Women of AmeriCorps Share Their Experience

AmeriCorps service members play a big part in the home-building success of Twin Cities Habitat. Each year, new cohorts sign up for 3- to 6-month commitments or full-year terms and provide vital support on our build sites. During Women’s History Month, we connected with three female AmeriCorps members about the challenges and the rewards of being women in construction.

AmeriCorps members left to right: Sydney, Sarah, and Fran

Sydney

Originally from Lindstrom and White Bear Lake, Sydney got her degree in Supply Chain Management & Strategic Management from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. During that time, she worked on restoring a 130-year-old property and fell in love with preserving spaces.

Sydney researched opportunities to gain more skills in construction and saw Habitat rated as a top workplace in Minnesota. Her personal values also aligned with Habitat’s mission. "I wanted to be part of an organization that provides equitable opportunities on a path to homeownership," she said.

She also connected to Habitat’s commitment to sustainability. Sydney previously worked with the organization H2O for Life and founded a local charitable walk to raise funds for clean water and sanitation. She also was part of a sustainability committee in college.

When asked what it’s like being a young woman working on construction, Sydney said she’s had to navigate a space that is uncomfortable and has had to grow a thicker skin. "Growth and comfort don’t coexist; I have to embrace the ambiguity of the environment."

She has learned much from female leaders of Habitat field staff, like Rose, Terra, and Beth. "They enjoy the work and have provided tremendous inspiration and motivation," Sydney said. It’s no surprise her favorite thing about being an AmeriCorps member at Habitat is the people. "Peace, love, harmony, and inclusivity are beautiful things to be a part of."

After her term with AmeriCorps wraps up, Syndey plans to attend law school.

Sarah

Sarah previously worked as an assistant executive director of a nonprofit helping children in the arts. While looking for a new job opportunity, AmeriCorps popped up with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. It seemed like a great fit since she had nonprofit experience and understood the time and effort that goes into keeping a nonprofit going. She had also previously volunteered on a Habitat build site with her church and enjoyed it.

"I am 63 years old, which is not young for AmeriCorps, but I greatly encourage other seniors to try AmeriCorps because you get a lot of support, and it is rewarding," Sarah said. "When I get just a little better or help someone else get better at carpentry skills, I am thrilled."

Fran

After completing her degree in biology, Fran wanted to take a step back and refresh. "I sought out this job as a way to ‘take a break’ from using my brain so much in school," she said. "I actually found out about this (AmeriCorps) program at a job fair! Finding Habitat’s program got me really excited; I found a branch of AmeriCorps that felt both doable and interesting."

Fran had gained construction and volunteer experience through Appalachia Service Project, which repairs and replaces homes for low-income families. She loved learning about construction and the critical thinking involved. And her skills have only grown since being at Twin Cities Habitat. "I have gotten some good practice working with and leading small groups," Fran explained. "This is a super useful skill, both at work and in my personal life! I feel much more confident in my teaching abilities." And she feels more comfortable with her carpentry skills, especially of framing.

Beyond technical skills, Fran says Habitat has many strong women to look up to, and they’ve helped her find her voice.

"My site supervisor has really encouraged me to take up space and speak confidently. Being a woman in these spaces feels like something ‘special’, instead of just being a person at work. However, other staff at TCHFH are incredibly supportive and clearly support diversity (in all senses) in the workplace. This workplace culture is the most supportive that I have experienced; I do not have to think about how my gender is going to factor into how my coworkers treat me."

After her AmeriCorps term, Fran plans to travel. She also said coming back to Habitat for a second AmeriCorps term isn’t out of the question. "I have a feeling I will come back to complete a second term. I have really enjoyed getting to know the staff here and also feel like I have more to learn."

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. Since the first AmeriCorps member was sworn in on September 12, 1994, Habitat for Humanity affiliates have hosted AmeriCorps members to engage community volunteers and build, rehab, and repair affordable housing. At Twin Cities Habitat, applications are open now for summer terms beginning late May and full-year terms beginning September 2025!