Our May Newsletter “Mothers of Momentum” reflects on the mothers and caregivers who quietly built the foundation beneath us. The ones who taught us how to save a penny, how to show up for our neighbors, and how to keep going when things felt uncertain.
At Homewise, we see every day how the idea of “home” is deeply personal, often rooted in memory, sacrifice, and love. We asked mothers – and those shaped by them – to reflect on one simple yet powerful question: what does home mean to you?
Johanna Gilligan, President
“Home is sanctuary and safety, it’s where I gather with family and friends over delicious food. I always want my home to feel like a respite, a place of restoration and care, for family and for anyone who walks through my door. My home is also my garden. Tending for it each year brings me tremendous peace and joy.”
Veronica Toledo, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy
“Home, to me, is trying to be the kind of mom my mom was to me. It wasn’t always perfect, and there were hard times, but she always made me feel loved and protected. No matter what, I knew I was her whole world – and that’s the feeling I want my daughter to grow up with too.”
Rathi Casey, Chief Deputy CEO
“Home, to me, is in the everyday moments. It’s how my kids walk through the door after school and drop their backpacks in the same spot every day. It’s gathering around the kitchen counter for a snack, racing to pour kibble for our four-legged family member, and the constant rhythm of play, homework, and bike rides. It’s also the quieter things… being tucked in at night, knowing they have a safe, stable place to rest, and waking up ready to start again. That consistency, that sense of belonging and routine, is what allows them to grow into who they are meant to be. Home isn’t just a place. It’s the foundation that makes everything possible.”
Maria Ignacia Arguello, Broker
“Growing up, moving often, and dealing with unpredictable landlords made stability feel out of reach. To me, homeownership is more than an investment,; my home is my fortress, a place where I can finally feel settled and at peace. Most importantly, it’s about giving my son what I didn’t have, a place he can grow up with the stability and the support he needs to succeed.“
Connie Aliverto, Senior Director of Talent Management
“Home means peace. It’s the place where the outside world quiets down and what matters most comes into focus. Me, my children, our memories, and the life we’re building together. As a Mom, that feeling is everything.“
Colleen Constance Franco, Creative Project Director
“Home for me was built in the small moments. It was learning how to care for a space, how to show up with intention, how to contribute. In those simple acts – cleaning, setting the table, washing the car – I was being shaped. Because of my mom, I learned how to show up, how to create stability, and how to carry that sense of home into the woman I am today.”
Jessica Singleton, Associate Broker
“Home, to me right now, is a feeling I didn’t fully understand until I held my son for the first time. Home is wherever we’re together – growing, learning, and embracing this beautiful new chapter as a family. We’re soaking in every moment with him.”