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For Karla, finding an affordable home wasn’t just about shelter, it was the key to keeping her family together.  Two years ago, Karla was facing a decision no mother should ever have to make. She was working hard, barely staying afloat in Miami, with rent that kept rising, and raising two young kids in a space that was far too small for their growing needs. The numbers didn’t add up. “I was contemplating moving and possibly leaving my children behind because their dad lives here and he was not going to be moving. And who wants to be far from their children, right?” It wasn’t what she wanted. It was what survival looked like. “It was that sacrifice on my own… like, okay, it's just temporary. I would move somewhere where I could save some money. And then, maybe we can talk about sharing time, or maybe I can come back and afford something.” But Karla couldn’t give up. Not on her kids. Not on herself. “That really was driving a wedge in my own spirit… Looking at myself in the mirror and saying, There's gotta be something more coming. There must be something out there that can help me.” "There's gotta be something more coming. There must be something out there that can help me." And then, something came.
“So when the application [to a Habitat home] was presented to me, that was more of a positive message… like, look, this is a first step. Something was coming.” Through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, and with support from Hard Hats and High Heels, Karla became one of nine single moms whose homes were sponsored by the event. A real home. One she could afford. One she and her children could grow in. Today, Karla is a proud homeowner. Her kids have their own bedrooms. There’s laughter in the backyard. A new dog running around. Neighborhood friends stopping by. Peace in her heart. “It really has brought me so much joy, and I feel so complete now that I am not only able to offer something for my children, but I am also offering something for myself, right? So, we are all growing here.” Her voice is calm now. Her smile is real. The struggle didn’t disappear, it transformed into something stronger. Hope. Security. Joy. 
From left to right: Lourdes Rey-Wilson (Co-Chair), Lydia Sacasa (Chair), Yvonne Debesa (Chair Emeritus), Erbi Blanco-True (Chair Emeritus), and Yesenia Moreno (Sponsorship Chair).
If you’ve been to a Hard Hats & High Heels (HH&HH) event, you’ve felt it. The spark. The joy. The purpose in the room. But what really powers the magic behind the scenes? A group of powerhouse women, fierce advocates, many of whom have known each other for years. They bring heart, dedication, and the community together. For 10 years, they’ve turned passion into action, helping single moms in Miami-Dade achieve the dream of safe, stable homes through our homeownership program. This year’s committee is led by Lydia Sacasa as Chair, with Lourdes Rey-Wilson as Co-Chair. Yesenia Moreno, our Sponsorship Chair, brings her signature spark and support. Erbi Blanco-True and Yvonne Debesa, Chair Emeritus, and founding members of the committee, remain strong, committed voices in the mission. Together, they’re part of a group of more than 30 amazing women making this magic happen. We sat down with Lourdes and Erbi to talk about the past 10 years, what they love about the event, and what keeps them coming back. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, June 5, at 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Rusty Pelican Miami. Lourdes | Co-Chair, Hard Hats & High Heels 2025
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How long have you been part of Hard Hats & High Heels?
I joined the HH&HH committee four years ago, but my connection with Habitat goes longer than that, over 30 years! I started with building blitzes and donating auction items at fundraising events. Why did you join the Hard Hats & High Heels committee? To make a more significant impact and support Habitat in continuing its mission of making affordable homeownership possible for single mothers in our Miami-Dade community. |
For me, the most rewarding part is working side by side with the future homeowner, painting, landscaping, and leaving my imprint in the building of their home. Seeing the emotion and gratitude in the mother’s eyes, and in her children, is priceless.
Why is this cause personal to you?
My parents never owned a home. Growing up in NYC, we never expected to become homeowners. Financially, it just wasn’t possible. Rentals were in our future. When I began my career and moved to Florida, one of my biggest goals was to own a home. I was so proud of myself when I purchased my home on my own. That’s why I can empathize with these single mothers when their dream of homeownership becomes a reality with the support of Habitat for Humanity.
You’ve been there from the start. What do you remember about that first event, and did you ever imagine it would grow like this?
The first time I attended the event I was in awe to see so many professionals from different industries and careers come together to celebrate and network for the same cause. From that first moment, I was certain that it would continue to grow and be successful in raising funds. The event has grown to the point that several years ago we had to find a larger venue as we had exceeded capacity.
Erbi | Chair Emeritus
Community Relations Director, Banesco USA | Founding Committee Member
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How long have you been part of Hard Hats & High Heels?
I've been on the committee since it started back in 2016. Why did you join the Hard Hats & High Heels committee? I've been involved with Habitat for many years and believe in their mission of providing homeownership opportunities to low-income families. When I was asked to serve on this committee for a brand-new event to help a single mother, it was easy to say yes! |
I can't say there's one single moment. All the events have been wonderful, and the committee brings together such amazing, philanthropic, and kind women that the 10 years have flown by.
What’s your favorite part of the event?
My favorite part is seeing so many friends, colleagues, and community leaders attend to support such a great cause.
Why does this cause matter to you?
As a banker, I know that one of the biggest factors in building wealth and ending the cycle of poverty is through homeownership. This is why I'm so passionate about Habitat's mission.
What keeps you coming back year after year?
I feel that every year the event gets bigger, and our fundraising efforts increase. Knowing that we're making a difference is what keeps me coming back!
JUNE 05 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Rusty Pelican Miami
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“This is my last move,” Tamise declared with confidence. “The only ones moving after this will be my kids, off to college.” For Tamise, her Habitat for Humanity home isn’t just a roof over her head, it is where years of patience and hard work have led her, a place where her family’s dreams will take root. As a single mom of three daughters, Tamise spent years living in a small two-bedroom apartment with her kids, dealing with the rising cost of housing in Miami. “A $500,000 home in South Florida is really crazy,” she said. “Just becoming a homeowner here is a blessing.” Her journey with Habitat began with weekly website checks, and when she finally received the call that she had been selected, she was overwhelmed. “I had tears in my eyes. It hit me, like, me? Out of everybody?” |
Tamise proudly holds the keys to her new home on closing day.
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The sweat equity hours weren’t always easy. “The hardest was laying 16 pallets of grass at someone else’s home,” she laughed. “I’d never done anything like that before, but it taught me so much.” Painting, however, brought her joy. “It felt like being in art school,” she said, recalling the experience.
Now, as she gets ready to move into her new home, Tamise is excited to see her daughters happy with their own rooms. “I’m excited to see them happy with what they have,” she said. Her 15-year-old picked teal, her favorite color. Her 11-year-old chose pink. “The baby,” Tamise laughed, “gets whatever I choose for now!”
“This is my last move. The only ones moving after this will be my kids, off to college.” |
For Tamise, the hardest part of the process was waiting. “Just waiting patiently, not knowing when it would happen,” she said. But the smiles and pride of her children kept her going. “My daughter told me, ‘Mommy, you did it. I’m so proud of you.’ That was the moment it hit me.”
As she prepares to move in, Tamise dreams of creating a home where her family can gather for the holidays. “Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, all at my house,” she said. “I want my house to be the place where everyone comes together.”
For Tamise, this is more than just a house, it’s her family’s forever home, where their lives will grow, and memories will be made. “I’m starting the year with a bang,” Tamise said, ready for the next chapter in her family’s journey.
