This October, Laura Belcher, CEO and president of Habitat Charlotte Region, accepted the 2023 Woman of the Year award, honoring her significant contributions to the organization over the past decade. To gain insight into her journey and vision for the future, we asked Laura a few questions about her experiences at Habitat and her hopes for ongoing progress.
Q: What have been some of the most significant milestones during your 10 years with the organization, and how have they shaped your leadership style?
A: “Crossing 200 families served annually was a significant milestone. The first strategic plan we completed when I arrived at Habitat aimed for a 55% growth to achieve that 200-family level. We didn’t know how to get there when we started, but with determination and creativity, the teams identified a variety of ways to increase our programming.” Fast forward to now, and this past year, the affiliate has served nearly 500 families. Laura goes on to mention the impact of the Carter Work Project, stating, “The Carter Work Project in October 2023 was a huge accomplishment and a career-high for me. Watching the organization come together to plan for the event 14 months in advance, flawlessly executing the build week, and successfully closing on all homes in May 2024 is a real source of pride for me.” Laura is no stranger to change and notes that the past decade has seen significant shifts for her, both professionally and personally.
Q: Can you share a particular challenge you faced in your role and how it helped you grow as a leader?
A: Like many leaders, Laura faced a challenge no one anticipated: the COVID-19 pandemic. “March 2020 and the 18 months that followed were the greatest leadership challenge I have faced in my career. We were operating on such limited information and had to create the rulebook at the same time we were executing—questions loomed daily, while data and advice changed regularly,” Laura stated. “I had to trust my gut and the people around me to make the best decisions with the information we had, ultimately teaching me to have more grace with myself and others.”
Q: As the recipient of the Woman of the Year award, what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally, and how do you hope to inspire future female leaders?
A: “The Charlotte Woman of the Year award is an incredible honor, and I am humbled to be recognized alongside past recipients. Established in 1955, this award celebrates women’s commitment to civic leadership over the years. My recognition reflects the collective efforts we’ve made to impact the local community; I haven’t done this work alone. I’ve been inspired by the tireless efforts of previous recipients to improve the quality of life for all residents. I hope my passion for our mission can serve as a catalyst for others to dedicate their careers or time to advancing our community.”
Laura’s commitment to community impact is particularly significant in light of the strides women have made in workplace representation over the years. According to research from the American Association of University Women, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “women make up 75% of workers in the sectors that encompass most nonprofits. But women hold far less than 75% of nonprofit leadership positions.” Laura exemplifies this statistic and is committed to being a role model for women, continually striving to advance their presence in the workforce.
Q: How do you envision the organization’s future, and what initiatives are you most excited about as you move forward?
A: “Habitat’s work has never been more important. Our region’s population growth is outpacing the addition of new housing units, driving the cost of homeownership and rent up beyond what most families can afford. As an organization we are evolving from solely building single-family homes to creating vibrant neighborhoods. We must continue to increase our impact in the community by re-thinking how we meet the diverse needs of our region— building more density housing, advocating for more homeownership-enabling policies, partnering with for-profit builders and increasing the environmental sustainability of our builds. This evolution reflects our commitment to changing with the times and ensuring we effectively address the housing challenges of our growing community.”
Laura’s natural optimism fuels Habitat Charlotte Region’s efforts to combat the affordable housing crisis every day. Her vision highlights the urgent need for action and reflects a dedication to creating innovative sustainable solutions for the community’s future. As she leads the organization forward, Laura remains focused on fostering partnerships and advocating for policies that will enhance the lives of families in the region.
