WAHNcast

What happens when someone who once needed affordable housing dedicates her career to helping others find stability, opportunity, and hope? In this episode of the WAHNcast 50 Over 50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing series, hosts Ann Cone and Jennifer Green welcome Flynann Skeen, Executive Director of Rainbow Housing Assistance Corporation. Flyn shares her extraordinary four-decade journey through nearly every facet of the housing industry—from leasing apartments and earning HVAC certifications to leading a national nonprofit serving more than 88,000 residents across 26 states. Along the way, Flyn reflects on the mentors who shaped her career, the importance of staying connected to residents and site teams, and why affordable housing is about far more than buildings. It’s about creating spaces where people can build families, celebrate milestones, overcome challenges, and pursue their dreams. This conversation explores leadership, resilience, resident services, and the responsibility all housing professionals share in creating communities that foster both stability and possibility. Whether you’re a seasoned housing professional or just beginning your journey in the industry, Flyn’s story offers inspiration, wisdom, and a powerful reminder of the human impact behind the work we do every day.

WAHNcast is back! In this special kickoff episode, we’re launching our new summer series celebrating WAHN’s inaugural 50/50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing honorees. Host Angie Truitt is joined by four remarkable industry leaders who will be serving as guest hosts throughout the series: Ann Cone, Babbie Jaco, Diana McIver, and Jennifer Green. Together, they share their journeys into affordable housing, reflect on the mentors and experiences that shaped their careers, discuss the importance of preserving institutional knowledge, and explore why creating opportunities for the next generation of women leaders matters more than ever. From stories of early career challenges to lessons learned through decades of leadership, this conversation offers wisdom, humor, and inspiration for professionals at every stage of their affordable housing journey. Throughout the summer, these four women will lead conversations with fellow 50/50 Women of Influence honorees, helping us capture the stories, insights, and experiences that continue to shape our industry. Join us as we celebrate leadership, legacy, and the power of women supporting women.

In this episode of WAHNcast, host Sadie Nott, National WAHN VP, celebrates the 35th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build initiative with two leaders from Habitat Charlotte Region: Mary-Margaret Goldstone, NC WAHN Board Member and Events Co-Chair, and Brooke Moose, Director of Development for Community Engagement. What began in 1991 as a simple idea shared over brunch in Charlotte has grown into a global movement spanning more than 650 communities, engaging over 144,000 women volunteers, and helping build more than 5,700 homes. Mary-Margaret and Brooke share the powerful origin story of Women Build—including Rosalynn Carter’s involvement in the very first build—along with reflections on what the initiative looks like today. From volunteer engagement across build sites and ReStores to expanding neighborhood development, Women Build continues to evolve while staying rooted in its mission: empowering women to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. We also explore: The impact of women-led households in housing Gender equity in construction and homeownership The importance of mentorship and intergenerational leadership How Women Build and WAHN share a common spirit of connection and action Whether you’ve swung a hammer before or are just curious about getting involved, this conversation is a reminder that when women gather with purpose, communities change.

What does it mean to be dressed by love? In this episode of WAHNCast, Angie Truitt and Celia Gunn-Zaboli are joined by Karen Martin-Spellerberg of The Princess Project, a nonprofit that has spent more than two decades creating spaces where teens are not only dressed for prom, but wrapped in dignity, confidence, and belonging. Karen shares powerful stories of transformation — teens who arrive unsure and guarded and leave standing taller, parents experiencing the rare freedom of telling their child, “You can choose anything you want,” and volunteers who return year after year because of the joy this work creates. The conversation explores how The Princess Project goes far beyond formalwear, offering mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a community where every young woman is seen and celebrated without conditions. This episode also highlights why The Princess Project is the 2026 WAHNprom beneficiary charity, and how partnerships, volunteers, and donors help sustain a mission rooted in love. Support ensures that every teen who walks through their doors feels confident, welcomed, and worthy. To donate visit https://www.princessprojectsd.org/donate Monetary donations help fund year-round programming and allow The Princess Project to purchase dresses in hard-to-find sizes so no teen is ever turned away. Other ways to support include: • Donating prom dresses or accessories • Volunteering with a local chapter • Sharing The Princess Project with schools, families, and community partners Every contribution helps create moments that last long after prom night ends.

What does it take to steward an entire housing portfolio for nearly three decades? In this episode, hosts Ashley Northcutt and industry legend Babbie Jaco sit down with Colleen Fisher, Executive Director of the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH), for a deep and candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the future of rural affordable housing. Colleen reflects on her 28-year tenure leading CARH, tracing the organization’s origins, the evolution of rural housing policy, and the high-stakes challenges facing the USDA rural housing portfolio today, from mortgage maturity and preservation to technology gaps and workforce strain. Together, Colleen and Babbie unpack what makes rural housing distinct, why it remains one of the most stable yet misunderstood asset classes, and how community, trust, and long-term commitment define success. The conversation also explores women’s leadership in affordable housing, the importance of patience and institutional memory, and why mentoring the next generation matters more than ever. This episode is both a masterclass in rural housing policy and a powerful reminder of the human impact behind the work.

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, host Ashley Northcutt interviews Bob Moss, one of the most respected champions of affordable housing policy in the United States. Bob traces his unexpected entry into the industry—from renting apartments in Maine to working alongside pioneers like Herb Collins and David Resnick—and shares how early lessons in advocacy shaped his approach on Capitol Hill. He discusses the pivotal formation of the ACTION Campaign, the power of unified messaging, and why true housing equity requires creativity, bipartisan collaboration, and relentless persistence. Bob also reflects on women’s leadership, mentorship, innovation in housing finance and technology, and the need to rethink how we build. In a heartfelt turn, Bob opens up about the role art and painting played in grounding him during the pandemic and how creativity continues to influence his professional life. This episode is both a history lesson and a masterclass in leadership—delivered with humility, humor, and decades of hard-earned insight.

In this episode of WAHNcast, hosts Angie Truitt and Ashley Northcutt sit down with Julia Pierson, Executive Director of the Consortium for Housing and Asset Management (CHAM) and one of the most respected voices in affordable housing. Julia reflects on her four-decade career, from her start as a HUD intern to becoming a nationally recognized leader shaping the field of asset management. Julia breaks down what asset management really is, why it matters, and how strong partnerships between owners, syndicators, lenders, and HFAs can mean the difference between stable properties and those at risk. She also discusses the evolution of the field, the growing demand for skilled asset managers, and the importance of technical knowledge paired with strong soft skills. As Julia prepares for her upcoming retirement, she shares her vision for CHAM’s future, the culture she has intentionally cultivated, and why she believes “housing policy is human policy.” This conversation is full of insight, clarity, humor, and heart, just like Julia herself.

In honor of Veterans Day, this special episode of WAHNcast spotlights the inspiring work of Gorman & Company and their veteran-centered housing developments. Host Angie Truitt speaks with Rachel Snethen, Director of Development Operations, and Sally Schwenn, Arizona Market President, about the company’s efforts to build communities that go beyond shelter—providing wraparound services, mental health support, job training, and a true sense of belonging for America’s veterans. From the Valor on Eighth development in Tempe, Arizona—a pioneering community for women veterans and families—to the Fort Whipple Project in Prescott and Valor in Washington (Madison, WI), Rachel and Sally share how public–private partnerships, local service providers, and dedicated nonprofit partners are transforming lives through housing. They also discuss national progress in reducing veteran homelessness by 50%, the importance of supportive services, and how to connect veterans in need with help right now. Resources and Links Mentioned: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Housing Assistance: va.gov/housing-assistance VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000 National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838 Veterans Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988, then Press 1 Gorman & Company: www.GormanUSA.com US VETS (Veteran Nonprofit Partner): www.usvets.org Save the Family (AZ Nonprofit Partner): www.savethefamily.org Dryhootch (WI Nonprofit Partner): www.dryhootch.org Thank you to Gorman & Company for generously sponsoring this episode!Listen wherever you get your podcasts and join us in honoring veterans by supporting the organizations that build safe, stable, and supportive homes for those who served.

In this deeply personal WAHNcast conversation, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Brooke Etie, Cayleigh Miller, and Liz Childers — three women whose lives have been shaped by breast cancer in powerful ways. Together, they pull back the pink ribbon to talk about the hard truths behind awareness: missed mammograms, environmental causes, body image, advocacy, and the mental and emotional toll of diagnosis and caregiving. They share how early detection and self-advocacy saved lives, how supportive workplaces — like Quadel, Eisner Amper, and DOZ — made healing possible, and why being open about the reality of cancer can change how we care for ourselves and each other. This episode is as real as it gets: raw, informative, and full of the strength we don’t often see. Resources Mentioned: Freedom Natural Deodorant – a clean alternative created with women’s health in mind SheMD – preventive health, risk testing, and education for women Flat Out Love – community and advocacy for women choosing to go flat after mastectomy Food Babe – clean food movement and ingredient transparency Cancer Vaccine Collaborative – advancing research toward a breast cancer vaccine Breast Cancer & the Strength We Don’t See is a reminder that awareness is only the beginning — advocacy, compassion, and conversation are what truly move us forward.

In this episode of the WAHNcast, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Donna Bullock, President and CEO of Project HOME and former Pennsylvania State Representative, to explore how housing can heal and empower entire communities. From growing up with housing insecurity to now leading one of Philadelphia’s most transformative nonprofits, Donna shares her journey of resilience, purpose, and partnership. Under her leadership, Project HOME continues to thrive — backed by a powerful community that includes the Philadelphia Eagles and Jon Bon Jovi, both champions for housing and hope in the city they love. Donna talks about the importance of collaboration, meeting people where they are, and building a future where every Philadelphian has a place to call home.

Glenn Hopps, CFO of R4, is known throughout the affordable housing industry not only as a financial leader but also as a true ally and mentor. In this episode, Glenn sits down with Angie Truitt and Ashley Northcutt to share how he’s built a loyal, diverse, and thriving accounting team by leading with kindness, trust, and respect. From stories of mentorship that shaped his career to the values he instills in his team today, Glenn reveals why he believes in hiring for heart, investing in people, and creating opportunities where others might not. He also reflects on allyship, representation, and the joy of seeing his team grow into leaders themselves. Whether you’re leading a department, mentoring the next generation, or looking for inspiration to lead with more humanity, Glenn’s approach offers powerful lessons on what it means to be a leader who leaves a lasting impact.

In this episode of WAHNcast, Angie Truitt teams up with co-hosts Megan Goyer and Britney Watson, Co-Chairs of the UNC Chapel Hill WAHN U Chapter, for a powerful conversation with Kate Rodgers, Co-Chair of the Student HOMES Coalition and recent UCLA graduate. Kate shares how she helped launch a statewide student coalition after realizing that conversations around college affordability were leaving out one of the biggest costs students face: housing. She talks about leading advocacy campaigns as a student, building bridges across 16+ campuses, and why she believes student housing is not just a policy issue but a basic need and a human right. Listeners will hear: Why housing costs are often the biggest barrier to higher education in California How students are driving real legislative change at the state level What it takes to build trust and collaboration across diverse groups—from student leaders to labor unions to universities Kate’s advice for emerging leaders: “If something feels a little scary or makes you feel out of your depth, that’s probably a sign you should go that direction—because that’s where you’ll learn the most.” This is an energizing conversation about advocacy, leadership, and the next generation of housing changemakers.