Women Build

Women Build is a community of strong, dedicated women and gender non-conforming folks, coming together to be a force for good in ourselves and in our communities.

Women Build is housing justice—through building, connecting and raising much-needed funds for affordable housing. At Habitat NYC and Westchester, we know the importance of empowering women; in fact, more than 80 percent of our homeowners are single female heads of household, the majority of whom are BIPOC.

On the construction site, Women Builders work under the guidance of construction professionals, and alongside other Women Builders and future Habitat Homeowners. You can join the Women Build movement as an individual, or start a team with friends or colleagues. No construction experience is necessary—join us and swing a hammer to help build a more equitable New York!

Join our movement!

“I first became involved with Habitat NYC and Westchester during the 2017 Women Build season. I along with nearly a hundred other women came together to install drywall at the Dean Street Residences in Brooklyn. It was a truly rewarding experience, and I have been involved with the Women Build Council ever since. I look forward to doing more work with the Council and Habitat NYC and Westchester in the future.”

—Dominique Coleman, Women Build Council Member

Habitat NYC and Westchester's Women Build Council

Jyothi Grama

Founder, Grama Designs

Jyothi has always been passionate about affordable housing having seen the life altering difference having their own home can make to families. Starting with her research in neighborhood housing as an Architecture graduate student, leading to her jobs as an Urban Planner, to her involvement with Habitat for Humanity she has spent a large part of her career involved with neighborhoods and their housing and infrastructure needs. She was on the Board of Habitat for Humanity in MA. There, she helped start the first ReStore in Worcester, and chaired their Women Build program for many years. Upon relocating to NYC, it was natural for her to connect with Habitat NYC and Westchester. She joined the Women Build Council when it was formed.

Dara E. Udo M.D., MPH

Physician. Global Health, Equity and Justice Advocate.

Dara is a medical doctor living in New York City and practices in the Greater New York area.

She has collaborated in academic and clinical research endeavors at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA; L’Institut Pasteur Department of Infectiology in Paris, France; and The National Travel Health Network at The University College of London Hospital in London, UK.

She has also engaged in several medical projects around the world, including in Dame Marie, Haiti, Calabar, Nigeria and in Mumbai, India. Furthermore, philanthropic endeavors and volunteerism are an integral part of her life. She currently serves as Co-Chair for the Habitat Women Build Council NYC and Westchester and is the Habitat NYC and Westchester Global Village Ambassador. She has also served as UNICEF UNITE’s NYC Community Lead, is on a board for the United Nations Foundation and has worked with Doctors Without Borders.

She has received recognition as one of Greater New York ‘s Top Docs. Received a Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Leadership Award in 2022; in 2009, she received the highest level U.S. Presidential Award for Volunteerism and continues to strive to dedicate her life to the service of others.