Pacific Northwest WAHN
Join UsMission
The mission of state Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN) chapters is to empower and develop women working in the affordable housing sector through partnership, networking, allyship, advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement. We foster a supportive environment where individuals can bring their authentic selves, enabling the exchange of the brightest ideas. Driven by our collective goals, WAHN chapters work towards the establishment of a state-wide organization that brings together women from all sectors of the affordable housing industry. By uniting our expertise, passion, and resources, we aim to transform the affordable housing landscape, ensuring equitable access to secure and sustainable housing for all.
Vision
To create a community that provides networking and professional development opportunities and promotes the advancement and leadership of women working in the affordable housing industry.
Pacific Northwest Leadership
Kathleen Swift
President
Cynthia Sparks
Co-Vice President
Kate Chavez
Co-Vice President
Ann Melone
Treasurer
Gloria LaFleur
Co-Secretary
Samantha Hergenroeder
Co Vice President of Communications
Paige Steinbach
Co Vice President of Communications
Linny Simkin
Board Member
Sherry Grau
Board Member
Our Committees
Below are the initial committees that we will be staffing. Please click Join Us to be added to an email list for us to reach out to once we start having calls for these committees. Additionally, make sure to revisit this page for future chances to join the Communication, Community Engagement, Finance, and other committees.
The EDUCATION & MENTORSHIP COMMITTEE seeks to grow, educate, and support the pool of outstanding talent in the wonderful world of affordable housing. Our efforts will include a college outreach program to spread the word about opportunities in the field; supporting internship programs that offer paid training to promising, entry-level housing professionals; creating and facilitating mentorship opportunities that allow rising stars to learn and grow their careers, and more experienced leaders to share their wisdom.
The EVENTS COMMITTEE’S purpose is to foster collaboration and support our mission by creating memorable events that bring our community together. We are looking for enthusiastic members passionate about event planning to help us achieve this goal. By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference by organizing and executing impactful events such as conferences, workshops, and networking happy hours, which have already been huge successes. You will collaborate with regional representatives to coordinate events specific to our members’ needs and interests, always working together to bring fresh ideas and new event formats to life. Being part of the Events Committee also means expanding your network as you meet and collaborate with professionals from across the Pacific Northwest, building connections that can lead to professional growth. We are committed to inclusive participation, aiming to host events throughout the PNW to ensure all members have the opportunity to join in. Our regional representatives assist in planning events tailored to the unique needs of different areas, making sure everyone feels included and engaged. If you’re interested in joining the Events Committee and helping us create engaging and meaningful events, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you have experience in event planning or are simply eager to contribute, your enthusiasm and ideas are welcome. Join us in making a difference and bringing our community closer together.
The FINANCE COMMITTEE provides financial analysis. advice. and oversight of the organizational budget Typical tasks include accounting. budgeting. and financial planning. preparation of annual tax returns, and the creation and monitoring of internal controls and accountability policies.
The MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE’S purpose is to recruit new members who have an active role in the affordable housing industry, keep members informed on relevant events and information, develop networking and industry awareness of membership benefits and resources, and promote the value of membership through professional and personal development activities. The Membership Committee will maintain the current member lists and new member outreach, compile information into monthly newsletters, create resource lists, and conduct market studies to better the organization for the future.
The SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE is responsible for coordinating the receipt of sponsors and their donations. Committee members communicate with potential and existing sponsors to answer any questions and keep track of responsibilities to those sponsors. Committee members work with the Membership and Events Committees to get information from sponsors in order to highlight them in newsletters, social media, and WAHN event recognition. Committee members are also responsible for keeping track of the amount of funds coming in from sponsors and tracking the events and social media posts for each Sponsor.
The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE serves as the central decision-making and oversight body responsible for shaping the organization’s strategic direction, policies, and operations. This includes: monitoring developments, providing a sounding board, addressing pressing issues, prioritizing and decision-making in collaboration and partnership with the other committees.
Pacific Northwest WAHN SPONSORS
To view sponsorship opportunities or to sponsor PNW WAHN please click the button below.
