When women build...

Habitat Charlotte Region’s Women Build initiative means much more than bringing women together to build houses. “To build” in this context is both physical and metaphorical; it can be tangible, like constructing a home, or intangible, like building relationships, confidence, careers, community, and so much more. However, “building” shows up in your life, Women Build offers space to feel supported and empowered in creating something meaningful. 

Candis, a Habitat homeowner, builds her life with intention and heart. Her motivation comes from many places, such as her two children, her community, and her determination to finish her college degree. But her building isn’t just for herself; it reaches outward, touching the lives of those around her. Through her partnership with Habitat, Candis is finally achieving a long-held goal: long-term financial stability. Along the way, the relationships she has formed through this journey have opened doors and opportunities she might never have known existed. 

One of the most meaningful relationships Candis has built through her Habitat journey is with her Site Supervisor, Amia. At Habitat Charlotte Region, a dedicated team works tirelessly to bring the affiliate’s programs to life, physically building or repairing homes and supporting homeowners every step of the way. Site Supervisors play a vital role in this process, and for Candis, Amia became more than a guide; she became a friend and mentor. Their connection grew as Candis poured her effort into building her home, discovering along the way just how capable she truly was. Amia challenged her, encouraged her to learn hands-on skills, and reminded her to trust herself throughout the process. Through this leadership and kindness, Candis gained a sense of confidence she hadn’t realized she could embody. 

For Amia, moments like these are at the heart of why she does this work. Her path into construction wasn’t traditional; she came to Habitat through AmeriCorps after her post-graduation plans were disrupted by the pandemic. What began as a gap-year opportunity quickly became a calling. On site, Amia leads with a steady mix of skill, patience, and encouragement, creating spaces where women feel welcome, capable, and confident as they pick up tools and learn something new. As a Site Supervisor, she doesn’t just manage builds; she also serves as a mentor, teaching and modeling what leadership in construction can look like, especially for women who may not see themselves represented in these roles. Through Habitat Charlotte Region and initiatives like Women Build, Amia helps turn job sites into places of empowerment, where building homes also means building belief in what women can do. 

Looking to get involved in Women Build? Click to learn more!  

Or if you would like to make a gift in honor of the women in your life, you can click here!