Kirsten R. J. Sibilia was recently appointed as the Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County’s Board of Directors. A partner at Dattner Architects for more than a decade, Sibilia brings extensive experience working across affordable housing and other community-focused projects.
Her connection to Habitat dates back to 2010, when she joined Dattner and designed the Atlantic Avenue apartments in Brooklyn, which was Habitat’s largest development at the time. Sibilia also has a family connection to Habitat, as her father volunteered with the organization.
As Board Chair, Sibilia will be focused on the importance of affordable homeownership, the role of thoughtful design in creating equitable communities and opportunities for Habitat to continue evolving its work across New York City and Westchester County.
We sat with Sibilia to ask her 5 questions to get to know her better and welcome her further into Habitat’s work.
What inspired you to join Habitat’s Board and take on the role of Board Chair?
Sibilia: I really believe that housing is a fundamental human right and we have to be advocating for it at all levels. Beyond that, affordable homeownership is foundational for people building a life. To have that level of stability, to be able to build equity and to have more security is transformative for a family. The particular niche that Habitat plays is incredibly important, and I want to be part of that work and lend my energy to it. Also Sabrina is an amazing CEO, and it has been phenomenal working with her, learning from her and seeing her in action.
Your work at Dattner Architects has included affordable housing and other community-focused projects. How will that experience inform your work with Habitat?
Sibilia: I think the fact that I am deep in the world of affordable housing will help. There are complicated conversations around funding, capital stacks and how affordable housing gets developed and maintained. I’m excited about helping raise the fluency of everyone on the Board around some of those housing policy issues and how Habitat fits into that ecosystem. I can also help represent Habitat in the places where I’m already active and continue to make connections.
What does affordable homeownership mean to you personally?
Sibilia: There’s not a lot of difference for me between personal and professional. I feel really fortunate that I’m able to manifest my personal values through my professional work. We all deserve to have a nice, beautiful, stable home with a community. When people have stable housing, they can focus on their families and their lives rather than worrying about where they will live or whether they will lose their home. That security is fundamental.
Where do you see opportunities for Habitat to expand its impact?
Sibilia: I think Accessory Dwelling Units are a huge opportunity, and I’m really excited about that. I also think Westchester presents a real opportunity for housing that builds on more Habitat housing models. We need housing at all different scales, including two-family buildings, and there are opportunities to help address the housing crisis.
Looking ahead, what do you hope Habitat accomplishes during your tenure as Board Chair?
Sibilia: I want to feel like we are really in a solid place and that we’re recognized for the work we’re doing here in New York City and the region. I want to make sure we’re able to continue to evolve how we serve communities and individuals looking for housing stability. We should never just continue doing what we’ve done, but always look for other opportunities to serve, educate and advocate.