Maquanna is a first-generation homeowner and college graduate passionate about advocating for kids. Her dream is to build a stable and loving home for her one-year-old daughter, Khatori, and to foster youth in her community.
“I’ve always dreamed of being a homeowner,” Maquanna said. “Having my own space, building wealth, stability, and owning something I can build equity in. And now, thanks to Habitat for Humanity, that dream is coming true.”
Maquanna had applied to Habitat’s Anderson and Muncie locations with the encouragement of her cousin, who is also a Habitat homeowner. She was excited about the opportunity to move to Muncie and build her own home.
“I’ve lived in Anderson for 24 years, and while I love it there, I’m excited for a change,” she said. “I went to IU Bloomington, and I think having the Ball State campus in town will bring a lot of that same energy.”
Maquanna works as a life skills instructor at Aspire Indiana Health, where she works with youth and families who experience mental health diagnoses. Her passion for advocating for kids and reuniting families is evident in everything she says.
“I previously worked at a pulmonary unit, but I love kids, so when I saw the opportunity to work with youth and families at Aspire Indiana Health, I took it with open arms and ran with it,” she said.
Maquanna was initially nervous about the Habitat homeowner process, but stayed on top of it and made monthly calls to stay updated. So, she was thrilled when she found out she had been approved for a Habitat home – right before her daughter’s first birthday.
“My daughter, Khatori, is a blessing. She’s very energetic and a happy baby,” Maquanna said, smiling. “I currently live with my mom in a two-bedroom townhouse with my sister, and it’s very crowded. I miss living in Bloomington and having my own space. But now, I’m excited to have my own home and provide a stable place for my daughter and me.”
Maquanna’s long-term dream is to foster youth in her home and open an after-school program to serve her community. She was nervous about the building process but excited to learn how to operate tools and build something of her own.
“In five years, I hope to have a family and that my daughter makes neighborhood friends and can grow up with them,” she said. “I want to foster kids and open an after-school program that helps serve the community.”
Maquanna’s father passed away in a tragic car accident in 2015, but she knows he would be proud of her for becoming a first-generation homeowner and college graduate.
“I’m only 24 years old, and I’m the youngest of my siblings,” she said. “I have a passion for advocating for kids, and I’m excited to build a stable and loving home for my daughter and myself.”
