Connection in Action: How WAHN U Won the 2026 Bank of America Affordable Housing Challenge

When a team of WAHN University students entered the 2026 Bank of America Affordable Housing Challenge, they weren't just designing housing—they were reimagining community recovery. In this episode of WAHNcast, host Angie Truitt is joined by student team members Emily Jessup and Mia Spero, developer partners Leslie Weiss and Monte Heaton of Highridge Costa, and faculty advisor Mark Shelburne to discuss the award-winning proposal that earned WAHN U first place in the competition. Tasked with redeveloping the Front Street Apartments lost in the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, the team created a vision for Lahaina that balanced affordability, cultural preservation, resiliency, and long-term community rebuilding. The conversation explores affordable housing as a career path, the realities of post-disaster redevelopment, the value of mentorship, and the lessons learned from tackling a real-world development challenge. Along the way, Emily and Mia share what it was like to compete on a national stage, work alongside industry professionals, and discover just how many people and disciplines come together to make affordable housing possible. Whether you're a student exploring the industry or a seasoned professional passionate about housing solutions, this episode offers an inspiring look at the next generation of affordable housing leaders.