This episode of WAHNcast is a celebration of growth, community, and six years of building something powerful together.

Angie Truitt, Vice President of Communications for the Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN), is joined by WAHN’s CEO and President, Ashley Northcutt, to mark WAHN’s birthday and reflect on how far the organization has come. From the early days of explaining that “WAHN isn’t a person,” to sold-out national summits, national recognition through the Giving List, and a rapidly growing chapter network, this conversation captures the heart of what WAHN has become.

Whether you’ve been part of WAHN from the beginning or are discovering it for the first time, this episode is a reminder of why this work matters and why it’s better when we do it together.

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, host Ashley Northcutt interviews Bob Moss, one of the most respected champions of affordable housing policy in the United States. Bob traces his unexpected entry into the industry—from renting apartments in Maine to working alongside pioneers like Herb Collins and David Resnick—and shares how early lessons in advocacy shaped his approach on Capitol Hill.

He discusses the pivotal formation of the ACTION Campaign, the power of unified messaging, and why true housing equity requires creativity, bipartisan collaboration, and relentless persistence. Bob also reflects on women’s leadership, mentorship, innovation in housing finance and technology, and the need to rethink how we build.

In a heartfelt turn, Bob opens up about the role art and painting played in grounding him during the pandemic and how creativity continues to influence his professional life. This episode is both a history lesson and a masterclass in leadership—delivered with humility, humor, and decades of hard-earned insight.

In this episode of WAHNcast, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Emma Schumaker, Senior Associate at Fairview Housing Partners and Lincoln Avenue Communities, whose work exemplifies resident-centered, heart-driven leadership in affordable housing. Emma shares how Fairview’s mission—to strengthen communities through direct services, deep partnerships, and creative approaches to financing—comes to life through programs like Family Resource Days, youth enrichment initiatives, and their powerful new scholarship and grants program for residents.

Emma offers an inside look at what it means to build trust with residents, collaborate with local nonprofits, and listen deeply to community needs. She also reflects on stories from scholarship recipients that continue to fuel her passion for this work, reminding us that breaking down barriers to opportunity can transform generations.

This conversation is a celebration of compassion, partnership, and the belief that stable housing paired with meaningful support opens doors to brighter futures. A perfect reflection heading into the season of giving.

In this episode of WAHNcast, hosts Angie Truitt and Ashley Northcutt sit down with Julia Pierson, Executive Director of the Consortium for Housing and Asset Management (CHAM) and one of the most respected voices in affordable housing. Julia reflects on her four-decade career, from her start as a HUD intern to becoming a nationally recognized leader shaping the field of asset management.

Julia breaks down what asset management really is, why it matters, and how strong partnerships between owners, syndicators, lenders, and HFAs can mean the difference between stable properties and those at risk. She also discusses the evolution of the field, the growing demand for skilled asset managers, and the importance of technical knowledge paired with strong soft skills.

As Julia prepares for her upcoming retirement, she shares her vision for CHAM’s future, the culture she has intentionally cultivated, and why she believes “housing policy is human policy.” This conversation is full of insight, clarity, humor, and heart, just like Julia herself.

In this deeply moving episode of WAHNcast, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Michele Stowe, founder of Skyrocket Coaching and former COO of Mercy Housing, and Shannon Wallis, founder and managing director of Cascade Leadership and former global director of High Potential Leadership Development at Microsoft.

Together, they explore how profound loss can reveal the truest forms of leadership. Drawing from their essays in the new anthology Lives Lost and Leadership Found, Michelle reflects on the legacy of Sister Lillian Murphy, the visionary CEO of Mercy Housing, while Shannon shares lessons learned from her mother’s journey through resilience, disability, and love.

This conversation challenges the notion that leadership is about titles — instead, it’s a practice rooted in presence, empathy, and action. From “assuming positive intent” to “underlooking” others, Michele and Shannon remind us that leadership begins in the smallest acts of compassion.

Tune in for insights that connect loss, love, and legacy — and rediscover the heart of what it means to lead.  And get your copy of Lives Lost and Leadership Found and Shannon's new book, WE the Change: Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities, on our website.

In honor of Veterans Day, this special episode of WAHNcast spotlights the inspiring work of Gorman & Company and their veteran-centered housing developments.

Host Angie Truitt speaks with Rachel Snethen, Director of Development Operations, and Sally Schwenn, Arizona Market President, about the company’s efforts to build communities that go beyond shelter—providing wraparound services, mental health support, job training, and a true sense of belonging for America’s veterans.

From the Valor on Eighth development in Tempe, Arizona—a pioneering community for women veterans and families—to the Fort Whipple Project in Prescott and Valor in Washington (Madison, WI), Rachel and Sally share how public–private partnerships, local service providers, and dedicated nonprofit partners are transforming lives through housing.

They also discuss national progress in reducing veteran homelessness by 50%, the importance of supportive services, and how to connect veterans in need with help right now.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Housing Assistance: va.gov/housing-assistance

VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838

Veterans Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988, then Press 1

Gorman & Company: www.GormanUSA.com

US VETS (Veteran Nonprofit Partner): www.dryhootch.org

Thank you to Gorman & Company for generously sponsoring this episode! Listen wherever you get your podcasts and join us in honoring veterans by supporting the organizations that build safe, stable, and supportive homes for those who served.

In this episode of WAHNcast, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Dr. Reginald Parker, President and Chairman of Freedmen Green Bank & Trust, to explore how clean energy, finance, and community development can work together to build true equity.

Dr. Parker — an engineer, innovator, and visionary leader — shares how his journey from technology and consulting to community banking became a mission to “make it make sense” for those historically excluded from opportunity. From financing solar projects for churches and schools to redefining how creditworthiness is measured, Dr. Parker and his team are proving that sustainability and social justice are inseparable.

This conversation dives deep into:

The intersection of energy equity and economic empowerment

How community-led finance can build generational wealth

What it means to “win or learn” as a principle for leadership and innovation

Why women — and organizations like WAHN — are essential to shaping the next era of clean energy and affordable housing

Whether you’re in housing, development, or advocacy, this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven progress.

In this deeply personal WAHNcast conversation, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Brooke Etie, Cayleigh Miller, and Liz Childers — three women whose lives have been shaped by breast cancer in powerful ways. Together, they pull back the pink ribbon to talk about the hard truths behind awareness: missed mammograms, environmental causes, body image, advocacy, and the mental and emotional toll of diagnosis and caregiving.

They share how early detection and self-advocacy saved lives, how supportive workplaces — like Quadel, Eisner Amper, and DOZ — made healing possible, and why being open about the reality of cancer can change how we care for ourselves and each other.

This episode is as real as it gets: raw, informative, and full of the strength we don’t often see.

Resources Mentioned:

Freedom Natural Deodorant – a clean alternative created with women’s health in mind

SheMD – preventive health, risk testing, and education for women

Flat Out Love – community and advocacy for women choosing to go flat after mastectomy

Food Babe – clean food movement and ingredient transparency

Cancer Vaccine Collaborative – advancing research toward a breast cancer vaccine

Breast Cancer & the Strength We Don’t See is a reminder that awareness is only the beginning — advocacy, compassion, and conversation are what truly move us forward.

Note: This episode includes discussion of survivor recovery and support in the context of domestic violence and human trafficking.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we’re honored to bring you this inspiring conversation on WAHNcast. Hosts Angie Truitt and New England WAHN President Susanna Medoff sit down with Vanessa Volz, President and CEO of Sojourner House, a Rhode Island nonprofit redefining what survivor support and housing can look like.

Vanessa shares how Sojourner House evolved from a small crisis hotline into a multifaceted agency offering trauma-informed housing, legal aid, and wrap-around support for hundreds of survivors and families each year. She reflects on her leadership journey — from attorney to nonprofit change-agent — and how building safe, stable homes is a key part of helping survivors rebuild their lives.

This conversation highlights:

the critical role of safe, affordable housing in healing and stability

how partnerships and systems change make a difference

what it means to stand with survivors, always

If you or someone you know is in need of help, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or visit thehotline.org — confidential support and local resources are available 24/7.

Listen now and join us in honoring survivors and advancing hope, healing and community.

Visit: https://sojournerri.org

In this episode of the WAHNcast, host Ashley Northcutt sits down with Donna Bullock, President and CEO of Project HOME and former Pennsylvania State Representative, to explore how housing can heal and empower entire communities.

From growing up with housing insecurity to now leading one of Philadelphia’s most transformative nonprofits, Donna shares her journey of resilience, purpose, and partnership. Under her leadership, Project HOME continues to thrive — backed by a powerful community that includes the Philadelphia Eagles and Jon Bon Jovi, both champions for housing and hope in the city they love.

Donna talks about the importance of collaboration, meeting people where they are, and building a future where every Philadelphian has a place to call home.