Wintrust and Women Build Champions Receive 2026 Chicagoland Habitat Hero Awards

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 9: (L-R) Tim Crane, President & CEO, accepts the 2026 Habitat Hero Award on behalf of Wintrust from Carolyn Jaw, Executive Vice President, FHLBank Chicago during the 11th annual dinner held June 9 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
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11th annual Habitat Hero Award Dinner celebrates affordable housing supporters

CHICAGO (June 9, 2026) — Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity honored Wintrust and five outstanding Women Build champions on June 9 at its 11th annual Habitat Hero Award Dinner, for their contributions to Habitat for Humanity’s mission and their commitment to expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing in the region.

More than 330 supporters gathered at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago for the event, themed “Together, We Empower.” WGN anchor Micah Materre returned as master of ceremonies, helping celebrate the volunteers, donors, corporate partners, and homeowners. “Together, we are not simply raising funds; we are building homes, preserving homes, strengthening neighborhoods, and supporting families as they create stronger financial futures,” Materre told attendees.

The event was co-chaired by Shahara Byford, President and Owner, Byford Construction, Inc.; Carolyn Jaw, Executive Vice President, FHLBank Chicago; and Ashlee Pforr, Vice President, Interiors, Skender. “Everyone deserves a decent place to live,” said Pforr. “We are grateful to the many partners whose generosity is empowering families to achieve the dream of homeownership and preserve the homes that are the foundation of their lives.”

For over 40 years, Habitat for Humanity has had a local presence in the Chicago area across Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties. Chicagoland Habitat is a support organization to local Habitat affiliates across seven counties, helping to raise awareness, supporting capacity building, and providing resources.

Wintrust received the 2026 Habitat Hero Award in recognition of its decades-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Since launching its partnership with Habitat, Wintrust employees have contributed more than 3,000 volunteer hours, while the company has provided more than $1.4 million in cash and in-kind support.

“On behalf of Wintrust and its 6,000 employees, I am honored to accept this award,” said Tim Crane, President and CEO of Wintrust Financial Corporation. “We value our partnership with Habitat for Humanity and share your belief that everyone deserves a better future.”

The evening also celebrated five Women Build champions whose dedication has helped advance Habitat’s mission and expand opportunities for women to achieve affordable homeownership. Since 1991, the Women Build program has brought women together to address the housing crisis and the barriers many women face in securing a stable place to call home. Through advocacy, fundraising, and volunteerism, Women Build harnesses the power of women supporting women to create stronger communities and brighter futures:


The evening featured a video of Lizzette, who shared her family’s journey to homeownership in partnership with Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity and the security it provides for her three daughters. The event concluded with a paddle raise auction supporting Habitat’s affordable housing and home repair programs throughout the region.

Sponsors include Wesco International (Presenting Sponsor); Ted and Ann Dosch, and Edwardson Family Foundation (Region Builder); Chris and Carmela Griffin, Nicor Gas, USG, and Wintrust (Community Builders); Aaron and Mona Erter, FHLBank Chicago, and James Hardie (Neighborhood Builders); Anonymous, Nancy and J.C. Anderson, Aon, Dru and Bill Bergman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, Busey Bank, Clune Construction, Melissa and Alex Dorko, The Eck Family Foundation, Jeff and Sheridan Ellis, Paul and Mary Finnegan, Bill and Anne Marie Geary, ITW, Ashlee and Nathan Pforr, Scott and Angel Ramsbottom, Anthony and Leslie Scattone, Kristin and Jeff Slavish, and Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholz (Home Builders); and Meena and Lew Beyers, Kelly and Carla Bufton, Chicago Cubs, Steve and Cindy Cruise, Bill and Kim Galvin, Informative Research, Carolyn Jaw and Steven Chertow, Martina Keller and Don McLellan Family, Siebert Williams Shank Foundation, The Denise and Rod Smith Charitable Trust, Bill and Carol Standish, and Sarah Brachle Wagner and Chris Wagner (Family Builders).

For more information, visit chicagolandhabitat.org/habitathero. #HabitatHero #TogetherWeEmpower

About Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity

Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat in Chicagoland is committed to creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive; to revitalizing neighborhoods and building communities; to protecting low-income families’ dignity and assets through home repair; and to helping transform families through home ownership. We make housing affordable to hardworking people without access to conventional financing and by offering individuals a hand up, fueled by our belief in dignity, self-sufficiency, collaboration, and hope. To learn more, visit chicagolandhabitat.org.