Our Team
Rigel Behrens, Community Development Planner
Before joining WIN’s staff, Rigel worked as a self-employed artist for 19 years. Rigel earned a BA in Political Science from Northern Kentucky University and a Masters of Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. In 2011, Rigel joined WIN’s staff to manage data collection and analysis of Hamilton County foreclosure trends, and produced WIN’s foreclosure reports for several years. She has also provided outreach and technical support for resident-led community building and neighborhood revitalization. In addition to working with the community directly, her work also includes grant writing, action planning, mapping, developing and maintaining relationships with partner organizations and universities. Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 103 or email RigelMyra Boggs, Financial Literacy Coordinator
For over 21 years as a HUD approved Housing Counselor, I worked with families preparing them for home ownership opportunities which included extensive budgeting and credit counseling. I also provided Financial Literacy workshops on a variety of topics that was of interest to families. In my current role as the Senior Financial Literacy counselor, I work with senior citizen homeowners to develop ways for them to be more comfortable in their homes. Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 125 or email MyraS. Barbara Busch, Executive Director
S. Barbara Busch, SC, co-founded Working In Neighborhoods (WIN) in 1978 and continues as its Executive Director today. WIN provides financial education and homeownership opportunities to low and moderate income residents throughout greater Cincinnati. Originally started with a $14,000 budget, the organization now has an annual budget of $1.4 million and employs 21 staff members. A Cincinnati native, S. Barbara has worked for over 40 years to help low and moderate income residents shape their communities. She is a member of the Sisters of Charity. S. Barbara has a Master of Social Work from University of Michigan and is a Licensed Independent Social Work Supervisor. Under her direction, WIN has built or rehabilitated and sold 167 homes to first-time homeowners. WIN has developed relationships with local and national lenders, which has resulted in over 7,000 low-income families owning their homes. WIN developed the WIN Economic Learning Campus in the heart of S. Cumminsville. The Campus offers financial training and counseling for homebuyers, leadership training, enrichment programs for youth, and 18 apartments for senior citizens. In 2014 WIN began its effort to move 40% of S. Cumminsville out of Poverty in a generation through six targeted efforts and includes 50 near net zero energy homes.Tammy Edwards, Housing Counselor
Tammy began her WIN career in 2021. She is a HUD certified Housing Counselor. She provides one on one housing counseling and coaching to customers to attain and maintain stable housing. She also teaches group education on home buying and general financial literacy. Prior to working at WIN, she worked in banking and financial planning services. Tammy earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Finance from Thomas More University. "WIN is a godsend", says Tammy "Every day I come to work thinking 'One more day I can be a blessing!' Tammy continues to seek out new opportunities to learn. She now shares with many WIN customers one of her core beliefs: "When you gain knowledge you share knowledge". Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 127 or email TammyCozette Evans, Administrative Assistant – Youth Programs Coordinator
Cozette Evans, Administration Assistant & Youth Coordinator, has been employed By Working In Neighborhoods for 19 yrs. Myself and my siblings have been volunteering at Working In Neighborhoods for over 30 years. I have been working with the youth program for over 20 years. Before joining the WIN Staff, I bought my first home from Working In Neighborhoods. I am a resident of the South Cumminsville Community for 23 years. I have three adult children and four grandchildren. Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 100 or email CozetteLogan Fedders, AmeriCorps VISTA
Logan joined WIN’s team as an AmeriCorps VISTA envoy in July 2023. Logan helps with data organization and community outreach efforts at WIN. He believes strongly in the agency’s commitment to environmental sustainability and giving back to communities that have frequently been passed over by public policy and private enterprise. He’s working on housing, environmental sustainability, and community engagement during his time at WIN. Logan graduated from Thomas More University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science.Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 101 and lfedders@wincincy.org
Kai Jones, Housing Counseling Intake Specialist
Kai and her husband moved from Detroit, MI to Cincinnati, OH in 2015. She has an extensive background in customer service and the mental health field with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix. Kai came to a Working In Neighborhoods (WIN) Homebuyers class in 2016. Thanks to the knowledge and confidence she gained from the class, and WIN’s housing counseling program she and her husband closed on their home in 2017. Kai’s WIN career started in April 2023 when the open position of Housing Counseling Intake Specialist came up on her Indeed job feed. She applied for and was offered the position and is now happily assisting customers to navigate through the WIN intake process. Kai loves and lives by the motto of “Treat Others The Way You Want To Be Treated.”Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 126 and kjones@wincincy.org
Dennis Kinne, Housing Counselor
In December 2010 Dennis Kinne began his WIN career as a housing counselor, coach, educator. Prior to WIN, He worked in accounting, auditing, information technology, and network operations at Cincinnati Bell, Cincinnati Gas & Electric, and Arthur Andersen. He earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree from the University of Cincinnati, an MBA from Xavier University. He holds a Certified Public Accounting permit. Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 129 or email DennisMolly Lohr Fund Development Director
Molly joined WIN's team in the spring of 2022 as Fund Development Director. WIN's core values of empowering people through education, building community through partnerships, speaking out for housing justice and environment sustainability are values she shares. Our community is experiencing an affordable housing crisis and as a native Cincinnatian, Molly enjoys knowing that her work plays a role in providing solutions. At WIN, Molly is involved in working with staff members and volunteers to increase awareness of WIN's mission and developing relationships to increase financial support. Molly has more than thirty years of experience in nonprofit leadership and received a BA in English from the University of Cincinnati. Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 128 or email MollyMary Metzmeier, Community Organizer
Mary Metzmeier is our lead organizer. She helps low and moderate-income people build power by coming together and working strategically to change public policy and business practices. Mary has worked on housing, quality of life issues, environmental issues, and building neighborhood involvement. After 21 years in the field, Mary’s favorite part of organizing remains helping people who feel powerless begin to see that by working together, we can make real, sustainable change. Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 105 or email MaryRick Morency, Construction Coordinator
I’m Rick Morency the Construction Coordinator here at Working In Neighborhoods. I came to be involved with this organization in the spring of 2023 and hope to be here contributing to our goals far beyond. I plan, stage, prepare and execute construction projects with an eye toward zero carbon emissions while tailoring homes towards green energy standards and platinum energy ratings. I was introduced to home building and renovations by my father, to whom I owe much of my construction knowledge. He has been very influential in my development as a building professional by instilling the character, knowledge, and acumen required of a successful contractor. I’ve spent 15 years in the construction industry and I’ve enjoyed the challenges and accomplishments I’ve had in that time. And I thank WIN for the opportunity to continue developing new skills and perfecting a craft that I have great respect for.Melissa Navarra, AmeriCorps VISTA
Melissa is a recent graduate of Xavier University where she earned a BS in Economics with minors in Peace & Justice Studies and Music Performance. She joined the WIN team in 2023 as an AmeriCorps VISTA member to help with capacity building while also training to become a HUD-certified housing counselor. After her year of service, Melissa plans to attend law school with a focus on affordable housing and community development law.Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 110 and mnavarra@wincincy.org
Whitney Schieltz, Housing Development
Whitney, a native of Dayton, Ohio, studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati and then received her master’s in historic preservation from the University of Kentucky. A few years after college, she entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and spent two years in El Paso, Texas, ministering on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Since returning to Ohio in 2017, Whitney has volunteered and worked with various community development and social justice organizations and has served as WIN’s Housing and Volunteer Coordinator since 2018. Contact Whitney: (513) 541-4109 x. 109 or email WhitneyJeff Smith, AFC® Housing Counselor
Jeff Smith is HUD Certified Housing Counselor at Working in Neighborhoods. He began his non-profit career in 2021, bringing with him 7 years of coaching and people development experience. Prior to joining WIN, Jeff coordinated a free tax preparation program that served families across 8 counties in Northern Kentucky. In his current role, he will primarily provide housing counseling to renters in homes owned by the Port Authority with the goal of transitioning them into homeowners. Jeff earned the Accredited Financial Counselor® designation in 2022 and has a Bachelor's in History and Philosophy from the University of Kentucky. Contact: (513) 541-4109 x.124 or email JeffLeila Stacey, Fund Development Marketing Assistant
Leila joined WIN in 2023 after receiving a BA in Telecommunications from Ball State University. While at BSU, she minored in French and Marketing. In her role as Fund Development and Marketing Assistant, Leila enjoys being able to connect people with the resources they need and educating community members, donors, and volunteers on WIN’s impact.Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 111 and lstacey@wincincy.org
Shannon Wedig
Shannon Wedig is WIN’s Accounting Assistant. She began working at WIN in February of 2020. She handles the majority of the accounts payables and receivables. Before joining WIN she worked in corporate accounting departments for over 15 years. She is a resident of the westside of Cincinnati.Hope E. Wilson, Operations Director/Housing Program Manager
Hope Wilson is the Director of Operations/Housing Program Manager for Working In Neighborhoods (WIN). Prior to her current role she worked as the Community & Housing Development Manager and was involved in the development process for 45 single family homeownership units and 18 senior rental units. Hope was involved in the acquisition, rehab, new construction, and sale of WIN’s homes that are sold to low-moderate income first time homebuyer’s. In addition she has been a Housing Counselor & Homebuyer Educator helping families attain and maintain homeownership in the Greater Cincinnati region. Hope joined WIN in 2000 as a Community Organizer focused on housing & lending issues. Hope has a Masters in Urban and Regional Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Contact: (513) 541-4109 x. 132 or email HopeBarb WoelfelAccounting Director
I began working at WIN in 1992. A few years after graduating from Mount St. Joseph with a Bachelor degree in accounting. I have watched WIN grow and change in many ways during my time here. But the foundation of WIN’s mission and work has always remained focused on our neighbors. I also have grown with WIN, from a staff account to a senior staff member and part of the management team. In my early days I was focused on maintaining WIN’s financial records and learning about WIN. Now I am involved in some manner in almost everything WIN does. One of my main focuses these days is on grants, from budgets to reporting and compliance.Contact: 513-541-4109 ext. 123 and bwoelfel@wincincy.org
Our Board of Directors
Our History
In 1978, as the nation faced high unemployment, spiraling interest rates, inflation and an energy crisis, Working In Neighborhoods (WIN) was born to help Cincinnati’s low and moderate-income residents.
WIN joined with local residents to create an organization that would help them gain a voice in issues affecting them. By working side-by-side with residents and training them to become leaders, WIN helped residents impact issues including utility reform, quality, affordable housing, and quality-of-life issues, such as decreasing crime.
Led by resident’s desire to live in decent homes and to physically improve their neighborhoods, WIN began developing homes in 1981. In order to educate residents about purchasing a home, WIN began offering home ownership classes and counseling. WIN also developed partnerships with local banks which have yielded over $300 million in investments for WIN’s neighborhoods.
In 1986, WIN collaborated with Cincinnati Gas & Electric to ensure that low and moderate-income residents could afford their utility bills. Through this partnership, WIN developed a program so that low-income residents pay no more that 30% of their income for utilities. By working with CG&E, WIN’s energy program has become an effective resource for helping people manage their energy usage in an efficient and cost-effective way. WIN currently serves low-income utility customers in an 11-county radius.
Over the years, WIN has offered leadership training to organizations in 16 low and moderate-income neighborhoods from West McMicken to Mt. Healthy. We have sold over 160 homes to low and moderate income working families and educated thousands of first-time home buyers about how to purchase a home.
In 1999, WIN began developing the WIN Economic Learning Campus in South Cumminsville. The 5-building property on the site of the former St. Pius Church, is home to a community computer lab, financial literacy seminars and counseling programs, as well as youth enrichment programs including the South Cumminsville Youth Summer Camp and after-school tutoring. In the fall of 2006, WIN developed 18 units of housing for senior citizens in the former St. Pius School.
Visit Working In Neighborhoods Guidestar Profile, including recent 990s and Annual Reports.

WIN in the News
- Why is Cincinnati’s East Side more segregated than its West Side? Nine of the 10 most segregated white neighborhoods in the city are on the East Side. The affordability of homes and apartments is a big reason why Cincinnati Enquirer February 23, 2022
- Property taxes: Reappraisals of property show value soaring almost everywhere in Hamilton County Cincinnati Enquirer February 18, 2021
- Two advocates push to improve neighborhoods, Black homeownership in Cincinnati WKRC Local 12 November 18, 2021
- Port buys almost 200 family homes for $14.5 million from struggling out-of-town landlord Cincinnati Enquirer December 8, 2022
- New affordable housing also boasts nearly zero or no utility bills WKRC Local 12 March 25, 2022
- The EPA is helping to fund the ‘Dollar Lot Program.’ Residents want more assistance to stop storm water runoff 91.7 WVXU March 29, 2022
- More funding proposed to help first-time, lower-income homeowners WLWT Channel 5 March 30, 2022
- We would like to keep our houses.’ Cincinnati homeowners fight stormwater damage Cincinnati Enquirer May 15, 2022
-
Five forgotten neighborhoods band together to fight for change Soapbox Media March 31, 2020
-
New mural program brings colorful works of art to neighborhood streets WKRC Local 12 October 28, 2019
-
City Debuts New S. Cumminsville Walking Trail to Wrap UP 26th NEP City of Cincinnati June 6, 2019
-
Groundbreaking part of Neighborhood Enhancement Program in South Cumminsville WKRC Local12 March 1, 2019
- Banks Were Held Accountable to More Neighborhoods in 2016 Next City, April 19, 2017
- Our Forgotten Neighborhoods: South Cumminsville WCPO, Channel 9, April 18, 2017
- Editorial: Our forgotten neighborhoods need attention
WCPO, Channel 9, April 17, 2017 - The rise of South Cumminsville Cincinnati Enquirer, June 3, 2016
- From All Fronts: Local organizations discuss ways to combat environmental, economic disparities with pioneering group PUSH Buffalo City Beat, March 30, 2016
- College Hill continues big housing boost Cincinnati Enquirer, September 10, 2015
- Fergus Street in Northside makes dramatic turnaround thanks to neighbors’ organic efforts WCPO, Channel 9, August 14, 2015
- Crisis Averted? Cincinnati neighborhoods continue to struggle with blight in the wake of the foreclosure crisis CityBeat, July 8, 2015
- Hamilton Co. foreclosure report being met with varying interpretations: 1,766 filed foreclosures in 2014 WLWT Channel 5, June 11, 2015
- Local Foreclosures Down, But Not Down Enough WVXU, June 11, 2015
- Foreclosures down 27 percent, but problems persist Cincinnati Enquirer, June 11, 2015
- What’s your home worth? Recovery so far is uneven Cincinnati Enquirer, January 1, 2015
- Reclaiming our community together Cincinnati Business Courier, April 25, 2014
- Cincinnati set to expand vacant foreclosed property plan WCPO Channel 9, March 12, 2014
- WIN Spotlight Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Fall 2013
- Editorial: Putting Our House In Order, Cincinnati Enquirer, May 12, 2013
- Cincinnati’s “shadow” housing inventory raises new fears, Cincinnati Business Courier, May 11, 2013
- Which parts of Hamilton County had most foreclosures in 2012?, WVXU, April 30, 2013
Join Our Team
Mission of Working In Neighborhoods: Empowering people to make informed choices for themselves and their neighborhoods through community building, home ownership and economic learning. Working In Neighborhoods is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must be able to pass a drug screen and background check.
Community Engagement Organizer (Full-Time)
Accountable to: Community Building Supervisor & Executive Director
Position: The Community Engagement Organizer is responsible for the development of WIN’s community engagement project with five neighborhoods in WIN’s target area. Responsibilities include working with residents, neighborhood organizations, and stakeholders (neighborhood community councils & committees) to collaborate on community projects and finding resources for those projects.
Responsibilities:
- Work with residents, neighborhood organizations, and stakeholders including neighborhood community councils and Beekman Corridor committees.
- Support and continue to develop a core committee of residents to work on projects together.
- Collaborate with community partners, funders, and public officials to achieve WIN’s Beekman Corridor goals.
- Research opportunities for available resources that match the Beekman Corridor goals.
- Provide reports and updates on project status and achievement of goals to the WIN Community Building Supervisor and the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of two years’ experience in a related field.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Strong computer skills
- Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people
- Ability to work a flexible schedule (some nights and weekends are required)
Benefits:
- $30-40k/year
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application process: Applicants should email a letter of interest, resume, and salary requirements to winfo@wincincy.org or submit by mail to Working In Neighborhoods, Attention: Personnel Committee 1814 Dreman Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223. No calls please.
____________________________________________________
Farmers Market Coordinator-Trainer (Full-Time)
Position: The Farmer Market Coordinator-Trainer is responsible for the development of a Farmers Market project with five neighborhoods with five neighborhoods in WIN’s target area. Responsibilities include developing and working with the resident-led Fresh Food Access Action Team to plan, implement and operate a community-run farmers market; coordinating training and leadership development activities; building partnerships with community organizations and vendors; planning & coordinating pilot market events; and developing outreach/marketing and financial sustainability strategies.
Responsibilities:
- Work with residents, partner organizations, and vendors to schedule meetings, trainings, and events.
- Develop and provide support for resident-led Action Team to plan and implement a farmers market.
- Research opportunities for available resources, training and partnerships.
- Build & maintain relationships with vendors & market property owners
- Organize and prepare for farmers market events, including overseeing & providing to volunteers & vendors
- Assist with marketing and promotion of the farmers market including: attending neighborhood meetings, distributing flyers and other community relationship building
- Provide reports and updates on project status and achievement of goals to the WIN Community Building Supervisor and the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
- HS Diploma or GED (some college preferred but not required)
- Minimum of two years’ experience with direct customer service, sales, management or events
- Passion for healthy food access and urban agriculture; knowledge of community food systems a plus
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Strong computer skills
- Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people
Benefits:
- $19.23/hr
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application process: Applicants should email a letter of interest, resume, and salary requirements to winfo@wincincy.org or submit by mail to Working In Neighborhoods, Attention: Personnel Committee 1814 Dreman Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223. No calls please.
____________________________________________________
Community Engagement Specialist (2 Part-Time Contractors, Temporary)
Position: The Community Engagement Specialists are responsible to perform an inventory of housing quality & needs in targeted areas of the North Fairmount & South Fairmount neighborhoods in Cincinnati. Responsibilities include working with a steering committee comprised of community council presidents & residents, WIN staff, and partners; working closely with University of Cincinnati students to conduct a housing inventory; assist with promoting community engagement sessions and community council presentations about the findings of the housing study and development of a housing action plan; and outreach to homeowners about home repair and improvement resources available to them.
Responsibilities:
- Work with WIN staff and University of Cincinnati students to complete housing inventory
- Door-knocking & follow-up with homeowners in targeted areas to identify housing needs and resources available
- Provide reports and updates on project status and achievement of goals to the WIN Community Building Supervisor and the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
- HS Diploma or GED (some college preferred, but not required)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people
- Ability to work a flexible schedule (some nights and weekends are required) and to work outside
- Must have physical stamina to stand and walk for long periods, meeting and talking to people
- Additional consideration/preference for neighborhood residents
Application process: Applicants should email a letter of interest, resume, and salary requirements to winfo@wincincy.org or submit by mail to Working In Neighborhoods, Attention: Personnel Committee 1814 Dreman Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223. No calls please.