HopeBUILDERS is pleased to introduce two of our newest Board members. Maria Porta with Capitol Federal joined the board in January 2021 and Jabbar Wesley with Spire Inc. joined the board in March 2021. Please read more about them below!
Maria Porta, Capitol Federal
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a Community Development Specialist with Capitol Federal Savings Bank. I have worked there for 27 years. I assist moderate and low income individuals with their homeownership needs.
I have been a Board member with Mount Carmel Re-Development Inc since 2019 and I was a Board member with Community Housing of Wyandotte County (CHWC) from 2010 to 2019.
I am originally from Nicaragua and immigrated to the United States 33 years ago. I have 2 adult children and am about to become a grandmother for the first time!
Why did you want to join the HopeBUILDERS Board?
I wanted to support an organization that helps provide a better life for individuals in our community who are often overlooked.
Why do you think HopeBUILDERS’ mission and work is important?
I believe every person deserves to live in safety, comfort and dignity by having the opportunity to continue living in their homes. Having a home that meets your unique, individual needs can drastically improve your quality of life.
What are you most looking forward to as a Board Member?
I look forward to being part of a group of individuals that share a passion for voluntarism and helping disadvantaged people to live a better life.
Jabbar Wesley, Spire
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m the husband of a beautiful wife father of 3 sons and 1 daughter. My education background consists of a bachelors and a masters degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree In Legal Studies from the University of Missouri KC and Arizona State University.
As a professional I’ve been working in the energy sector for Spire in the economic development, business development, residential development and government affairs capacity. I’ve also been active working with entrepreneurs and innovators to help Kansas City grow its entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Why did you want to join the HopeBUILDERS Board?
I was attracted to HopeBUILDERS when I volunteered in 2019 when we helped construct a ramp and deck for a Wyandotte resident in need. I really loved the teamwork culture and the mission of HopeBUILDERS and I believe I can add value to the leadership team.
Why do you think HopeBUILDERS’ mission and work is important?
The mission and work of HopeBUILDERS is important because it really fills a need that can sometimes go overlooked by some of the other larger organizations. The work that we do can be life changing with respect to helping individuals who feel isolated due to a lack of access to adequate mobility.
What are you most looking forward to as a Board Member?
I’m looking forward to engaging with the board and presenting new ideas to help scale the organization to make a greater impact.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the greater Kansas City area and I’m wishing everyone a Happy Easter!
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Interested in getting more involved? You can Make a Donation to HopeBUILDERS or Sign Up to Volunteer.
Visit About HopeBUILDERS to learn more about our work to provide accessibility and home repair for older adults and individuals living with disabilities in the KC metro area.