Thanks for checking out my fundraising page!

Change happens one person at a time, so I appreciate any support you can give - big or small. This is a cause that I'm passionate about, so I'll be matching all contributions to my page until we double my individual goal! I’ll also be matching the first $1,000 donated to my teammates – so spread the love!

Thanks!
Demetria

Why I Women Build:

Volunteering in construction is what inspired me to pursue a career in structural engineering and, as a woman, this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart.

Through long term involvement with habitat and similar organizations, I've gotten to see the transformational impact that safe and adequate housing has on new homeowners, their families and their communities. For first generation homeowners, purchasing their own home is the first step in changing not only the trajectory of their own lives but also the lives of their families. Building equity in a home, helps improve the homeowner’s financial stability and builds wealth for the next generation. At the community level, increased rates of homeownership lead to a decrease in crime and improved school performance for children.

Many single women pursuing homeownership are held back by income disparities, which impact credit profiles, and childcare and eldercare responsibilities, which consume time and financial resources. As a result, women experience higher rates of mortgage denials despite statistically superior payment performance.

Women Build’s mission is to dismantle these hurdles and help single mothers and women with adult dependents achieve homeownership.

A few years ago, I was part of an alumni panel at my alma mater. During the panel, I mentioned my involvement in Women Build and asked if any of the students were familiar with Habitat Chicago. One of the students in the audience raised their hand and spoke about how their mother purchased their family's home through Habitat Chicago. It was inspiring to witness firsthand the tangible impact that homeownership can have on opening up doors for the next generation.

I truly believe that we all can make a difference. Help me reach my fundraising goal so we can change the lives of these women and their families forever and prove that there's nothing a group of committed women can't do!