On Giving Back: Lessons in Leadership & Philanthropy

When women gather around a shared purpose, connections deepen and a sense of possibility takes hold. That energy is always on full display at the Women of Habitat Mixer—an event that continues to grow year after year, drawing a diverse group of likeminded women who give generously of their time, talent, advocacy, and financial support to advance affordable, equitable homeownership across the Twin Cities metro. 

At the 2026 Women of Habitat Mixer, the room was filled with warm conversation and a shared sense of purpose. Among the guests was keynote speaker Jeanne Crain. Many in the Twin Cities know her as a banking powerhouse, but those in the Habitat community know her as a builder, a connector, and a philanthropic leader. From co-chairing Twin Cities Habitat’s bold, four-year, $80-million Build Forward Together campaign to swinging a hammer at a Global Village build, Jeanne champions Habitat’s mission in many ways.

During the event, Jeanne shared how she realized Habitat is her cause, what she has learned about mobilizing people, and what happens when women say “yes” together. Here are five lessons Jeanne Crain has gathered along the way.

1. On Leadership
A reflection on leading with authenticity:

“I spent my career in banking, a field that for much of my career was traditionally male dominated. There were many moments when I was the only woman in the room – or one of very few. And like many women, I learned early that you had to do the work, be prepared, build credibility, and sometimes find your voice in rooms that were not necessarily designed with you in mind. But over time, I also learned something important: leadership is not about becoming someone else in order to succeed. It is about becoming more fully yourself.”

2. Success, Reconsidered
Her perspective on redefining success to center others:

“As my career evolved, so did my definition of success. Early on, success may have looked like advancement, achievement, or proving myself. But over time, success became much more about impact. Who are we helping? What are we building? Whose lives are or could be better because we as a team are leaning in and saying yes? That is a big part of what drew me to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and the opportunity to be involved in other work like the Governor’s Task Force on Housing back in 2018.”

3. Showing Up in New Ways
How she thinks about mobilizing not just resources—but people:

“In business, we often talk about strategy, execution, results, and accountability. Those things matter in fundraising too. But in this work, you are not just mobilizing resources - you are mobilizing belief. You are inviting people to see themselves as part of something bigger. One of the most powerful lessons I have learned through Habitat is that there is no single right way to contribute. Some people swing a hammer. Some write a check. Some open doors to invite others in. And some tell the story in a way that inspires someone to get involved. All of it matters. 

4. The Power of Building Together 
On the impact of connection, collaboration, and lifting others to create lasting change:

“When women say yes together, something very powerful happens. We bring our networks and relationships, along with our persistence, and often we bring our deeply personal understanding of what home means. We know that home is where families gather, where children grow, where people heal and dreams begin. And when women come together around a shared purpose, I truly believe we can create change that lasts.”

5. Finding the Courage to Say Yes
Advice on stepping into opportunity, even before you feel fully ready:

“I want to offer this encouragement: Find your place. You do not have to do everything. You do not have to contribute in the same way as someone else. You simply have to ask, ‘What can I do from where I am, with what I have?’ For some, that may mean volunteering on a build site. For others, it may mean making a gift. For others, it may mean advocating for housing solutions, inviting a friend to learn more, or sharing Habitat’s story with someone who needs to hear it. It all makes a difference and it’s all important. 

And for the women in this room – whether you are early in your career, in the middle of raising a family and balancing a thousand responsibilities, leading an organization, retired, or entering a new chapter – there is a place for you in this work. And there’s a place for your leadership.

One of the pieces of advice I would offer to women who want to lead is this: Do not wait until you feel perfectly ready. Say yes when the opportunity aligns with your values. Say yes when the mission matters. Say yes when your voice could help bring others along. 

Organizations like Habitat need that kind of leadership. They need women who understand that housing is not an abstract issue – it is deeply human. It touches families, strengthens communities, shapes economic opportunity, advances justice, and creates hope.”

Many in the room lingered after Jeanne’s remarks, continuing to connect with one another and to reflect on her words.

If Jeanne’s message resonated with you, there is still time to get involved with Twin Cities Habitat’s Women Build season. By donating resources or organizing a Build Day, you can help Twin Cities Habitat construct affordable homes that foster multigenerational stability for local families. 

Watch the Women of Habitat Mixer Recap: