WAHNcast

50 Over 50 Women of Influence with Laura Archuleta: Curiosity, Connection & Contributions

What does a lifetime of leadership look like?

In this episode of WAHNcast's 50 Over 50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing series, Jennifer Green sits down with Laura Archuleta, President and CEO of Jamboree Housing, for a thoughtful conversation about the experiences that shaped nearly four decades in affordable housing.

Laura reflects on how her family's own housing journey inspired her career, why staying curious opened doors she never expected, and how meaningful connections have shaped both her leadership and her organization's growth. She also shares why, after 37 years in the industry, she feels a deep responsibility to help develop the next generation of affordable housing leaders.

From mentorship and family to kindness, collaboration, and lifelong learning, this episode is a reminder that the most meaningful careers aren't built by having every step planned. They're built by staying curious, investing in people, and finding ways to contribute along the way.

50/50 Women of Influence with Linny Simkin: Someone Stop That Girl--The Power of Being Authentically You

Linny Simkin didn't plan on a career in affordable housing.

She dreamed of becoming a singer-songwriter, moved to Los Angeles to pursue music, and took a job with an executive search firm simply to pay the bills. What she discovered instead was a career helping people find meaningful work and, eventually, a calling within affordable housing.

Over the next two decades, Linny built one of the industry's most respected executive search firms, connecting talented professionals with organizations where they could make the greatest impact. Along the way, she learned that some of life's biggest opportunities begin when someone tells you that you can't.

In this conversation with WAHN President & CEO Ashley Northcutt and Vice President of Communications Angie Truitt, Linny shares lessons on entrepreneurship, mentorship, taking risks, and why bringing your authentic self to work isn't just good advice, it's the key to building meaningful relationships and lasting success.

She also talks about the affordable housing talent pipeline, the importance of welcoming new voices into our industry, and why now is the perfect time for bold ideas.

And don't miss the special surprise at the end of the episode, when Linny shares one of her original songs, Someone Stop That Girl.

50/50 Women of Influence with Debbie Welchel: "Making the Watch" and Never Giving Up

As part of WAHN's 50 Over 50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing series, Ann Cone and Diana McIver welcome fellow honoree Deborah Welchel, Vice President of Real Estate Development–Texas for Volunteers of America National Services.

Debbie's path into affordable housing was anything but conventional. Over a career spanning underwriting, consulting, development, asset management, and nonprofit leadership, she has learned that success isn't just about closing deals—it's about helping others find their place in the industry.

In this candid conversation, Debbie shares lessons from three decades in affordable housing, the mentors and friends who shaped her career, why she believes knowledge should be shared rather than guarded, and the advice that has carried her through every challenge: never give up.

Filled with wisdom, laughter, and the warmth of a decades-long friendship between Debbie and Diana, this episode is a celebration of mentorship, perseverance, and opening doors for the next generation.

50/50 Women of Influence with Flynann Skeen: Dream Catchers and Passionate Purpose for the People We Serve

What happens when someone who once needed affordable housing dedicates her career to helping others find stability, opportunity, and hope?

In this episode of the WAHNcast 50 Over 50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing series, hosts Ann Cone and Jennifer Green welcome Flynann Skeen, Executive Director of Rainbow Housing Assistance Corporation. Flyn shares her extraordinary four-decade journey through nearly every facet of the housing industry—from leasing apartments and earning HVAC certifications to leading a national nonprofit serving more than 88,000 residents across 26 states.

Along the way, Flyn reflects on the mentors who shaped her career, the importance of staying connected to residents and site teams, and why affordable housing is about far more than buildings. It's about creating spaces where people can build families, celebrate milestones, overcome challenges, and pursue their dreams.

This conversation explores leadership, resilience, resident services, and the responsibility all housing professionals share in creating communities that foster both stability and possibility.

Whether you're a seasoned housing professional or just beginning your journey in the industry, Flyn's story offers inspiration, wisdom, and a powerful reminder of the human impact behind the work we do every day.

Connection in Action: How WAHN U Won the 2026 Bank of America Affordable Housing Challenge

When a team of WAHN University students entered the 2026 Bank of America Affordable Housing Challenge, they weren't just designing housing—they were reimagining community recovery.

In this episode of WAHNcast, host Angie Truitt is joined by student team members Emily Jessup and Mia Spero, developer partners Leslie Weiss and Monte Heaton of Highridge Costa, and faculty advisor Mark Shelburne to discuss the award-winning proposal that earned WAHN U first place in the competition.

Tasked with redeveloping the Front Street Apartments lost in the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, the team created a vision for Lahaina that balanced affordability, cultural preservation, resiliency, and long-term community rebuilding.

The conversation explores affordable housing as a career path, the realities of post-disaster redevelopment, the value of mentorship, and the lessons learned from tackling a real-world development challenge. Along the way, Emily and Mia share what it was like to compete on a national stage, work alongside industry professionals, and discover just how many people and disciplines come together to make affordable housing possible.

Whether you're a student exploring the industry or a seasoned professional passionate about housing solutions, this episode offers an inspiring look at the next generation of affordable housing leaders.

50 over 50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing WAHNcast Kickoff

WAHNcast is back!

In this special kickoff episode, we're launching our new summer series celebrating WAHN's inaugural 50/50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing honorees.

Host Angie Truitt is joined by four remarkable industry leaders who will be serving as guest hosts throughout the series: Ann Cone, Babbie Jaco, Diana McIver, and Jennifer Green.

Together, they share their journeys into affordable housing, reflect on the mentors and experiences that shaped their careers, discuss the importance of preserving institutional knowledge, and explore why creating opportunities for the next generation of women leaders matters more than ever.

From stories of early career challenges to lessons learned through decades of leadership, this conversation offers wisdom, humor, and inspiration for professionals at every stage of their affordable housing journey.

Throughout the summer, these four women will lead conversations with fellow 50/50 Women of Influence honorees, helping us capture the stories, insights, and experiences that continue to shape our industry.

Join us as we celebrate leadership, legacy, and the power of women supporting women.

Author Brian Goldstone on There is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America

Brian Goldstone on the Rise of the Working Homeless

In this powerful WAHNcast conversation, Angie Truitt and Jean Dahlquist sit down with award-winning journalist and anthropologist Brian Goldstone, author of There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America.

Through the stories of five Atlanta families, Goldstone exposes a deeply troubling and increasingly common reality: the rise of the working homeless. These are parents with full-time jobs — cleaning airports, stocking shelves, driving for Uber, caring for children and elders — who still cannot secure stable housing.

They are not visible in encampments. They are not disconnected from work. They are living in cars, extended-stay hotels, doubled up with family: America’s hidden homeless.

In this conversation, Brian shares:

• The moment he realized employment no longer protects families from homelessness

• How precarious work, rising rents, and broken systems intersect

• Why homelessness is not a charity issue but a justice issue

• The emotional toll of witnessing families fight daily for stability

• How we can move from compassion fatigue to targeted, productive anger

This is not a light conversation but it is a necessary one.

The paperback edition of There Is No Place for Us releases March 3 and will be available anywhere you buy books. Brian encourages readers to consider purchasing through Bookshop.org to support local independent bookstores.

This episode is essential listening for everyone. 

A Blueprint for Change: 35 Years of Habitat for Humanity's Women Build

In this episode of WAHNcast, host Sadie Nott, National WAHN VP, celebrates the 35th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build initiative with two leaders from Habitat Charlotte Region: Mary-Margaret Johnstone, NC WAHN Board Member and Events Co-Chair, and Brooke Moose, Director of Development for Community Engagement.

What began in 1991 as a simple idea shared over brunch in Charlotte has grown into a global movement spanning more than 650 communities, engaging over 144,000 women volunteers, and helping build more than 5,700 homes.

Mary-Margaret and Brooke share the powerful origin story of Women Build—including Rosalynn Carter’s involvement in the very first build—along with reflections on what the initiative looks like today. From volunteer engagement across build sites and ReStores to expanding neighborhood development, Women Build continues to evolve while staying rooted in its mission: empowering women to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

We also explore:

• The impact of women-led households in housing

• Gender equity in construction and homeownership

• The importance of mentorship and intergenerational leadership

• How Women Build and WAHN share a common spirit of connection and action

Whether you’ve swung a hammer before or are just curious about getting involved, this conversation is a reminder that when women gather with purpose, communities change.