WAHNcast

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 dri...

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 col...

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...

New Episode of WAHNcast is live! In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Christina Ott, COO 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...

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 insur...

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 ...

Meet Monyka Chan, one of WAHN’s Quadel Summit Scholarship winners and alumni liason to 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-cent...

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 tha...

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...

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 c...