Lansing, MI – On Day 4 of Habitat for Humanity Capital Region’s Women Build 2025, a remarkable group of women leaders stepped away from boardrooms and offices. Instead, they put their efforts into building affordable housing.
These women are friends and colleagues who serve across the Capital Region as nonprofit professionals, and chose to volunteer as a team to build up a Habitat duplex currently under construction in Lansing’s Eastfield Neighborhood. This duplex is a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity Capital Region, Lansing INtentional Communities, and The Peoples Church of East Lansing that will provide safe, stable housing for adults with developmental disabilities.
From hauling dirt and constructing decks to raising fencing, these nonprofit leaders took a truly hands-on approach to community building.
“I really love the education that happens on-site,” said Rachel Swedburg, Executive Director of CASA for Kids, a nonprofit supporting children and families in the foster care system. “I learn things that I didn’t know about, like using different tools.”
Swedburg was one of many who spent the day hammering, sawing, and measuring alongside peers who share her commitment and dedication.
Melissa Nay, CTA of Choose Lansing, returned for her fifth year with Women Build. “I like giving back to the community, and this is a good way to do it,” she said. “I get to do this with all of my lovely friends that I’m hanging out with today. Each time I have, it’s always been with different friends that I’ve recruited.”
That sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was at the heart of the day’s efforts. This year’s “nonprofit crew” was organized by Dr. Julie Thomasma, CEO of Child and Family Charities, who helped rally her peers for a second consecutive year of building together.
“This is our second year with the nonprofit crew, and we thought it'd be really fun,” shared Thomasma. “This nonprofit group knows the needs of the community really well—everyone’s tuned in, and they jumped at the opportunity.”
When asked what inspired her to bring the group together, Thomasma said, “I believe in the mission. We work with families who are struggling with housing. And seeing that long-term impact is the goal that we’d like to see for our families as well. For me, volunteering with Habitat is an extension of our mission.”
Each woman brought not only physical effort, but also wisdom and compassion forged by years of service. From youth mentorship and mental health to education and rehabilitation, their organizations encompass a wide range of vital services that serve the greater Lansing area. Together, they exemplify what it means to lead by example and show that even outside their daily roles, these incredible leaders are committed to creating meaningful change.
The Capital Region nonprofit leaders who participated on Day 4 of Women Build 2025 represent the following organizations:
- Lansing Community College Foundation
- Lansing Symphony Orchestra
- Child and Family Charities
- Helping Women Period
- NAMI Lansing
- Choose Lansing
- CASA for Kids, Inc. Barry, Eaton & Ingham Counties
- Todd Martin Youth Leadership
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region
- Origami Rehabilitation
- DAP Service & Resources
These leaders remind us that building a better world takes all kinds of work—from advocacy to action, from policy to power tools. At Women Build, they did it all.
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