I was born a woman. No choice in that matter. I deal with daily struggles as a woman. I work hard to give what I can and to provide my friends, family, and community with the best of me....I learned this, from other women.

In particular, my Mom, my Aunt, my Grandmothers and the stories of the many women in my family who didn't let the fact that they were women hold them back.

All the women in my family have owned homes and taught me that homeownership is security, safety, pride, and provides a place for families to thrive.

I now own my first home and am more than proud. It's part of me and it's where my family will grow, be safe, sound, and secure. (That's me & my brother working on my home <<<)

Homeownership is one of the most dynamic tools a person can use to build a strong and stable future, but it is a tool that far too many women are unjustly being denied access.

From the gender pay gap and its impact on credit profiles to uneven childcare responsibilities that consume time and financial resources, to higher rates of mortgage denials despite superior payment performance, the barriers keeping women from homeownership are massive.

But I'm doing something about it. I'm grabbing my hammer, strapping on my tool belt, and joining in Habitat Chicago's Women Build alongside 300 other powerhouse women to knock these barriers down.

Together, we will completely fund and begin building the home of a woman-led family AND celebrate all of the women purchasing affordable homes with Habitat for Humanity Chicago.

You can make a difference. Help me reach my goal so we can change the lives of these women forever and prove that there's nothing a woman can't do when she sets her mind to it. I appreciate any support you can give - big, small, or somewhere in between.

Thanks!
Jori