Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you Therese Cashen of Loudoun Habitat for Humanity for answering a few of our questions for Women’s History Month!

Where were you born and raised and, if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

Born in Germany, my father was stationed there during his military service. Raised in Baltimore MD (can’t you hear the Baltimore draw – LOL). Have lived in Loudoun County for twenty years – moved here with my three children, husband was working for AOL.

Tell us about your business or nonprofit and how long you’ve been in your industry.

At Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, we do more than build houses. We partner with homebuyers, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community organizations to transform lives and rebuild communities. We do this through several programs: providing affordable homeownership opportunities; completing home repairs for low-income families with a focus on aging in place, veterans and disabled members of our community; and offering free financial literacy workshops and webinars.

I have been involved in this mission for 13 years serving in several positions within the organization. For the past nine years, I’ve had the honor of serving as the President & CEO. Last year, I decided it was time to semi-retire and stepped into a communications/marketing position. The plan is to hang around as long as I can help support this nonprofit (and they will have me around.)

How did you get into this line of work?

A friend of mine was the ED of Loudoun Habitat and they had secured a grant to hire a marketing person. He reached out to me to see if I would be interested in coming to work for Habitat. I knew very little about Habitat (thought they gave away houses and that Jimmy Carter was the founder – neither is true) but loved the mission of empowering our community through home.

That was 13 years ago – I have been honored to support the mission of this international organization here in Loudoun County.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?

I have been lucky to work with wonderful people – we are a small but mighty staff. I am most inspired by our families – hardworking members of our community – some long-time residents of Loudoun County and some traveled from other countries to make Loudoun County home. Their stories of hardship, homelessness, hard work — all to create a place/community for their families to grow, prosper and be happy. They are inspirational and constant reminder for me to be grateful for the home I grew up in and the home I was able to provide for my children.

What is the best part of your job and why?

Dedication days (when we give the keys to a new Habitat homeowner) are the best. Also, love being a part of a loving caring community (through the many nonprofits here in Loudoun County) — so many people doing great work to help others.

What is it like doing business in Loudoun?

For our organization, providing affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families is challenging.

Land and construction cost – well, we all know that these costs make the work of providing homeownership opportunities difficult.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

I am continually amazed and in awe of the work of women around the world.  And let’s face it, women don’t get a lot of coverage in the history books. So, a month dedicated to the stories of women — for all of us to learn more about the many contributions of women – makes me even more proud to be a woman and inspires me to be better and do more.

Favorite things to do when you are not working?

I’m lucky that my children are close by, so I love getting together for movie nights, sharing a meal (I’m not much of a cook, so these meals are in one of the many great restaurants in LC), and traveling together. I love to travel. Another favorite thing is my involvement with a nonprofit group called Mill House Productions—we manage a musical production with the students at Smarts Mill Middle School. Amazing group of women volunteers.