March marks the start of Women’s History Month, a month dedicated to recognizing prominent women in history and celebrating those who work to improve conditions for women everywhere. The Women’s Leadership Initiative is a network of women in Monroe County who use their resources and role as a community member to help spread the mission of Habitat Monroe.
While Habitat Monroe does not discriminate based on sex or family status, it is proud to be able to help women in the county achieve affordable homeownership. Many of them have families and are working towards self-sufficiency. The WLI is composed of influential community members who are able to spread awareness of Habitat’s program, bringing in people who could benefit from the program, as well as those who will support the mission.
Let’s meet and recognize our WLI committee members who use their time and talents to fundraise, support, and spread awareness for Habitat in ways that we are so grateful for.
Audrey Mistor – Audrey is the Managing Director of Wealth Management for First Merchants Bank and was previously the Executive Vice President of Monroe Bank & Trust, a pillar in the Monroe community. Audrey is always there for Habitat when they call, using her personal and professional influence to support.
Carol Lenox-Carlton – Carol is a retired professional and is a habi-helper extraordinaire! She is another active member who can always be counted on to show her support for Habitat’s endeavors. She also serves on Habitat’s Board.
Gretchen Eyler – Gretchen is the Market President of First Merchants Bank in Monroe and previously served as a manager and loan officer for Monroe Bank & Trust. We love Gretchen’s big ideas and her encouragement to always step out in faith!
Joanie Mahalak – Joanie is an active member and oftens uses her connections to help Habitat in their events and fundraisers. She is often one of the first to volunteer to help set up events and makes sure to never miss one.
Kate Hall – Kate is the Vice President of Community Relations for the Monroe County Community Credit Union and a recently-instituted board member for Habitat Monroe. Kate is also very active in the WLI and is an asset in Habitat’s event planning.
Molly Luempert-Coy – Molly is the Regional Manager for DTE Energy. With DTE being such a big entity in the community, it’s such a benefit to have Molly who connects us with volunteers and fund opportunities to help make what we do possible!
Renee Darrow – Renee is actually the founding chair of the WLI and helped to launch the WLI as a network. She continues to pour her time, talent, and resources into the mission of Habitat and building up the ladies of this great community.
Shelly Hehl – Shelly is the unofficial creative director for the WLI, always lending her ideas and using her creativity to make the WLI events and experiences a beautiful experience.
Susan Vanisacker – Susan is the Director of Community Relations for La-Z-Boy and ensures that she uses her position to lift up the community, Habitat is no different. She coordinates both donations and an active volunteer program on an annual basis with Habitat Monroe.
Traci Calkins – Traci is the Regional Sales Manager at PPG Industries which she has consistently leveraged to support Habitat. She and PPG have lent many of their custom made pieces to Habitat events and are always willing to lend a helping hand.
