18: How Habitat for Humanity Empowers Families & Communities, with Mike Sutton

In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Mike Sutton, the President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to discuss the non-profit organization’s impactful work.  Mike shares how Habitat for Humanity's mission goes beyond simply building homes — delving into its holistic approach to empowering families through affordable homeownership. He explains how Habitat's sustainable housing model and comprehensive support system, including financial education and sweat equity programs, drive lasting community transformation. Their conversation also highlights the importance of aligning one's career with a sense of purpose and the ability to change lives, rather than solely focusing on monetary gain. Tune in with Dr. Tonjua and Mike and discover how Habitat for Humanity is transforming communities and breaking the cycle of poverty, one family at a time.  KEY POINTS:  [00:51] Introduction of Mike Sutton and his son [02:48] The start of Habitat for Humanity and its impact  [05:22] Examples of Habitat for Humanity transformative journeys [09:27] Habitat for Humanity's approach to building partnerships [11:02] The vision of families breaking the cycle of poverty [13:22] The process and average applicants for Habitat for Humanity [14:37] How Habitat for Humanity builds partnerships [15:52] How SPC and Habitat can support each other [18:11] What other voluntary activities Mike are active in [19:53] Mike’s advice to students interested in joining a non-profit  [23:13] Balancing happiness and financial stability in career [30:15] Ways of sustaining Habitat for Humanity  QUOTABLES:  "Habitat for Humanity — they have the secret sauce. And so, if you are looking for a home and an opportunity; and you're willing to work and make those changes and adjustments, you could do that through this amazing organization.” – Dr. Tonjua Williams “I joke that you'll never be a millionaire working in the nonprofit sector, but the enrichment that it gives you, in terms of giving back to the community — feeling good about what you do—changing people's lives." – Mike Sutton GUEST RESOURCES: Mike Sutton  LinkedIn | @mesutton RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/