Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, Lori knew at an early age that she wanted to serve her country and see the world. At age 18 she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. She began her career in Texas doing general administration, until one of her mentors said to her “Lori, you are a smart kid. But you are bored. You should not be doing this.”
At 21, Lori was offered the opportunity to work for the US Inspector General in Germany investigating cases that involved any military member. The job was very challenging as incidents could range from larceny to murder investigations. “It forced me to grow up very quickly”. Lori was also part of the search and rescue team, which proved to be very demanding, particularly when rescues turned into recoveries. But her experiences were also gratifying. One of her proudest moments was being able to take a hammer to tear down the Berlin Wall, she says.
After eight years in the Air Force, she decided to move from active duty into the Air Force Reserves and returned to Texas. The transition back to civilian employment wasn’t easy, but when she was promoted and put in charge of repairs at the administration center, Lori says that she realized her passion was right there under her nose.
She’d already been volunteering for Habitat for Humanity wherever she lived after being encouraged by a friend to work on a rehab in Texas. That experience led her to find a way to volunteer with Habitat wherever she was, including leadership experiences as a volunteer foreman and safety manager in Washington DC, Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She feels that giving back has given her the skills and confidence to succeed in her own career. “My entire community service that I have done with Habitat led me to where I am today.”
Eventually she felt the tug of home, and returned to Wisconsin to work as a facilities manager in construction, a position that is a first for the 50 year old company and was created for her. She’s proud to be the first woman on the management team in an industry where women make up just 7% of leadership positions. Lori believes that “it doesn’t matter if you are a male or a female, you can achieve anything. You just have to have the drive for it.”
Lori is now back home volunteering at the Wisconsin River Area Habitat affiliate. She’s worked on two homes so far and is looking forward to more. Lori truly represents both the drive and compassion that empowers someone to gain skills and experience while also serving their community.
