40 Under 40
Credit: Albany Business Review
Habitat’s executive director Christine Schudde was named to this year’s Albany Business Review 40 Under 40 list! Read her honoree profile below:
Age: 39
Grew up: East Greenbush
Resides now: Albany
Education: Bachelor’s in history/political science, The College of Saint Rose, 2006; master’s in public policy, University at Albany, 2008
What would it take to attract more young professionals to the Capital Region? Continued investment in placemaking: walkable neighborhoods in proximity to schools, stores, entertainment and green space, linked together with good public transit. I think we need to invest in the entire housing spectrum — quality rentals in mid- and low-rise buildings, two-family flats, single-family homes — so that young professionals have options and can picture growing their families here. Our downtowns and cities are the key.
What’s been the most pivotal moment of your career so far? I became executive director of Habitat when I was 30 years old and I had my son the following year. I had to quickly learn how to manage the huge responsibilities of the job while also protecting my work-life boundaries and time with my family. I think navigating this balance early in my career made me a better boss and more compassionate leader.
What do you want to accomplish in the next 10 years? I’d like to continue to push our conversations about wealth and housing and community forward with a focus on justice and inclusion. I’d also like to increase Habitat’s impact through new construction methods, a bigger focus on environmental sustainability and a commitment to affordability for future generations. Under my leadership, Habitat has built nearly 70 homes in partnership with 70 first-time homeowners, but we can and must do more.
Who is someone you'd want to trade places with for a day? My 7-year-old. I'd love to see the world through his eyes.
Three surprising things about me: I first got involved with Habitat for Humanity as a construction volunteer when I was an undergrad at Saint Rose. I’ve written a blog of some sort since I was 18 years old. A few years ago, I self-published a book, called “Neighboring,” and now I write a weekly newsletter by the same name.
What I’m listening to: I’m listening to a lot of the “Culture Study Podcast” and “The Ezra Klein Show” these days.
