A message from the President of the Board

My work with Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity began in 2011 when I moved from California to begin the next chapter of my life in beautiful New Mexico. I have been very open about my background as a child coming from a broken home and the challenges I had to overcome to reach for the stars.

I was raised by a single mother with three children. The first 8 years of my life were spent in Detroit where there was a lot of social unrest and scary situations for a young child. We lived in less than desirable places and never had a home to call our own. Our mother moved us from place to place where again and again we had to make new friends and attend schools full of strangers. This happened so many times the “abnormal” became the “normal” in my life.

What I realize now is that having a stable place to call home is one of the bedrocks people of all ages need to feel safe and thrive in life. When I was introduced to Habitat I saw a little bit of my story in the families we serve and instantly realized the importance of this opportunity – allowing people to obtain a quality home, in a safe area, that is affordable for them.

I was hooked on the mission! I joined the development committee and got to know the incredible donors, volunteers, employees, and partner families and have continued my work ever since. Everyone involved gives hope, safety, pride, and most importantly, we help one another. It is truly a blessing to serve as the Board President this coming year.

Mark Rickert, Board President
Rickert Property Group

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