Business in Vancouver has named Persis Ahrestani, Chief Financial Officer at Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver, as one of the "40 under 40" business leaders for 2024. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. The following is an interview with Persis about this award and her experience at Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver.

Interviewer: What does it mean to you to be selected for this award?

Persis: This award not only validates my individual contributions but serves as a testament to the collective efforts of my team, coworkers, and mentors over the years. It means that we are doing good work and should continue doing the same. The acknowledgment of our contributions to the business community is truly encouraging.

Interviewer: Can you describe your journey leading up to this achievement? What were the key milestones or turning points in your career?

Persis: Key milestones in my career have always been the people, amazing coworkers, strong mentor figures and the unwavering support of my family. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals has been instrumental, fostering an environment where mentorship and collaboration have played pivotal roles in my professional development.

Interviewer: What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?

Persis: Challenges have been instrumental in sculpting my professional resilience. Rather than hindrances, challenges became steppingstones, contributing to my growth and reinforcing the significance of adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of my career.

Interviewer: Can you share a particular project or achievement that you're especially proud of, and how it made an impact in your industry or community?

Persis: One particularly memorable achievement is the standing ovation from my Advanced Financial Accounting class at UBC. The unexpected appreciation from a room full of tired students on a late Friday night was not only personally fulfilling but highlighted the positive impact a teacher can make.

Interviewer: Why did you choose to take a job at Habitat? What is it about the work that inspires you?

Persis: Selecting a role at Habitat was a deliberate decision driven by my belief in the importance of meaningful contributions to society. Where I spend my time and energy has always been important to me. The organization's commitment to providing affordable housing aligns closely with my values. I find myself lucky to be able to dedicate my time and energy to a cause that directly impacts young families in need within my community.

Interviewer: The "Top 40 Under 40" award is a prestigious honor. What advice would you give to other young professionals aspiring to achieve similar recognition and success in their careers?

Persis: For those aspiring to achieve recognition and success, my advice is to focus on leveraging your strengths to create impactful work. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of others, unexpected rewards and moments of joy naturally unfold. The path to success is much more fulfilling when guided by a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around you — regardless of any rewards or awards.

Rosalynn Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity has left an indelible mark as she championed the organization’s efforts to empower individuals and communities through shelter. Rosalynn’s contribution to our global mission has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of hope and building a foundation of opportunity for families across the globe.

Since 1984, Mrs. Carter, alongside her husband President Carter, has helped raise awareness of the critical need for decent and affordable housing around the world. Together they have been an inspiration to many, helping to build, renovate and repair over 4,300 Habitat homes in 14 countries, including over 180 homes in Canada.  

Habitat for Humanity has been honoured to host the Carters in Canada on three occasions, including their first trip for Habitat outside of the United States to Winnipeg and Waterloo in 1993 and Windsor in 2005. To mark our country’s 150th anniversary, Habitat Edmonton and Habitat Manitoba hosted the 34th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.  

As we join our Habitat partners, friends and colleagues around the world to mourn the loss of Mrs. Carter, we draw inspiration from her commitment to service, including her work as a leading advocate for mental health and caregiving. To share a tribute please visit habitat.org. 

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is committed to providing strength, stability, and independence for hard-working families through affordable housing.  

Once our families unpack their boxes, children settle into their new schools and parents adjust to their new routine, we turn our attention to something very important – building the financial literacy skills of our families. 

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and use a variety of skills to effectively budget, save and invest. We know that a strong foundation in financial literacy helps achieve future life goals, like reducing debt, saving for children’s education, or planning for retirement.  

We want our families to develop these skills, have a healthy relationship with money and begin their lifelong journey of learning. That is why we have worked with several community partners to deliver a yearlong education series for every new Habitat for Humanity partner family. 

Last September, we introduced our 9-part Education Series, delivered on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We partnered with experts from Vancity, Prospera, and the Credit Counselling Society to deliver presentations on a variety of topics, such how to budget, strengthening your credit, investment strategies, to creating your own will. Our families actively participated in these sessions and can access the presentation materials and additional resources on a Partner Family Education Hub we created so families can explore at their convenience.   

We appreciate the commitment to learning our families have showed and for the support of our community partners in building the skills, knowledge, and confidence of our Habitat families. That’s why we offered more learning opportunities for our families this year. This fall we hosted a “Mortgages 101” presentation and invited all our partner families in Richmond, Burnaby and Mission. Next up in February, we will be hosting a session on “Earning Extra Income”, a topic of great interest to our families. 

Through affordable housing and financial literacy education, our partner families are strengthening the foundation of their future. We couldn’t be prouder to play a part in their journey.  

The holiday season is almost here, marking a season of giving, compassion, and hope. This year, as you plan your festivities and gather with loved ones, consider the profound impact your 'Yes' can have on the lives of those in desperate need of a home. Join with Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and discover how your generosity can become a beacon of hope for families facing the challenges of the housing crisis in British Columbia.

Your 'Yes' Matters

Immediate Impact: Every dollar you contribute becomes a stepping stone toward saying 'Yes' to another family in desperate need of a home. Your donation doesn't just offer immediate relief; it lays the foundation for long-term stability.

The homes we build become lasting sanctuaries, spaces where families can grow, create memories, and thrive for generations. Your 'Yes' has the power to contribute to a legacy of stability and security, providing a foundation for communities to flourish long into the future.

British Columbia is in the middle of a housing crisis, which places a burden on countless families. The average rent in B.C. has increased 30% from 2016-2021. More now than ever before, families in our community are struggling to find safe, affordable homes. They need your support. In the spirit of giving and receiving, will you consider supporting our mission?

Donate Today and Let Your 'Yes' Ring True

Your 'Yes' is a powerful force for change. It can turn the key to unlock doors, lay the bricks to build walls, and paint the colors of a child’s new bedroom. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, is a vital piece of the puzzle that brings us closer to creating a world where everyone has a place to call home.

This holiday season, let your 'Yes' resonate beyond the festivities. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of families in need. Together, we can transform the power of 'Yes' into the lasting gift of a home.

Say 'Yes' to making a difference. Donate today and be the change.

Amber, a single mom, wanted to provide the best she could for her children. She dreamed of giving each of her kids their own room and getting them out of the basement so they would have space to thrive. But rent was expensive and finding an affordable solution seemed near impossible.

“I thought that with COVID, maybe the rates would go down and that everything would become really cheap, but the opposite happened,” says Amber. “I knew I wouldn’t be approved to buy a place on my own. But when I saw what Habitat had to offer, I thought I might be a perfect candidate.”

A good friend of Amber’s was part of the Habitat community and explained the process of applying for a Habitat home. This led Amber to apply and eventually be accepted.

“I think I was approved for a home a weekend after Mother's Day,” says Amber. “The best Mother's Day present ever.”

Amber rolled up her sleeves and started on her service hours at one of Habitat's ReStores as soon as she could, completing all 500 hours within a few months. Balancing the responsibilities of a fitness trainer at the community center was no easy feat. But Amber didn't let her demanding schedule deter her. This was not just about meeting a requirement; this was a testament to her dedication to working hard to provide a better life for her children.

A Supportive Community

Amber says that one of the most valuable aspects of having a Habitat for Humanity home is the sense of community it fosters. She is friends with her neighbours, their kids all get along, and everyone feels safe.

“We are so happy here, Sometimes, I just walk into this house, and I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh, like, I just love it.’ It’s bright, it’s open, my children are outside playing with other friends, they have like a little group chat. It’s a beautiful opportunity that we have, how the children can play together.”

— Amber

The opportunity to move to a Habitat home in Mission worked out in other ways, as well, as it allowed her to continue co-parenting with her ex-partner who lives nearby. The location facilitated a seamless co-parenting experience, ensuring their children's well-being and happiness.

Building Memories to Last a Lifetime

Amber's boys have never had their own rooms before, but now they do and have gained a sense of autonomy and responsibility as a result. She has noticed an improvement in their mental health and the way they interact with others. The community atmosphere of the Habitat homes surrounding them also allows them to make friends easily and enjoy their time outside, just like Amber did when she was a child.

Additionally, Amber says that her son, Liam (12), has had an excellent experience at his new school. At first, he was quite shy and nervous to attend, but over the last year his confidence has grown significantly and this summer he was nominated for the school’s Jubilee Award, an award that celebrates student leadership abilities.

“One day the principal calls me,” says Amber, “and she tells me that they are going to nominate Liam. And she said to me, ‘He’s a quiet child, but he has such a strong presence and sets such a good example for the other kids’, and I thought that was just amazing. That just shows how comfortable he is there and how he’s coming into his own self."

This award not only recognized his leadership qualities but also highlighted how the supportive community has positively impacted his self-esteem and his ability to fully be himself.

More Than a Home

Amber's story is a testament to the life-changing impact that Habitat for Humanity has on families. It provides not only a physical home but a sense of security, community, and a brighter future. Amber believes in spreading the message about Habitat's incredible work, as it offers hope and a hand up to those who may feel stuck or in need of assistance.

“I am so grateful. I still volunteer and I even put a team together for the Step Up Challenge. My friends and I fundraised for that. I love doing races and stuff like that. So that’s like right up my alley.”

— Amber

Amber's journey exemplifies the transformation that is possible when a community comes together to support one another, proving that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, families can truly build brighter futures.