Monica Wheaton Embraces Community With The Edmond School District
Although women make up only 11% of the trades, in 2021, a team of women came together from across the country to build a one-of a kind home in Utah....a home completely built by only women. Despite the challenges, this group was successful in their build and sent a strong message to the industry on the power of women in construction. The lack of visibility of women in trades can be pretty intimidating for young girls who dream of joining the trades when they grow up. That, and the shear lack of people going into the trades as a profession, is the reason that Molly Elkman wrote “The House That She Built,” and established the She Built Foundation.
Monica Wheaton, an expert in construction and technology and a passionate advocate for women in both fields, has dedicated over 25 years to supporting the homebuilding industry, empowering women, and building leaders, both in home building and in her local community. Three years ago, through the Parent Leaders for the Edmonds School District, Monica Wheaton, VP of customer success for Residential Home Construction (RHC), and others began the “World of Books” program to help diversify school libraries and to support minority and locally owned bookstores. Each month, they purchase themed books for classrooms around the Edmond School District in Washington.
While at IBS, Monica learned that Molly Elkman was looking to donate books. In coordination with Bolt, the local Home Builders Association, National Association of Home Builders, Professional Women in Building and the Parent Leaders for the Edmonds School District, Monica spearheaded an effort to leverage her relationships to create synergies in support of the Edmonds School District through the World of Books program. Her leadership, which included a donation from ECI, secured 625 copies of "The House That She Built" from the She Built Foundation. This generous donation allowed for each of the 25 elementary schools in the district to receive a classroom set of 25 books. As part of the program, Monica reached out to librarians and school parent leaders, offering these valuable resources to inspire and educate young minds about opportunities in the trades.
As a She Built Ambassador, Monica organized four library programs involving over 300 students and 12 different trades professionals who eagerly shared their stories, further expanding students' understanding of careers in the trades. Afterward, the students were able to try their hand at building a house with basic shapes cut out of paper or drawn with markers and crayons.
Monica’s impact through this program is captured in her own words: “Helping the next generation of future leaders in the trades overcome obstacles and understand opportunities is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about demonstrating what is possible and walking alongside them on their journey.” This underscores her commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of many, solidifying her legacy as a true trailblazer.
The program will continue in the fall, and Monica has coordinated its expansion to the other 21 schools in Edmond School District and two other districts elementary schools.