Cohort #2 (May 2023 - June 2023)

Home Repair Training Program

  • Hi there! My name is Adedana and I’m a proud product of Montgomery County. I’m back in the U.S. after six years abroad and I’m excited about all the opportunities that being back home is providing, including the AbodesJoy Women’s Home Repair Training Program. I was inspired to apply to the AbodesJoy cohort after going through a terrible experience with a contractor. I NEVER want to be in that position again. Plus my grandmother was handy so I hope to connect to her essence as I go through the program. I’d like to use my home repair skills to help my mom and others who may need it. In the meantime, I’m excited to learn and to get to know my teachers and fellow cohort members!

  • Hey! My name is Aliya and I am the second of 5 siblings. I am also a mom of an 8-year old boy. I am from and currently reside in Baltimore City. I am a graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I currently work for an Intellectual Property law firm as a technical specialist. I am also a math tutor. My family owns a home in Baltimore City and I am looking forward to learning some skills to help remodel our home and hopefully be able to help others who need some simple home improvement.

  • Hello! My name is Claudia Mejia and I am super excited to be a part of the AbodesJoy 2nd cohort. I am a mother to a handsome 5 year old boy. This year I plan to purchase my first home and this program will help me gain knowledge and confidence in doing my own home repairs. During my free time I like to cook, dance, and spend quality time with family and friends. Fun fact about me, I am fascinated with obstacle course races (OCRs), prior to being a mother, I used to run spartan races and in less than a year I earned my first trifecta.

  • My name is Dietrice Fortune. I come from an Electrical Engineering background and I am currently a real estate agent. I am also a mom of a 2-year-old daughter with a partner who is a carpenter in the construction industry. I can't wait to connect with you all, learn and share experiences.

  • My name is Estefani (pronounced "Stephanie" with an extra "ESSSS" sound in the beginning). I am from Peru and have been living in the U.S. since I was 9 years old. I am a first time condo duplex owner in Clarksburg, MD and I am very excited to join this community. I have a running list of projects I've been wanting to do but don't have the confidence to do yet in my home. I am excited to learn and to be able to help around in the community to empower others with knowledge of how to take care of their homes. I am a community organizer specifically in Silver Spring and Gaithersburg. My work in tenants rights issues takes me to a lot of homes that need repair and I am looking forward to being able to at least have an understanding of the basics to go more in depth in my work.

  • Janelle Shines was born and raised in Maryland. She is a boy mom of three; an Uber/Lyft/Personal driver, a financial planner, and a licensed foster mom. When she's not homeschooling, she enjoys spending time with her family, going out to new restaurants, vacationing and helping others by giving back to her community. Currently, she is pursuing her dream of becoming a homeowner and looks forward to completing her own repairs. She plans to teach her children the skills she learns at AbodesJoy. Janelle is truly grateful for the opportunity to gain new skills, network, and be apart of Cohort #2.

  • My name is Jennifer Coleman, born and raised in Washington, DC. I am a mother of two boys and an Accountant and Tax Professional by career. I enjoy things such as traveling the world, spending time with family and dancing in my spare time. I also have a love for learning new things and acquiring new skill sets.

  • Kiara (Key-air-uh), a North Carolina native, is a new homeowner in Upper Marlboro, MD. Having a knack for DIY projects and crafting, Kiara is excited to learn how to handle her own home improvement and maintenance projects. Understanding the racial and pricing discrimination women face with home repairs, Kiara is excited to learn a new set of skills to not only help herself, but her neighbors, her community and other new female first time homeowners.

    When not working, Kiara spends her time volunteering, in nature, at the gym or with friends and family.

  • My name is Liv and I was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. I graduated from University of Delaware with my Bachelor's and recently graduated from University of Portsmouth with my MPA. I love learning and expanding my skill sets, and sharing my knowledge whenever possible. I'm an aspiring homeowner and am so excited to prepare myself to be even more self-sufficient.

  • I’m a 33 year old DC native who recently purchased a condo in Maryland and I have been tackling DIY projects since! I’m a lover of all things green & being self sufficient.

  • My name is Vanessa. I am from the Upper Marlboro area. I am extremely excited to be a part of Cohort 2. I too have a list of things I would like to confidently and safely perform around my house. They say "knowledge is power" and a knowledgeable woman is powerful! I am so grateful for this opportunity and I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone.