2025 Volunteering Wrap-Up
Partnering with local organizations
Did you know that WJW has a Volunteering Committee? WJW staff can use up to 20 hours of working time per year for volunteering with organizations of their choice. Check out some highlights of what we got up to in 2025!
Connor helped create and run our second Intro to Architecture workshop for teens this summer, and was the creative force behind our KPop Demon Hunters tree.
Heidi served on the Board and Governmental Liaison Committee for the Illinois Housing Council as well as on the Issues Committee for Landmarks Illinois. She also volunteered as a mentor for the AIA Diversity Scholarship, and participated in Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program.
Helen joined our Women Build team this year and volunteered at the October build day in the Austin neighborhood.
Herb served as Chairperson of the Local School Council of his son's elementary school in Beverly, became Vice President of the new PFLAG Beverly-Morgan Park chapter, and worked with a coalition of Southside volunteers providing safe passage for children and immigrant families.
Jane led our Women Build team for the second year in a row, and oversaw our fundraising efforts that well exceeded our goal. Earlier in year, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity as a member of the Women Build Planning Committee. She was one of several WJW staff members who volunteered at the Foglia Center food pantry run by one of our partner organizations, Marillac St. Vincent. She has also been a long-term volunteer with Inspiration Corporation, and this year she joined the Zoning Advisory Council for her local Ward as a volunteer member.
Joi volunteered at the Foglia Center food pantry, was instrumental in the Intro to Architecture workshop, participated in Women Build, and helped create the Helping Hands tree.
Liezel is the chair of our Volunteer Committee. This year she volunteered at the Foglia Center food pantry and helped create and run our Intro to Architecture workshop.
Maggie serves as the Co-Chair of the Associate Board for Renaissance Social Services, and helped to plan and promote the Stand up for the Homeless fundraising event at Zanies. In addition, she serves on the Marketing and Communications and DEI Committees with other Associate Board and Board of Directors members for Renaissance. Maggie participated in the Women Build team and traveled to Chicago to participate in the build day in October. In addition, Maggie volunteers with Groundwork Ohio River Valley, a non-profit organization that focuses on sustainability and land conservation through community-based partnerships to promote environmental, social, and economic well-being.
Mary worked on the Helping Hands tree and gave a lecture at the Intro for Teens summer workshop on the topic of drawing to scale and architectural drafting.
Michelle volunteered on Renaissance Social Services Board of Directors as the Board Secretary, as well as the Chair of Renaissance’s Diversity Equity Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Committee. She also volunteered on our Women Build team.
To help combat the local impacts of interruptions to food support programs and the ongoing federal siege of immigrant neighborhoods, Todd and his wife Linda volunteered with Logan Square Mutual Aid to deliver groceries in the Hermosa and West Logan Square neighborhoods.
These efforts reflect our belief that great architecture begins with strong communities, and we're proud to support our staff in giving back to the neighborhoods we serve.
