Friday, October 14, 2011

We Energies women assist Habitat project

For the third consecutive year, a group of We Energies women helped construct a Habitat for Humanity home-building project in Milwaukee as part of Habitat’s Women Build program.

“It was a rewarding experience, and we got dirty,” said Patty Galante, manager, customer service – customer operations. “We were responsible for ensuring the walls were properly secured and flat, which involved tightening screws that had popped out. The women crew chiefs from Habitat were very particular that the house had to be perfect for the new owners.”

Bonnie Mohammadi, senior IT applications consultant – information technology services, said learning how to complete a factory edge to butt together the sheets of drywall was valuable. “I also learned how to use a power drill. I had fun, and I made a difference for someone,” she said.

“It was really nice to bond with other employees across the We Energies fleet,” said LaQuita Evans, supervisor – power generation. “I also learned some skills that can save me a few bucks on my own home.”

June Light, collection and litigation specialist – customer services, said the overall experience, including sweeping and hauling debris to a Dumpster, was rewarding because she was helping someone who would soon occupy a new home.

Women Build is an educational and networking opportunity for women to come together to build and fund an entire Habitat for Humanity home. Women from all backgrounds learn construction skills as they help build the home.

The We Energies team will return to the Milwaukee project site on Oct. 29 to help complete the construction.

Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity website

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