Page 70 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2018

Harrison Co. Team 1
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
habitat
HARRISON COUNTY LEADERSHIP TEAM WOMEN
BUILD 2018 Speak Out story by Susan Ruddiman
photos courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
LESLIE KELLEY, 2019 HARRISON COUNTY CO-CHAIR, COMMUNITY BANK –
“Being a part of Habitat for Humanity over the years and seeing first hand the impact they have made in people’s lives is life
changing. When I was approached to serve on the Leadership Board, the excitement that was shared by the Habitat staff and knowing that I could make an impact for the family that will make this their home was
inspiring. In addition, Habitat for Humanity goes beyond just building houses. They offer education to ensure participants build a lifelong
foundation for success.”
PAM MOELLER, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI – “This past year one of USM’s faculty members, Ken Barbor, was diagnosed with cancer. Ken
is the director of one of our centers within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE). Ken has been an asset and great mentor to many students
while at USM and Habitat was something he was passionate about. Our build date was a way for SOSE employees to honor Ken and contribute to a charity he
loved, and I was happy to organize and lead our team. I will absolutely have a team in the women’s build next year. It is so rewarding to be a part of building a
home for a family in need.”
LUANN PAPPAS, SCARLET PEARL CASINO – “Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort has a ‘Care’ campaign whereby we give back to the communities we live in and support the causes
that matter and can make a difference.”
DR. ANGELA WINGFIELD, THE DERMATOLOGY CLINIC – “The Habitat Women Build project is important for our community because it empowers women on many levels: the volunteers
are empowered to learn new construction skills and step out of their comfort zone, the homeowners are empowered by the habitat mission of learning confident self-reliance as they
strive to improve the life of their family. Everyone wins in a project like this.”
JANELL NOLAN, COAST ELECTRIC POWER – “As part of our cooperative business model and one of the seven cooperative principles that guide our operations, Coast Electric Power Association is
and has always been very active in supporting programs and projects throughout our cooperative communities. Yet, with limited financial resources, we typically offer assistance with manpower and
equipment, which usually includes our men. With the Women Build, we saw an exciting opportunity to make an impact within our service area as well as for the women of Coast Electric to get out into the
community with a hands-on project that provides a home and stable environment for families.”
NIKKI JOHNS, AGJ – It’s important for me because this is not only a great cause but also a great team building experience with co-workers. It’s an extremely rewarding experience to know I had a hand in
making someone’s dream become a reality.”
LISA GLAVAN, BANCORP SOUTH – “I believe it is important to fulfill the needs of families and that it is essential for people to have a sense of home ownership.”