International Women’s Month: A Conversation with CEO, Kim Thomas

March is International Women’s Month, and we’re celebrating the women who help build stronger communities every day. At Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, we’re proud to be a female-led team working to make safe, affordable housing a reality for local families. I recently sat down with our CEO, Kim Thomas, to chat all about leadership, purpose, and the impact women have in the Habitat movement. Kim is an inspiring, positive, hardworking, and compassionate leader whose dedication continues to guide our mission forward. Please sit down, relax, and enjoy our one-on-one talk about everything Women and Habitat related!

What inspired you to become involved with Habitat for Humanity and ultimately lead Old Colony Habitat? 

I was inspired to join Habitat because I believe in helping families in the communities I live and work in achieve their dream of homeownership. Bringing together my relationships and community connections to make that happen,  and seeing the impact firsthand, ultimately led me to lead Old Colony Habitat.

What does a typical day look like for you as CEO?

 A typical day blends strategic leadership and hands-on engagement. I work closely with our board on governance and financial oversight, collaborate with staff and volunteers on operations, and build partnerships with municipalities, donors, and community leaders. I remain actively connected to the families we serve, ensuring our work stays grounded in mission. The variety and direct community impact are what make the role so rewarding

What has been one of the most rewarding moments during your time with Old Colony Habitat? 

There are so many wonderful moments, but two truly stand out. Handing the keys to Malkis and her family in Attleboro was unforgettable – it represented hope, hard work, and community coming together. Equally meaningful has been bringing my own children to see the work we do. Sharing those experiences with them and instilling a sense of service and community has been incredibly rewarding.

What do you wish more people understood about Habitat for Humanity’s work?

 I wish more people realized that Habitat is a partnership model. Families invest hundreds of hours of sweat equity and commit to an affordable mortgage. Volunteers, donors, and community partners all come together to make homeownership possible. It truly takes a village, and when it works, the ripple effect strengthens entire neighborhoods.

What impact have you seen Habitat homes have on families over time?

 Over time, I’ve seen Habitat homes create stability that transforms entire families. Children who once moved frequently are able to stay in the same school system and thrive academically. Parents gain financial stability and confidence through homeownership and budgeting education. The impact goes far beyond the house itself. It creates a foundation for generational change, improved health, stronger community connections, and the ability to build equity and pass opportunity on to the next generation.

As a female leader in the nonprofit and housing space, what does International Women’s Month mean to you? 

International Women’s Month is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and leadership of women, especially in spaces where our voices haven’t always been at the table. In the nonprofit and housing world, women are often the backbone of families and communities, yet they face disproportionate housing instability and wage gaps. 

For me, it’s about lifting other women up – whether that’s future homeowners, female volunteers on a build site, or women serving on boards and in leadership. When women are empowered with stable housing and opportunity, entire communities thrive.

What does it mean to lead a female-driven team at Old Colony Habitat?

Leading a female-driven team means fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and empowerment. Our team leads with both strength and empathy, and that balance allows us to build homes, partnerships, and opportunities with intention.

Kim’s leadership is a reflection of what makes Old Colony Habitat for Humanity so special. It’s about people coming together with compassion, determination, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live. This International Women’s Month, we celebrate all of the women who help drive our mission forward. From volunteers and donors to future homeowners and community partners, their strength and dedication continue to build brighter futures for families in our amazing community.