Women’s History Month: Honoring Women Who Build, Lead, and Inspire with Habitat ChesCo

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize women whose vision, courage, and dedication have transformed communities and created a lasting legacy. At Habitat for Humanity of Chester County (Habitat ChesCo), we honor women as leaders in housing and as catalysts for meaningful change through advocacy, construction, and volunteerism.

This month, we spotlight women who have shaped the history of housing, celebrate the dedication of our Women Build participants and team members, and share inspiring stories of women who have achieved the life-changing milestone of homeownership.

Trailblazers in Housing

While figures like Jane Jacobs and Biddy Mason are widely recognized, countless other women, both historic pioneers and present-day leaders, have played pivotal roles in shaping housing and community development. Their work reflects the many ways women influence housing through policy, advocacy, finance, and public service.

Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955) was a prominent African American educator, politician, and social visionary in the early twentieth century. Nicknamed the "First Lady of the Struggle," she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of African Americans through education and empowerment. She founded Bethune-Cookman College, led the National Council of Negro Women, and served as a key Black administrator in the Roosevelt administration.¹

Dorothy Mae Taylor (1928–2000), known as “The First Lady of 1300 Perdido Street,” served in New Orleans City Hall from 1986 to 1994. In 1971, she became the first woman of color elected to Louisiana’s House of Representatives. Taylor championed desegregation of New Orleans public schools and the Recreation Department, and fought for civil rights, prison reform, and economic equality for Black citizens throughout her life.²

Patty Arvielo, a first-generation Hispanic entrepreneur, began her career at 16 and rose through the ranks of the mortgage industry to become Co-Founder and CEO of New American Funding. Since launching the company with her husband in 2003, Patty has grown it into one of the nation’s largest independent mortgage lenders, with over 260,000 loans serviced and more than 260 locations nationwide. Today, she leads a diverse team of more than 4,400 workers, of whom more than half are women.³

State Senator Carolyn T. Comitta is dedicated to building stronger, more inclusive communities and a healthier environment for future generations. With a background as a teacher, mayor, and legislator, she advocates for quality education, public health, sustainability, and social equity. Carolyn’s leadership, coalition-building, and commitment to service have shaped public policy at the local and state levels, earning her the distinction of being the first woman and the first bipartisan-elected mayor of West Chester, and a champion for Pennsylvanians as a State Senator.⁴

These trailblazers remind us that leadership in housing takes many forms. Every contribution, whether policy-driven, design-focused, or hands-on, helps build stronger, more equitable communities.

Advocacy in Action: Rosalynn Carter & International Women’s Day

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter had long championed affordable housing and supported Habitat for Humanity. Through her advocacy, she showed how leadership and compassion drive meaningful change in communities. Carter’s work underscores that safe, stable housing is the foundation for strong families and thriving neighborhoods.

International Women’s Day, observed on March 8th, aligns with this focus on advocacy. At Habitat ChesCo, it’s a chance to honor women whose efforts, such as advocating for fair housing, leading builds, or mentoring volunteers, strengthen communities every day. This day also highlights the ongoing barriers women face and emphasizes the importance of empowerment, leadership, and opportunity.

Women Build 2026: Building Skills and Community

Our Women Build Program, returning March 20th, empowers women to gain construction skills and make a lasting difference for families in need of safe housing. More than just a single-day event, Women Build fosters growth, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. Participants leave with hands-on experience and the pride of building brighter futures for local families.

Last year, 13 women from across Chester County joined forces to build the front porches of five townhomes at Fuller Meadows. Their collaboration, determination, and energy had a meaningful impact on the families preparing to move into those homes.

For more information about Women Build or to get involved, please contact Liz Price at liz@hfhcc.org.

Honoring Our Female Volunteers and Staff

Behind every build, milestone, and event are the dedicated women who power Habitat ChesCo’s mission. From coordinating events to empowering partner families, mentoring new volunteers, and supporting our ReStores, these women bring expertise, leadership, and heart to everything they do.

Their work extends beyond physical labor; they foster learning, empowerment, and a strong sense of community. Their commitment ensures that every aspect of our mission runs smoothly, creating lasting impact for families and neighborhoods throughout Chester County.

The Power of Homeownership

Through Habitat ChesCo’s homeownership program, families in Chester County partner with volunteers and the broader community to build simple, attainable homes. Partnering families complete “sweat equity” on the construction site and take on an affordable mortgage, with guidance and support to help them move into their new homes and achieve long-term stability.

We are proud to recognize these women in our community who have recently reached significant milestones on their homeownership journey:

• New Homeowners:

  • Ashley Leatherbury, a single homeowner, celebrated with her parents, brother, boyfriend, and his daughter as she stepped into a new chapter of independence.

  • Charlotte Trowery began a new chapter with her daughter, Demi, creating a space for growth and connection.

  • Balu Bangura celebrated with her youngest daughter, Mariama, and her extended family, including her adult daughter, Christiana, highlighting the multigenerational impact of homeownership.

• Carla, who recently paid off her mortgage, now enjoys long-term stability and the freedom to focus on her family’s future.

These women exemplify perseverance, leadership, and the transformative power of stable housing. Their stories remind us that homes are more than structures; they are the foundation for opportunity, security, and lasting impact.

Your Support Builds Homes and Futures

This Women’s History Month, Habitat ChesCo honors women who have shaped housing, supports those building homes today, and empowers women to lead, inspire, and create change. Through Women Build, the dedication of our volunteers and staff, and the resilience of the homeowners we serve, we remain committed to ensuring every family has a place to call home.

There are many ways to help families achieve the dream of homeownership and strengthen our community:

• Give a one-time gift to support homes, supplies, and programs that transform lives.

• Join the Square Foot Club, our flexible monthly giving program. Your recurring gift helps us plan and can be adjusted or paused at any time.

• Include Habitat in your planned giving through a will, IRA, donor-advised fund, or other methods.

• Volunteer at build sites, ReStores, events, or community initiatives.

• Shop or donate to our ReStores to support home construction while keeping usable items out of landfills.

• Advocate and raise awareness about the need for safe housing.

Together, we are not just building homes; we are building hope, opportunity, and a stronger, more resilient Chester County.

Sources:

1. https://erpapers.columbian.gwu.edu/mary-mcleod-bethune-1875-1955 

2. https://neworleanshistorical.org/items/show/1634 

3. https://www.pattyarvielo.com/about 

4. https://www.pasenatorcomitta.com/biography/