Board Spotlight: Janice Hardrath
Introducing, Janice Hardrath!
From faith volunteer to rockstar board member, Janice’s commitment to servant leadership and philanthropy is inspiring. In fact, she was recognized with the "Outstanding Construction Volunteer” award at the 2024 Habitat Tennessee State Impact Award dinner!
We interviewed Janice to learn what motivates her involvement, what she’s learned through volunteering, and what memories she holds dear from her nearly ten years of service to HFHWM. Enjoy!
Employer and title: After many prosperous years in Information Technology, Janice is happily enjoying retirement.
Q: What is your favorite quote or mantra?
A: “Treat others the way you'd like to be treated.”
Q: How long have you been involved with HFHWM and how has your involvement evolved over time?
A: “I've been actively involved since 2016. I started by volunteering for build days with St. Philip Catholic Church. Then I took over as the lead of St. Philip's Habitat for Humanity ministry. The more I learned about HFHWM, the more I wanted to be involved, so I started volunteering in their office to help with administrative tasks. Next, I got involved in the committee that organizes HFHWM's annual fundraiser, Hammers and High Heels, which raises money for that year's Women Build home. Understanding more about the inspiring Women Build project led me to join a group of incredible women who furnish and decorate the entire Women Build home for that year's homeowner. In 2023 I was selected to be a board member.”
Q: What inspired you to join the board of HFHWM?
A: “After retiring, I wanted to find ways to use my time and experience to help others. While I was working, I never had enough spare time to do anything more than donate financially. So, once I had time, I wanted to use it to make a tangible difference in people's lives. When the CEO and the President of HFHWM asked me to help the organization by stepping up and joining the board, I said ‘yes’”.
Q: Do you serve on any HFHWM committees?
A: “Yes. The Marketing and Events Committee, the Finance Committee, the Nominating Committee, and the Executive Committee.”
Q: What do you believe sets Habitat for Humanity apart from other nonprofits?
A: “One of their core mottos is that Habitat provides a "hand up, not a handout". That's what makes this organization different. The homeowners of Habitat homes must successfully complete numerous classes, achieve challenging financial goals, and invest many sweat equity hours working on build sites in order to qualify for their affordable Habitat home mortgage.”
Q: What skills or expertise do you bring to the Habitat board, and how have they been most impactful?
A: “Since I'm lucky enough to be retired, I have the luxury of time to help with special projects on the board, as well as participating on numerous committees. After being in a management role for many decades in the business world, I think my ability to understand and work with people is one of the most impactful skills I provide. I'm frequently able to understand what people are "trying to say" rather than what they actually say. That helps clarify discussions for everyone and expedite consensus.”
Q: Can you share how your background or career has influenced your approach to serving on the board?
A: “My career in Information Technology management taught me that no one can be 100% knowledgeable on all topics. So, listening to the various inputs and then using common sense to make the best decisions is what I did in my career. I use that same approach for my board participation.”
Q: What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from serving on the board?
A: “I've learned how great the challenges are that HFHWM faces in terms of providing affordable housing in our local community as land prices and building material costs skyrocket.”
Q: What other organizations do you support/serve?
A: “Williamson County Animal Center, Franktown Open Hearts, Brightstone, Williamson County Public Library, St. Philip Catholic Church”
Q: What motivates you to stay involved with Habitat and other organizations in our community?
A: “This goes back to my guiding principle in life ..... treat others well. I'm at a point in my life where I have all I need in order to be comfortable, so I want to help others get a little further down their road to happiness.”
Q: What message would you share with someone considering volunteering or donating to Habitat?
A: “Just DO IT! You'll never regret helping others, and once you meet some of the incredible new homeowners, you'll be motivated to keep right on giving.”