WAHNcast

Brian Goldstone on the Rise of the Working Homeless In this powerful WAHNcast conversation, Angie Truitt and Jean Dahlquist sit down with award-winning journalist and anthropologist Brian Goldstone, author of There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America. Through the stories of five Atlanta families, Goldstone exposes a deeply troubling and increasingly common reality: the rise of the working homeless. These are parents with full-time jobs — cleaning airports, stocking shelves, driving for Uber, caring for children and elders — who still cannot secure stable housing. They are not visible in encampments. They are not disconnected from work. They are living in cars, extended-stay hotels, doubled up with family: America’s hidden homeless. In this conversation, Brian shares: The moment he realized employment no longer protects families from homelessness How precarious work, rising rents, and broken systems intersect Why homelessness is not a charity issue but a justice issue The emotional toll of witnessing families fight daily for stability How we can move from compassion fatigue to targeted, productive anger This is not a light conversation but it is a necessary one. The paperback edition of There Is No Place for Us releases March 3 and will be available anywhere you buy books. Brian encourages readers to consider purchasing through Bookshop.org to support local independent bookstores. This episode is essential listening for everyone.

In this episode of WAHNcast, Angie Truitt sits down with Emily Promise, CEO of Shore Point Advisory Group and a trusted financial planner committed to helping women build confidence, clarity, and long-term financial stability. Emily shares practical, approachable guidance on creating strong financial foundations, navigating career transitions, and building wealth in ways that align with personal values and community impact. From understanding your balance sheet and budgeting without overwhelm to preparing for career pivots, homeownership, and generational giving, this conversation demystifies money and puts women back in the driver’s seat. Emily also joins WAHNcast as a recurring guest, offering quarterly financial insights to WAHN members at no cost because access to financial knowledge shouldn’t be a barrier to leadership or impact. Whether you’re early in your career, considering a transition, or thinking about legacy and giving, this episode offers tools, mindset shifts, and encouragement to help you plan with intention and confidence.

In this episode of WAHNcast, we sit down with leaders from CohnReznick to unpack insights from the 2025 Affordable Housing Credit Study, one of the most widely referenced performance benchmarks in the LIHTC industry. Hosted by Stephanie Sleva, Senior Assurance Manager at CohnReznick and Founding Member and Board President of the Pennsylvania chapter of WAHN, the conversation explores how LIHTC portfolios are performing post-pandemic, what trends are holding steady, and where new pressures are reshaping underwriting, operations, and policy. Stephanie is joined by: Cindy Fang, Partner at CohnReznick and Tax Credit Investment Services Leader, as well as a member of WAHN’s National Sponsorship Committee, who shares key takeaways from nearly 25 years of the study and what they signal for investors and developers. Regan St. Pierre, Director at CohnReznick and Co-Author of the Affordable Housing Credit Study, who highlights what makes the study unique and how stakeholders can use its interactive tools to inform smarter decision-making. The episode also includes a special moment honoring Beth Mullen, CohnReznick’s Affordable Housing Industry Leader and WAHN’s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, recognized for her extraordinary impact on the industry, her mentorship, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy. Together, this conversation reinforces a powerful message: the LIHTC program remains resilient, effective, and essential—and the data behind it matters more than ever. Access the full 2025 Affordable Housing Credit Study and interactive tools: https://creditstudy.cohnreznick.com

This episode of WAHNcast is a celebration of growth, community, and six years of building something powerful together. Angie Truitt, Vice President of Communications for the Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN), is joined by WAHN’s CEO and President, Ashley Northcutt, to mark WAHN’s birthday and reflect on how far the organization has come. From the early days of explaining that “WAHN isn’t a person,” to sold-out national summits, national recognition through the Giving List, and a rapidly growing chapter network, this conversation captures the heart of what WAHN has become. Whether you’ve been part of WAHN from the beginning or are discovering it for the first time, this episode is a reminder of why this work matters and why it’s better when we do it together.

In this episode of WAHNcast, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Emma Schumaker, Senior Associate at Fairview Housing Partners and Lincoln Avenue Communities, whose work exemplifies resident-centered, heart-driven leadership in affordable housing. Emma shares how Fairview’s mission—to strengthen communities through direct services, deep partnerships, and creative approaches to financing—comes to life through programs like Family Resource Days, youth enrichment initiatives, and their powerful new scholarship and grants program for residents. Emma offers an inside look at what it means to build trust with residents, collaborate with local nonprofits, and listen deeply to community needs. She also reflects on stories from scholarship recipients that continue to fuel her passion for this work, reminding us that breaking down barriers to opportunity can transform generations. This conversation is a celebration of compassion, partnership, and the belief that stable housing paired with meaningful support opens doors to brighter futures. A perfect reflection heading into the season of giving.

In this deeply moving episode of WAHNcast, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Michele Stowe, founder of Skyrocket Coaching and former COO of Mercy Housing, and Shannon Wallis, founder and managing director of Cascade Leadership and former global director of High Potential Leadership Development at Microsoft. Together, they explore how profound loss can reveal the truest forms of leadership. Drawing from their essays in the new anthology Lives Lost and Leadership Found, Michelle reflects on the legacy of Sister Lillian Murphy, the visionary CEO of Mercy Housing, while Shannon shares lessons learned from her mother’s journey through resilience, disability, and love. This conversation challenges the notion that leadership is about titles — instead, it’s a practice rooted in presence, empathy, and action. From “assuming positive intent” to “underlooking” others, Michele and Shannon remind us that leadership begins in the smallest acts of compassion. Tune in for insights that connect loss, love, and legacy — and rediscover the heart of what it means to lead. And get your copy of Lives Lost and Leadership Found and Shannon’s new book, WE the Change: Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities, on our website.

In this episode of WAHNcast, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Dr. Reginald Parker, President and Chairman of Friedman Green Bank & Trust, to explore how clean energy, finance, and community development can work together to build true equity. Dr. Parker — an engineer, innovator, and visionary leader — shares how his journey from technology and consulting to community banking became a mission to “make it make sense” for those historically excluded from opportunity. From financing solar projects for churches and schools to redefining how creditworthiness is measured, Dr. Parker and his team are proving that sustainability and social justice are inseparable. This conversation dives deep into: The intersection of energy equity and economic empowerment How community-led finance can build generational wealth What it means to “win or learn” as a principle for leadership and innovation Why women — and organizations like WAHN — are essential to shaping the next era of clean energy and affordable housing Whether you’re in housing, development, or advocacy, this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven progress.

Note: This episode includes discussion of survivor recovery and support in the context of domestic violence and human trafficking. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we’re honored to bring you this inspiring conversation on WAHNcast. Hosts Angie Truitt and New England WAHN President Susanna Medoff sit down with Vanessa Volz, Executive Director of Sojourner House, a Rhode Island nonprofit redefining what survivor support and housing can look like. Vanessa shares how Sojourner House evolved from a small crisis hotline into a multifaceted agency offering trauma-informed housing, legal aid, and wrap-around support for hundreds of survivors and families each year. She reflects on her leadership journey — from attorney to nonprofit change-agent — and how building safe, stable homes is a key part of helping survivors rebuild their lives. This conversation highlights: the critical role of safe, affordable housing in healing and stability how partnerships and systems change make a difference what it means to stand with survivors, always If you or someone you know is in need of help, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or visit thehotline.org — confidential support and local resources are available 24/7. Listen now and join us in honoring survivors and advancing hope, healing and community. Visit: https://sojournerri.org

Valerie White’s career spans over three decades in finance, housing, and community development—from shaping bond ratings and housing authority strategies at S&P to leading statewide MWBE initiatives and now serving as Head of National Housing Strategic Initiatives at LISC. In this WAHNcast conversation with Ashley Northcutt, Valerie shares her journey, the bold three-pronged strategy LISC is deploying to expand affordable housing, and the critical role of thought leadership, capital access, and community partnerships. From working with emerging developers and faith-based institutions to advocating for transformative policies, Valerie’s vision is rooted in equity, innovation, and collaboration. Listeners will gain insights into how national systems can better support local communities, and how women leaders can sustain momentum in the face of the industry’s toughest challenges.

In this episode of WAHNcast, host Angie Truitt takes the field with some of our WAHN Allies to talk about what allyship looks like in affordable housing today. Joined by Ally Committee co-chairs Abe Kruger and Ben Goates, Mike Duffy (WAHN’s 2025 Ally of the Year), and Brian Philps of Indiana WAHN, the conversation explores how allies are helping women’s voices lead the industry. From the origins of the Ally Committee to the new Ally Community initiative, the group shares stories of mentorship, practical support, and showing up on the front lines, from running the mic at Summit sessions to reshaping who sits on industry panels. Along the way, they highlight the Ally Pledge, the importance of visibility, and the teamwork it takes to move the ball down the field. Whether you’re new to the concept of allyship or already signed the pledge, this episode will give you a clear playbook for building an affordable housing industry that works for everyone.

In this inspiring episode, Ashley Northcutt, President & CEO of WAHN, sits down with Beth Baar, Vice President of Asset Management, Construction & Stabilized Assets at Cinnaire and our 2025 WAHNderful Woman of the Year. Beth shares her journey from volunteering at a small community nonprofit in rural Wisconsin to leading asset management across multiple states. She reflects on how a single moment helping a senior apply for affordable housing showed her the life-changing impact of this work, and why she’s committed to creating what she calls “a world of good.”

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 for one another—on the job and beyond. Along the way, these women became close friends, navigating leadership roles, career pivots, and life’s big moments together. Tune in for stories, laughter, and practical tips for creating your own personal board, finding the right mix of voices at your table, and building relationships that last. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned leader, you’ll leave inspired to find your people and keep them close.

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-town communities across Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Her work at The Rail District is reshaping Lagrange, GA—turning neglected spaces into inclusive, mixed-income neighborhoods with affordable luxury homes, homebuyer assistance programs, and spaces that bring people together. Teara reminds us that leadership isn’t about popularity—it’s about purpose, persistence, and showing up for your community, especially when it’s hard. You’ll laugh and you’ll be reminded why home matters.