Lori Gano is a licensed contractor in Knoxville who has been building houses for more than 16 years. After buying her first home at 18, Lori taught herself construction skills by doing her own home improvements. She is dedicated to helping her community and actively volunteers at Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.

Recently Lori volunteered as the house leader for 2011 Women Build, where she oversees the volunteers and provides instruction and support to the women who come out to build with us. She had this to say about her experience:

Q: What was your role in Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Women Build?

I was the female Women Build house leader and my job was to be at the build site every day and oversee volunteers.

Q: How long have you been involved with Habitat and in Women Build?

I have been involved with Women Build for a little over a year, but I have been involved in Knoxville Habitat for Humanity for 4 years.

Q: What does Women Build mean to you?

Women Build is important to me because it is an opportunity for women to come out and realize their potential in a situation that is not intimidating and that allows them to give back to their community.

Q: What did you enjoy most about this year’s Women Build?

Last year I was volunteering with women build as a crew leader rather than the house leader. This year I was able to reach out to new women volunteers who were involved with this year’s build for the first time.

Q: What do you want women to know about volunteering on a Women Build?

I want potential volunteers to know they don’t need prior experience. All they need to do is have a willingness to volunteer and have fun. When they show up on the job site we are going to teach them everything they need to know to be successful.