation nationwide. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to engage with policymakers, we aim to advocate for Affordable Housing and make a lasting impact on communities across the country. Join us in this important endeavor and be part of shaping a better future for all.
Presenters:
Emily Cadik & Jennifer Schwartz
Finance
Our dedicated team of financial experts ensures that every dollar is maximized to its fullest potential, enabling our organization to make a significant difference in the industry. From budgeting and financial planning to overseeing fiscal policies and reporting, our Finance Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining financial stability and transparency.
Committee Members:
Alison Fossyl, Leslie Austin, Katherine Fain, Glenn Hopps, Ashley Northcutt, and Heather Perry
We proudly work with Peace Bookkeeping for all our accounting needs.
Membership
WAHN is adding new state/regional chapters (and eventually collegiate chapters), and our new chapters are led through a series of classes to help them launch by our Membership Committee. This committee works to obtain and retain membership and keep in consistent communication with our members. Strong communication and organizational skills and a passion for WAHN are needed on this committee!
Program Directors:
Tonya Beeler
Committee Member:
Joan Stewart, Lauren Taylor and Andrea Waldrop
Ambassadors:
Tara Cunningham, Tanya Dempsey, Rose Eaton, Leah Larson and Jessica Mullins
Initiatives
Join WAHN
Join the National Women’s Affordable Housing Network (NWAHN) and be part of a powerful movement dedicated to advancing women in the affordable housing industry. Connect with industry leaders, access career-building resources, and help drive meaningful change.
Start a Chapter - State or University/College
Start a National Women’s Affordable Housing Network (NWAHN) chapter in your state or at your college or university and empower the next generation of leaders in affordable housing. Gain access to industry experts, networking opportunities, and career-building resources while advocating for housing equity. Launch your chapter today!
Professional Growth
WAHN is committed to providing opportunities for women to develop their careers in affordable housing. With a focus on collegiate outreach, college and university chapters and fostering professional growth, we are paving the way for career advancement opportunities for our members. We will offer a multitude of enriching classes designed to propel your career forward! From certificated courses to specialized training on Women-Owned Businesses and navigating that arena, we’ve got you covered. Our long-term vision includes providing education to affordable housing tenants, enabling them to unlock their career potential and redefine what affordability means for themselves and their families.
If you have suggestions, please email us at admin@wahnetwork.org
Program Directors:
Beth Baar
Committee Member:
Celia Gunn-Zaboli
Initiatives
Jobs
We have lots of great members, and sometimes they are looking for Job Opportunities.
Mentorship
To help participants grow professionally and network through recurring meetings with a mentor.
Committee Members:
Yari Simmons
Miranda Bialk
Lisa Landis
WAHNpro: Training Classes
WAHNpro is WAHN’s exclusive professional development program designed specifically for professionals in the affordable housing industry. Created by WAHN members, for WAHN members, WAHNpro offers expert-led courses that help participants build industry knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and grow with confidence. Through a combination of practical learning and community connection, members gain the tools they need to advance their careers while earning a WAHNpro Certificate upon completion of eligible programs.
Sponsorship
As a nonprofit, WAHN depends on the generosity of corporate sponsors to carry out our mission and vision. Katessa Archer leads our effort to identify and develop strong sponsor relationships and ensure we are providing value to them with their donations.
Committee Members:
Alyssa DeBono, Cindy Fang, Ben Goates, Mieke Holkeboer, Babbie Jaco, Brian Philps
State Policy / Advocacy
The State Advocacy Committee, established in late 2024, is currently prioritizing its goals and aims to include a representative from each chapter to share information and keep all chapters informed.
Program Director:
Katlynn Kretz
Committee Members:
Stefanie Barnette, Catherine Berry, Kimberly Flores, Azalea Hancock, Rebecca Rodriguez, Hope Rutter, Monica Whiting
Technology
The team’s focus is on using technology to make WAHN function more efficiently and includes website management with our outside consultant.
Program Director:
Andrea Waldrop
We proudly work with Solve as a key partner in our website and technology team.
WAHN University (WAHN U)
WAHN U is the national college and university initiative of the National Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN). WAHN U introduces top-tier students from colleges and universities across the country to careers in the affordable housing industry while connecting learning to real-world impact.