50/50 Women of Influence with Cindy Prater: From Fried Chicken to Affordable Housing

Our 50 Over 50 Women of Influence in Affordable Housing WAHNcast series celebrates the remarkable women whose leadership, service, and generosity have shaped our industry while inspiring the next generation. In this episode, fellow 50 Over 50 honoree Ann Cone sits down with Cindy Prater of Tapestry Development Group, WAHN's inaugural WAHNderful Woman of the Year, for a conversation that's equal parts heartfelt, insightful, and laugh-out-loud funny. Cindy's path into affordable housing began with a newspaper ad she almost ignored and a due diligence checklist she had to figure out one step at a time. More than 20 years later, she reflects on the mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself, the confidence that comes from asking questions, and why some of the best careers are built one challenge at a time. Along the way, Cindy shares the story of helping launch WAHN Alabama, mentoring the next generation of women in affordable housing, and why the energy of WAHN is something she wishes everyone could "bottle up and sprinkle everywhere." It's a joyful conversation about taking chances, lifting others as you climb, and finding purpose in work that changes lives.