Building More Than Homes: The Impact of Women Build

By Marina Conklin, Vice President

A few weeks ago, we gathered for our third annual Women Build event in partnership with Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity, and I have found myself reflecting on what makes this day so meaningful year after year. On the surface, Women Build is about construction. It's about framing walls, swinging hammers, measuring twice, and working together to help create safe, affordable housing for families in our community.

But if you were there, you know it is about so much more.

It is about women from different backgrounds, industries, and experiences coming together with a shared purpose. It is about demonstrating the power of collaboration, leadership, and service. It is about showing what can happen when people invest their time, talents, and energy into something bigger than themselves.

As Vice President of the NAWIC Central Missouri Chapter 341, I am incredibly proud of the partnership we have built with Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity and the impact we continue to make together. What started as an idea three years ago has grown into a tradition that brings together professionals, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who believe in creating opportunities through housing.

One of the most rewarding parts of the day was watching participants step outside of their comfort zones. Some arrived with years of construction experience, while others had never picked up a power tool before. By the end of the day, everyone was contributing, learning, and building side by side. That spirit of teamwork and encouragement is what makes Women Build so special.

Events like this remind us that construction is ultimately a people business. The structures we build matter, but the lives impacted by those structures matter even more. Every board installed, every nail driven, and every hour volunteered contributes to a future homeowner's story.

I am grateful to Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity for their continued partnership, to our sponsors who help make this event possible, and to every volunteer who dedicated their time and effort. Your commitment demonstrates the strength of our community and the difference we can make when we work together.

Pictured L-R: Alissa, Virginia, Marina & Destanie

As I look ahead, I am excited about the future of Women Build and the opportunities we have to continue expanding our impact. The homes we help build today will serve families for years to come, but the connections, confidence, and inspiration created during these events have a lasting effect as well.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's Women Build. Together, we built more than a home—we built community, opportunity, and hope.