Hard Hats & High Heels: Meet the Women Making It Happen

Hard Hats & High Heels: Meet the Women Behind the Mission

4/15/2025

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
Career Management Coach, Right Management Florida/Caribbean | Habitat supporter for 30+ years

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.

What’s one moment you’ll never forget about a HH&HH event or your time on the committee?
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.

From guest to Co-Chair! Left photo: Lourdes at her very first Hard Hats & High Heels event. Ten years later, she’s still turning vision into action.

Erbi | Chair Emeritus
Community Relations Director, Banesco USA | Founding Committee Member

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!

What’s one moment you’ll never forget about a HH&HH event or your time on the committee?
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!

From year one to year ten. A quick look into Erbi’s 10 years of unwavering dedication to the Hard Hats & High Heels mission.

This is what leadership looks like! Lourdes and Erbi are just two of the many women who make Hard Hats & High Heels the impactful, inspiring event it is today.