WICHITA, KS (February 10, 2025)— Wichita Habitat for Humanity will launch its annual Women Build 2025 with dynamic Power Lunch and panel discussion featuring four prominent women leaders across the city. The event will be held on February 27 and will explore the intersection of homeownership, identity and community.

These inspiring women, holding influential positions in our community, will share their impactful stories of turning dreams into reality. The panel discussion, titled “Homeownership & Belonging: Owning Your Story, Owning Your Outcomes,” will offer attendees the opportunity to connect, learn, and gain valuable insights into building the life and sense of belonging they deserve.

Panelists include:

• Michelle Moe Witte, Attorney at Martin Pringle Law Firm
• Alicia Sanchez, Community Relations and Global Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager at Spirit AeroSystems
• Felicia Rolfe, Morning News Anchor at KWCH
• Sheelu Surender, Executive Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships at Wichita State University

Tickets for the Power Lunch are $40 each and include lunch during the panel discussion.

“Women Build empowers women to transform lives and communities,” said Danielle Johnson, executive director of Wichita Habitat for Humanity. “This year, our participants can own their stories and own their outcomes. Then, they can come participate in leading the revitalization of Rock the Block Piatt, gaining valuable skills and making a lasting impact in our community.”

Women Build 2025 is set to inspire and empower women throughout March and May. Participants will work alongside future Habitat homeowners, skilled construction professionals, and core volunteers to rehabilitate homes in the Rock the Block Piatt neighborhood. This initiative is part of Wichita Habitat for Humanity’s plan to rehabilitate 16 existing homes in northeast Wichita. These homes were previously part of Wichita’s public housing stock and are now being revitalized to provide affordable homeownership opportunities. Teams of 10 friends, family and/or coworkers are encouraged to sign up for a Build Day.

By supporting Women Build, individuals contribute to the construction of essential affordable housing and play a key role in fostering resilient and thriving neighborhoods. Women Build participants collaborate in a supportive environment, guided by construction professionals, and work alongside fellow volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. The program actively recruits and trains women to contribute to the creation and maintenance of decent, healthy, and affordable homes, providing a unique platform for women to learn new skills, gain confidence, and empower one another.

“We are extremely grateful this year for the support from Women of Wichita for empowering women to create lasting change in our community,” added Johnson. “We are impacting multiple families and multiple homes. It truly demonstrates the tangible results of our mission to provide safe, affordable housing for all.”

This year’s Women Build is sponsored by Women of Wichita, Spirit AeroSystems, and Goodwill Industries of KS.

For more information or to get involved, visit wichitahabitat.org/womenbuild.