Girls play house.
Women build them.

Bringing together women from across Oahu, Wahine Build is an annual initiative to mobilize, educate and empower women to build affordable homes with Honolulu Habitat for Humanity. 

Women are disproportionately underrepresented on Habitat’s build sites. Whether for lack of training or gender bias, they account for only 30% of construction volunteers.

Through Wahine Build, we provide hands-on training and a comfortable learning environment to help women succeed in changing their communities. 

Join the committee

The Wahine Build leadership committee is growing and we are now welcoming new members. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and promote positive, women-led impact, we want you on our team.

To learn more or submit your resume, contact us today.

Open positions

General Member

As a general committee member you will help with the planning, promotion and execution of Wahine Build. Members are organized by sub-committee to actively support outreach, recruitment, marketing, fundraising and/or logistical planning.

See full description.

Officer: Recording Secretary

This role provides organizational and administrative support to the committee and Habitat staff. Primary responsibilities include accurate record keeping, moderation of the Microsoft Teams environment, timely communication and correspondence. 

Ideal candidates for this position are highly organized and technologically proficient, possess strong verbal and written communication, time management, teamwork and leadership skills.

See full description.

Officer: Treasurer

The committee treasurer oversees the general financial management of Wahine Build, ensures fiscal responsibility and proper stewardship of funds. They advise on committee’s fundraising strategy, monitor financial forecasts and ensure handling-of-funds policies are in place when cash transactions occur. 

Experience in nonprofit accounting or finance management required.

See full description.

Sub-committees

The Wahine Build committee is organized into small, working groups that focus on various aspects of the program. From event planning and fundraising to marketing and promotion, there’s something for everyone here.

Partnerships

Building on the success of Wahine Build 2022, the Partnerships team is responsible for cultivating long-term collaborations with community partners, sponsors and support organizations. With a focus on sponsorship procurement and stewardship, this team plays a critical role in achieving our $100,000 fundraising goal. 

Resource Development

The Resource Development team oversees peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, in-kind donations and (new in 2023) other creative funding prospects, such as grant and foundation opportunities. This team also provides direct support to fundraisers through weekly coaching calls and key resources to encourage and empower participants to reach their fundraising goals.

Education

The Education team works to expand the impact of Wahine Build through outreach, education and advocacy. This team will organize sub-events/campaigns, including four (4) skill-building workshops, to engage the general public in the mission of Wahine Build. Educational topics include building equity and resilience in women, construction skill development, housing advocacy, women in construction, etc.

Volunteer Experience

The Volunteer Experience team curates a world-class experience for all Wahine Build participants and support volunteers. Members will manage volunteer recruitment, scheduling and communications, non-construction related logistics, and day-of coordination.

Engagement Events

The Engagement Events team organizes creative, mission-driven experiences to engage key stakeholders off the build site. Its primary responsibility is to plan, promote and execute the annual Wahine Build launch event. New in 2023, this team will also organize auxiliary events for partners, participants, sponsors and/or committee members.

Marketing

The Marketing Team is responsible for the creative development of Wahine Build and inspiring a strong call to action through all messaging and content. This cross-functional team will collaborate extensively with other teams to support design, communication, marketing and outreach.

Media/PR

A taskforce within the Marketing team, the Media/PR hui will develop a well-planned public relations campaign to elevate awareness and support of Wahine Build. Its members will establish a media timeline, write and distribute press releases, prepare a media kit, secure TV/radio/print media spots and leverage  leverage local influencer markets, and arranging a media day or press conference.

2023 committee

Coming soon!

In the news

BLOG: From first time volunteer to Wahine Build chair
Wahine volunteers build affordable homes on Oahu, April 2022; Hawaii News Now
Living808 | KHON2 ft. Wahine Build [VIDEO]
Wahine Build, March 2022; Home Planning Hawaii
Honolulu Habitat for Humanity expands Wahine Build, March 2022; Building Industry Magazine
BLOG: Cheers! Wahine Build signature cocktails by RNDC

we're just getting started

Interested in Wahine Build? Sign up for future announcements!

Mahalo to our volunteer photographers!
 Misha Ross Photography, Teresa Aubrey Photography, Howard Wolff Photography and Pachamama Creative. 

view all photos

Wahine Build Event Partners

Wahine Build is made possible by local businesses and organizations that support women taking action to build a better community.

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Wahine Build Leadership Committee

Wahine Build is driven by inspiring and engaged women leaders dedicated to making Hawaii a more vibrant and affordable place to live.

Interested in joining the 2023 Wahine Build committee? Contact us!

Pamela Nitta

Nordic PCL Construction
2022 Wahine Build Event Chair

Tammie Oka

Hensel Phelps
2022 Wahine Build Event Co-Chair

Alissa Bautista

Rosendin Electric
Recording Secretary

Mary Pigao

Hensel Phelps
Marketing Co-Chair

Kaelyn Okuhata

Servco Pacific
Marketing Co-Chair

Elliot Woods

Partners In Care Oahu
Fundraising Chair

Summer Vaimaona

Swinerton
Special Events Chair

Rebecca Wright

Howard Hughes Corporation
Volunteer Co-Chair

Lexi Tansey

Nordic PCL Construction
Volunteer Co-Chair

about our logo

The Wahine Build logo was created by Jana Sasaki, local graphic designer, to reflect concepts of construction, women-empowerment and Hawaiian culture. Jana spent countless hours curating each element to contribute to the story of Wahine Build and the message we intend to share with the community. Read more about Jana and our logo here.

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