WAHNcast

Housing on the Front Lines of Rural America

New Episode of WAHNcast is live! In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Christina Ott, COO of Rural Housing Developers, to explore the critical role rural communities play in the affordable housing landscape. Christina shares her inspiring personal journey—starting in a USDA-assisted unit at age 19—and now leading efforts to preserve and rehabilitate affordable housing across Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.  From the unique challenges of rural development to the creative solutions her team employs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in equitable housing for all. Hear how 780+ rural units were brought back to life—and why preserving small-town housing matters more than ever.  Listen now and join us in advocating for affordable housing everywhere, not just in the cities.

Navigating the Storm: The Impact of Rising Insurance Costs on Affordable Housing

In this episode of "WAHNcast," host Angie Truitt discusses rising insurance costs in the affordable housing sector with Nikki Freyman, Senior Asset Manager at Enterprise Community Partners. They focus on the financial strain these costs place on providers, particularly in disaster-prone areas like the Gulf Coast. Nikki shares insights on the trends, challenges, and potential solutions, including regulatory changes, innovative insurance options, and the importance of public-private partnerships. The episode underscores the urgent need for systemic change to ensure the sustainability of affordable housing amidst escalating insurance premiums.

Law Meets Mission: Navigating Legal Careers in Housing

In this special episode of WAHNcast, we dive into the world of affordable housing law with attorneys Angie Truitt, Jennifer Merlo, Andrea Steel, and Mark Shelburne. Whether you're a student exploring your path or a practicing lawyer curious about mission-driven work, this episode is packed with real talk and valuable insight about how law intersects with housing.

Asking for a Friend: How do I set boundaries around political discussions at work that aren't related to work?

Did you know that 42% of employees feel uncomfortable with workplace political discussions? In our most recent WAHNcast "Asking for a Friend" episode, we tackled this very issue. We discussed how setting boundaries, practicing self-awareness, and understanding company policies can help navigate these tough conversations. Seeking support from professional networks or a mentor can also provide valuable guidance.

North Carolina Chapter

Hear from the leaders of the original North Carolina chapter

Asking for a Friend: How do I deal with an aggressive male boss who holds me to a different standard than my male colleagues?

In our latest episode of WAHNcast's "Asking for a Friend", we dive deep into a listener's experience with workplace bullying and discrimination. One key takeaway? Document everything! Dates, comments, and patterns of behavior can be invaluable if you need to escalate the issue to HR.  The discussion is one you can't miss if you've ever had conflict in the workplace, or if you want to know how to support others who do!

WAHN Summit 2025: Your Network, Your Community, Your Movement

In this episode of WAHNcast, co-host Angie Truitt chats with Ashley Northcutt, President and CEO of the Women's Affordable Housing Network (WAHN). Ashley passionately discusses WAHN's rapid growth and the upcoming National WAHN Summit. They highlight the Summit's inclusive environment, diverse programming, and networking opportunities designed to empower women in the affordable housing industry. From technical sessions and service projects to wellness and time reserved for fun, Summit 2025 promises something for everyone. Ashley's enthusiasm is contagious as she encourages all to attend, emphasizing the transformative power of community and support in advancing women's roles in affordable housing.

Dreams, Determination & Development: Monyka Chan’s Story

Meet Monyka Chan, one of WAHN’s Quadel Summit Scholarship winners and alumni liason to Columbia University's Chapter of WAHN! Her journey from Cambodia to Columbia University to NYC affordable housing is nothing short of inspiring.  In this episode, Monyka shares how she discovered WAHN through a WAHNcast episode, how she overcame financial challenges as a first-generation college student, and her vision for sustainable, human-centric affordable housing.  💡Tune in to hear how passion, perseverance, and global perspectives drive change in our industry!  #WAHNcast#ScholarshipWinner #AffordableHousing #WomenInRealEstate #Leadership#FutureLeaders