Building Upward at the Women’s Leadership Build

It all came back to her quickly.

Julieta helped build her own Habitat home in Fremont over six years ago, putting in hundreds of hours on everything from flooring to roofing. So, when she learned a Women's Leadership Build would be hosted at nearby Hayward's Sequoia Grove for the first time, she was eager to be back on the construction site among volunteers again.

Though it had been ages since she'd handled a framing hammer, the muscle memory kicked in. The feeling of a supportive community of women and allies building alongside her returned. And the thought of building toward a dream come true took over—this time, though, she was building toward the dreams of future Habitat homeowners.

Of course, she wasn't alone. Approximately 80 people built with her. Hers were among many hands that raised walls at day's end, slapping high fives with fellow volunteers.

"Yes, some things will be different at the end of your day. Maybe a wall where there wasn’t a wall before. But the change I’m talking about is a lot bigger... You’re creating a neighborhood out of a long-blank dirt canvas. You’re opening access to homeownership for 10 families who wouldn’t get the opportunity in our housing market. And in doing so, you’re transforming a whole lot more than physical space."

Janice Jensen

Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley President & CEO, Janice Jensen, opened the morning with a reminder of the profound impact that volunteers would achieve—ripple effects that would far exceed the construction of the day. Lunch was grilled and served by Hayward's Mayor Mark Salinas, who shared his appreciation for the volunteers. Attendees also heard powerful remarks from Habitat Board Member Estelle Clemons, as well as Julieta, about their own journeys as women leading positive social change. 

Among the hardworking volunteers were groups from Silver Sponsors, Kiewit, PG&E, and Simpson Strong-Tie. From roofing to window flashing, blocking to wall-building, all rolled up sleeves, donned hard hats, and worked with passion and intention.

The Women's Leadership Build lifted Sequoia Grove to new heights, raising fresh walls and working on rooftops. But it uplifted, too, the power of women and allies to make a concrete difference in our housing crisis. And soon, fresh opportunities will rise for the future homeowners of Sequoia Grove.