Margaret Wingenfeld

Hi! My name is Margaret Wingenfeld, but some of my friends call me Maggie or Mags. I am a 27 year old living, working, and having fun in Columbus, Ohio. I LOVE to bike, hike, camp, practice yoga, grocery shop, cook, eat, go on road trips, and spend time with my amazing friends and family.

I grew up in both Cleveland, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky and moved to Columbus 8 years ago to attend Ohio State University. There, I discovered my passion for education, family issues, and challenging myself physically. I earned a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Science and a Master's in Early Childhood Education. For the last 3 years I have worked for the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association, a non-profit whose efforts are aimed at improving the quality of early care, learning, and after-school services in Ohio. One of my favorite college experiences was being a Resident Advisor for 4 years in a graduate and family housing community at Ohio State. At a staff orientation we started off our meeting with the popular ice breaker, Two Truths and a Lie. The only truth I remember from that day is: "I biked across the country" (Dave Kozy, 2009 B&B Alum). A light inside me turned on at that moment; I wanted biking across the country to become my truth.

Why do I want be a trip leader, bike across the country while raising walls and awareness about affordable housing? I think back to my personal and professional experiences in education. At a young age, we are taught that our basic physiological needs are food, water, and shelter. According to Maslow, everyone needs to have their physiological needs met before they can meet other human needs like love, esteem, and self-actualization. Children and their families need and deserve a home to help them feel safe and protected. Many people in this country working full time are not making a livable wage. This financial inequity makes it nearly impossible to afford housing. I grew up not having a clue about the struggles felt by my neighbors.

Today, I feel fortunate to have three roommates to make my own housing affordable. This year I was inspired by a friend to begin volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Columbus. I wanted to learn more about affordable housing issues and helping others. Plus, learning how to use power tools made me feel strong! I fell in love with this organization and the hard working families Habitat serves. I want to continue to make a positive impact and am ready for a new adventure. The dream of biking across the country is still very alive in me and I am thrilled to be a trip leader for ME2SB!

Maine to Santa Barbara