by Allie Moffett | photos by Brian Brosmer
Women in construction are a force to be reckoned with. While the Home Artisans of Indiana (HAOI) strives to support all design and construction professionals, the group takes pride in representing women in construction. The women of HAOI were eager to take part in the tenth annual Greater Indy Habitat Women Build this summer.
The Habitat for Humanity Women Build program recruits, educates, and encourages women to build and advocate for decent and affordable houses in their communities. Since the inaugural build, hundreds of women have worked together to build 12 homes, alongside 12 Habitat homebuyers and their families.
Not only do the women physically build these homes, they also provide all the funding for each home build by calling on their friends and family to support the mission. In total, the Greater Indy Women Build has brought in nearly 18,000 donations totaling more than $1.4 million dollars.
“Being a part of the Women’s Build is always such an empowering experience,” said Kathleen Cannon of Mont Surfaces. “I love seeing the women of HAOI come together to showcase their vast construction abilities, have fun and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others!”
Kali Dewitt, programming lead for the HAOI Fishers chapter, led a team of 24 women in this year’s build in which they helped erect two homes in the Lawrence area. “It was great to see women come together to fundraise and do hands-on building for women and their families,” Dewitt shared.
The women of HAOI hope to continue supporting worthwhile causes such as the Habitat for Humanity Women Build, as well as educating school-age and young professional females of opportunities they have in the design and construction world. To learn more about HAOI’s mission, visit homeartisans.com.
