Hi! Thanks for stopping by!

I’m extremely pleased to share that I will be participating in Women Build 2026. This is an opportunity for teams of women to fundraise for and help build homes for Habitat for Humanity.

Participating in Women Build feels like a grand collective effort, and I would love for you to join that effort! Women Build offers the opportunity to work alongside hundreds of other volunteers to build permanent, affordable homes for families that are often women-led. Women Build volunteers have raised more than $5.1 million since Women Build began in 2013, and we couldn’t do that without donors like you!

I am so grateful for the support that donors provide. For that reason, as part of my fundraising efforts, I will be creating custom holiday ornaments featuring the home of your choosing for every $100 donated. Each custom ornament includes an original painting of your home or another special home in a one-of-a-kind solid cherry frame. The painting could feature a single family home, an apartment building or an entry door!

The home is hand-drawn and painted by me. The frames are a collaboration with my father, a master woodworker, with whom I worked to design and create these unique frames. Each frame includes plexiglass to protect the painting, as well as a wood backer featuring the artist information and my signature.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Make a donation of $100 or more at my fundraising page.

2. Complete this google survey to confirm:

   • The name and address for shipping the ornament

   • A clear photo of the home.

   • The address for the home (if available), so I can look at the Google street view, as needed.

   • Anything you want me to adjust (things to be left out or added).

   3. I'll contact you if I require additional information. Once the initial drawing is complete, I’ll send you a digital image. This is a good time to make changes.

   4. I’ll complete the watercolor and send a photo, for your review.

   5. Finally, I frame the painting and ship it to you or another recipient

Learn more about Chicago Women Build here.

How do I donate?

This link will take you directly to my Women Build fundraising page. Money donated at this page will go directly to Habitat for Humanity Chicago.

What is Women Build?

Women Build is an opportunity for hundreds of women to come together to advance the construction of homes that oftentimes will be owned by women themselves. In the months leading up to the event, the teams raise money to help fund construction of the homes. This year the goal is to raise $750,000 to help make homeownership a reality for women purchasing affordable homes with Habitat Chicago! Each Women Builder commits to building with her team for one full day of the event.

Why?

The life-changing benefits of affordable homeownership are immense: it improves school performance, improves financial outcomes, and enhances the health and well-being of children and adults – just to name a few. But due to gendered barriers like the pay gap and its impact on credit access, and uneven childcare responsibilities that limit time and financial resources, it is far more difficult for a woman to own a home than a similarly situated man. This is a great opportunity for women to support women!

Where?

Women Build 2026 will take place at the Habitat Chicago build site in West Pullman, on city’s south side.

When?

Women Build takes place throughout October. Donate by the end of October to receive your ornament by Christmas!