The Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity has announced changes to its board leadership, including the appointment of a new board president and the addition of a new board member.
Taking over as board president is Dr. Elisa Konieczko, a professor of biology at Gannon University. An Erie native, Konieczko has previously served Habitat in several leadership roles, including secretary, vice president, and Family Partner chair. She said her involvement with Habitat spans works on build sites in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts and described the organization’s mission as “faith in action.”
Courtesy of Greater Erie Habitat for Humanity
According to Dr. Roché Vermaak, executive director of Habitat Erie, Konieczko has played a key role in supporting families preparing for homeownership by helping grow the organization’s family partner and budget coach programs. In the past two years, Habitat Erie has welcomed 10 new families into its homeownership program and is completing its sixth and seventh homes for participating families.
Joining the board is Nadia Shabanza, an entrepreneur, interior designer, and longtime Habitat volunteer. Shabanza has served as a Family Partner for the past decade and currently chairs the organization’s Family Partnership Committee. She said she joined the board with a longstanding commitment to helping families achieve homeownership.
Courtesy of Greater Erie Habitat for Humanity
Shabanza is the founder and principal designer of BeBe Design House and owner of Wanderlust Design Stays. She brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, sales, real estate, business, and design. A graduate of Mercyhurst University, she also serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.
Habitat Erie officials say the organization continues to seek volunteers, family partners, and budget coaches to support future homeowners as it works to expand affordable housing opportunities throughout the Erie region.
More about Greater Erie Habitat for Humanity and how to help can be found online here.