Women Build 2025 Recap

Our annual Women Build brings together friends and colleagues from across our community to raise funds, walls, and awareness--creating an affordable homeownership opportunity for a family in Greater Cincinnati. “The purpose of Women Build is to empower women to take action against housing insecurity by coming together to give back,” says Ashton Wilson, Senior Philanthropy Officer at Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati. “We definitely achieved that purpose. We saw women stepping out of their comfort zones, building side by side, and helping lift up other women through advocacy and service.”

This year, over 200 women put in 880 volunteer hours as a part of our Women Build. “The enthusiasm, commitment, and unity shown this year were incredible,” says Wilson. Women from all different backgrounds, industries, and careers came together to support this initiative. Not only did they each raise funds, but they came out to a build site in Lower Price Hill to swing hammers and learn new skills. Most of these volunteers had no construction experience whatsoever, but with the guidance of our Habitat team, they were able to help build an actual home for a family in Cincinnati. “The impact of Women Build is powerful. It fosters community, builds confidence, and sends a message that when women unite around a cause, meaningful change happens. Many volunteers shared how empowered and inspired they felt—and that ripple effect carries into their homes, workplaces, and beyond,” says Wilson. Volunteers are already asking how they continue to stay connected to Habitat’s mission. Some are already counting down the days until the next Women Build!

Bank of America, a Foundation Partner, along with the other dedicated sponsors and donors made Women Build 2025 such a success.  “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to LaNae Barnes, Tina Pasternak, and Mark Ryan,” says Wilson. “With around 40 Bank of America volunteers joining us on the build site, their commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities was truly inspiring.” Bank of America contributed $20,000 this year. Their partnership has already made such a powerful impact, and Wilson is excited to see it grow in the future.

“We raised $50,000, which will directly support the construction of safe, affordable homes for families in need. This funding helps cover critical materials, labor, and site costs—bringing us closer to our mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter,” says Wilson. This money goes a long to create lasting change in our community.

“This year taught us the power of intentional storytelling and early engagement,” says Wilson. “While we saw great participation, we believe we can deepen donor relationships, grow corporate involvement, and create more year-round momentum leading up to the build. We're excited to refine our outreach and volunteer experience for even greater impact next year.” Women Build will be back in 2026. Its impact is undeniable. “Women Build is a powerful reminder of what women can achieve when they come together to lift each other up and transform communities with compassion put into action,” says Tracy Wells, VP of Development and Communications at Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati.