In this Habitat Board Member Highlight, allow us to introduce our Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Governance Committee, Eileen Jackson! She is a Commercial Real Estate Partner at Williams Mullen and has served on the Richmond Habitat Board for five years. Learn more about her involvement below.
Why did you choose to join the Habitat Board?
Through Williams Mullen, I had the opportunity to serve Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity on pro bono real estate matters. In recognizing that the affordable housing crisis will not be solved by one organization or with one solution, I was inspired by Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity’s approach. Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity provides its partner families with the resources to create generational change for themselves starting with a safe home.
What’s unique about being part of Habitat?
Habitat is not offering a handout, but rather a hand up. To the partner families, a home represents security and stability and a future. I encourage everyone who wants to see what makes Habitat unique to attend a home dedication ceremony, where homeowners are welcomed to their finished homes. Being part of that process is very special.
Which Habitat value resonates most with you the most and why?
Partnership. Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity’s success is rooted in its partnerships within the community. My first experience with Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity was as a volunteer on a build site. As a volunteer, you feel the sense of fellowship and connection to the work. It is an opportunity to see firsthand all of these partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, partner families, and volunteers come together to make a difference.
