Ann Quasman's WomanTalkLive A more conscious conversation

WTL Wrap-Up: “Changing Lives. Changing Communities. – Women Build”

Cynthia Wiggins, Ann, Staci Summers & Shanita Modlin

National Women Build Week, sponsored by Lowe’s, is coming up May 4^th-12^th and challenges women to devote at least one day during that time period to help eliminate poverty housing.  The Women Build program exists to enable U.S. and international affiliates of Habitat for Humanity to recruit, educate and nurture women to build – and advocate for – simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities.

Joining me in the studio this past week were three women who are passionate about the work being done by our local Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake and the Women Build Program, as well as all of the national and international affiliates of Habitat.

Staci Summers, the consummate volunteer, started volunteering in college and has continued volunteering with Habitat in every city she has lived in.  Not only that, she is now a Leader for the Global Village program and has worked on projects in India, Kenya, and Nepal – with more to come.   This year, she is an advisory board member for Women Build, encouraging women to get involved to make a difference.  She says, “I dare you to volunteer and then tell me you aren’t passionate about the cause.” 

The amazing Cynthia Wiggins, who is not only a Habitat homeowner but has raised a daughter who is also a Habitat homeowner, and has done advocacy work for Habitat, as well as serve on the board, says that Habitat and home ownership changed her life and provided her with stability that might not have been possible otherwise.

Shanita Modlin, a brand new Habitat homeowner loves the program and her life so much… she went to work for the Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake.   In her job as Volunteer Engagement Manager, she encourages and supports all volunteers – knowing that the volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat and what makes it work.

All of the women encourage other women to join in – even if you don’t know how to use a hammer.  With the available help and special clinics, you can become a DIY’er in your own home, too.  Coming together with friends or members of your church, your sorority, your professional organization, etc., or just joining up as an individual to work throughout the year on various projects or in the Habitat ReStore, one thing these women know for sure… your life will change, too.

To find out more about becoming a member of Women Build or to explore your opportunities, click here.

If you missed the show or you want to share it with a friend, it will be posted in the podcast archive later on this week.  It’s the April 20^th show.

WomanTalk Live Supports Quarter Midget Racing

Have you ever heard of Quarter Midget Racing?  I hadn’t until Susan Olson Bishop educated me.  Let me do the same for you.  :o)

Quarter Midget racing is a competitive sport for children ages 5-16; however, the whole family usually gets involved in some capacity (Crew Chief, Mechanic, Scorekeeper, Cheerleader, etc.)

The cars are open wheel race cars built “kid size” and unlike go-karts, these cars feature full four-wheel independent suspension and full roll cages.  In fact, they look just like the full midget race cars driven by the pros like Jeff Gordon, Jerry Coons, Jr., and Tracy Hines.

What’s even better…girls participate in this sport.  So…when I heard that, I really wanted to support a track in Pennsylvania where about 40 girls race!  Whoo hoo!  So, WomanTalk Live is an official sponsor of the race track.

Joining me in the studio this past week to say “hello” and just visit  with us was one of the fabulous drivers, Grace.  She let me know that she has dreams of becoming the next Danica Patrick.  We’re rooting for you, Grace!

Susan Olson Bishop, Ann and Grace