WAHNcast

Lessons from the Driver’s Seat (of a Buick): Babbie Jaco’s Leadership Story

This Women's History Month, we celebrate the legacy of Babbie Jaco, a powerhouse in affordable housing whose journey from secretary to CEO is nothing short of inspiring. In this special WAHNcast episode, Babbie shares her incredible career story—growing a company from three employees to over 550, navigating the industry’s evolution, and leading with both heart and grit. Now in retirement (but busier than ever!), she reflects on the importance of ethics, mentorship, and building a workplace where people want to stay. She also shares wisdom from the books that shaped her leadership, the power of heart work, and her unforgettable philosophy of flying by Buick to get the job done. From making multimillion-dollar decisions to making her mom’s coffee just right, Babbie reminds us that every season of life has its own leadership lessons. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and the kind of real talk that makes Babbie an industry icon.

Housing With Dignity: Joy Horak-Brown’s Legacy in Affordable Housing

We got to sit down with Joy Horak-Brown, the unstoppable force behind New Hope Housing in Houston, Texas. Joy’s passion and leadership have redefined what’s possible in affordable housing, creating not just homes but opportunities for dignity, community, and stability. In this episode, we explore her incredible journey, groundbreaking projects, and the inspiring ways her team is tackling homelessness and housing insecurity. Joy’s candid insights on the power of persistence, intergenerational living, and leveraging community partnerships are not to be missed!   Get ready to feel inspired by Joy’s relentless drive to create a brighter future for Houston and beyond.

Building Futures: How Rehab Warriors is Changing the Industry

In this episode of WAHNcast, we sit down with Andy Williams, CEO of Rehab Warriors, to discuss his mission to empower veterans through careers in real estate development. From workforce training to revitalizing communities, Andy shares how Rehab Warriors is creating opportunities and transforming lives. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on impact, innovation, and the future of housing!

Mastering the Art of Networking

Jean Dahlquist joins us for a powerhouse conversation about networking, career pivots, and finding your place in affordable housing. From securing pigs at the Wisconsin State Fair to law enforcement in the Coast Guard to managing LIHTC deals across the West Coast—Jean's journey proves that curiosity, confidence, and connections can open unexpected doors.  Hear how she turned informational interviews into a career breakthrough, why she still uses a Rolodex (yes, really!), and her best networking hacks for anyone looking to grow in this industry.

Asking for a Friend: Is It a Baby Bump or a Career Hiccup? Navigating Job Changes While Pregnant

In the inaugural episode of "Asking for a Friend," co-hosts Angie Truitt and Millie Hurt explore the complexities of career transitions during significant life changes, such as pregnancy. They address a listener's dilemma about whether to disclose her pregnancy during job interviews and whether to stay in a demanding job or seek a more family-friendly position. Drawing from their personal experiences and expert HR insights, Angie and Millie emphasize the importance of transparency, assessing company culture, and seeking community support. The episode aims to create a safe, supportive space for listeners navigating similar career challenges.

 

DISCLAIMER: The content of this WAHNcast's "Asking for a Friends" series is for informational and discussion purposes only. It is intended to feel like a conversation among friends—not as legal, medical, or professional advice. If you are facing a situation that requires legal guidance, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified attorney or professional who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Minnesota Chapter

In this latest WAHNcast episode, technical experts Christina Rieck Loukas and Quin Seiler, shareholders at Winthrop & Weinstine, take a deep dive into the complexities of Year 15 issues in affordable housing. With decades of combined experience in construction and real estate litigation, Christina and Quin break down key red flags, legal strategies, and practical advice to help developers and partners navigate the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.

Florida Chapter

Hear from the leaders of the original Florida chapter

Leadership and Legacy: Nan McKay's Path to Success in Affordable Housing

We are thrilled to announce a very special episode of WAHNcast featuring the legendary Nan McKay! Known for her pioneering work in the housing industry, Nan shares her incredible journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving company that now has over 1,000 employees. With stories of her early career, working 17 different jobs, including a flight attendant and cocktail waitress, to her leadership in housing authorities and founding her successful training business, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.  Nan opens up about her experiences, the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur, and balancing family life while growing her business. She offers insightful advice on leadership, resilience, and how to embrace opportunities—even when they're scary.  Tune in to hear Nan McKay’s story of hard work, integrity, and the power of following your dreams!