Sean leading 815 Run in support of Habitat Korea

Celebrating Habitat's outstanding volunteers

In early October 2026, we recognized more than 40 volunteers from over 20 countries who have shaped Habitat for Humanity’s first 50 years. Eight honorees in the Asia-Pacific region are among those who have helped carry Habitat’s mission forward.

The Global Volunteer Recognition initiative came as Habitat marks its 50th anniversary, and the United Nations observes the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

The impact of this year’s honorees reflects the wide range of skills, experiences and perspectives they bring to Habitat.

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Back in Action global honoree

“Volunteering with Habitat across many countries has given me a deeper awareness of the true needs of families who have so little and for whom safe accommodation is truly life-changing. I have developed deeper empathy and strengthened my commitment to doing what I can to change people’s lives.

In one instance, our team was building a home for a family with a totally blind daughter. Her happiness, positivity, and joy, knowing her new home would be safe, dry, and easily accessible for her, filled me with tears.

Thank you to you and the entire Cambodian HFH team for your amazing work! I am always in awe of what you are achieving.”
— Robyn Brown, Australia, nominated by Habitat for Humanity Cambodia. She has served on more than 16 Habitat builds and grew from a volunteer participant into a Women Build team leader. 

Robyn Brown is a global honoree under Habitat's Global Volunteer Recognition
Edwin Soeryadjay is among global honorees under Habitat's Global Volunteer Recognition

Bridge Builder global honoree

“Through volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia over the past 10 years, I have witnessed how acts of kindness can transform lives. I’ve seen families gain access to safer homes and greater opportunities for the future, while also inspiring people around me, including corporate leaders, to join Habitat’s mission and help more families through meaningful partnerships.”
— Edwin Soeryadjaya, Indonesia. He has mobilized more than 270 business leaders through the CEO Build initiative and expanded corporate participation in housing solutions. 

Community Cornerstone global honoree

“Volunteering with Habitat Korea has taught me that small actions, when we do them together, can create meaningful change. Through 3.1 RUN and 815 RUN, I’ve seen how many people’s footsteps can come together to share a meaningful purpose and bring hope to others.

One moment I will always remember is seeing so many people run together at 815 RUN, each with their own story but moving toward the same goal. Knowing that those footsteps could help support a better home for descendants of Korean independence activists reminded me that when we come together, even a small action can make a real difference.”
— Sean, South Korea. He created public running and walking campaigns that have engaged tens of thousands of participants and raised approximately US$5.7 million to support housing. 

Sean is among global honorees under Habitat's Global Volunteer Recognition
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Changemaker regional honoree

“One of my most powerful moments as a Habitat volunteer was seeing a change begin in my own home, where family members who once overlooked handwashing with soap at critical times started practicing it regularly after my WASH sessions and household follow ups. Soon, I began observing similar changes in the community, and that experience made me realize that with dedication, the right skills, and knowledge, one volunteer can inspire meaningful and lasting behavior change from one family to an entire community.”
— Sulochana Sah, Nepal. She is a field supervisor with the National Farmers Group Federation for a climate-smart project in eastern Nepal.

Door Opener regional honoree

“After a decade of volunteering with Habitat, I’ve learnt that while giving your time is never easy, the gratitude you carry home always outweighs the exhaustion. I hope we all find the courage to look beyond ourselves, give what we can, and leave every place we touch a little better than we found it.”
— Muskan Lund, India. She was among winners of the 2025 Habitat Youth Solutions grants. Her project addresses extreme heat in vulnerable communities in western India through solar-reflective roof paint and training of women in applying the paint, creating livelihood opportunities. 

Emerging Leader regional honoree

“Youth4Humanity gave me the lens to truly listen to communities and understand how climate and housing inequality intersects in real, human ways. It grounded me and made me more empathetic. That same grounding is what helped me walk into the Youth Assembly with a new kind of confidence to speak from lived experience, not just theory.” 
— Nujju Awale, Nepal. She was part of Habitat for Humanity Nepal’s Youth4Humanity initiative. Her project was also among 40 shortlisted entries for the 2025 Habitat Youth Solutions grants.

Lifetime Keystone regional honoree

“Housing is not just about shelter; it is about stability, identity and opportunity. When we build homes, we are also building confidence and self-reliance in families who have struggled for generations. This build beautifully captures the spirit of volunteerism and collective action that Habitat for Humanity represents.”
— Sheila Kripalani, India. She created and led Habitat for Humanity India’s Women IndiaBUILDS initiative. She brought together women leaders and changemakers to advocate for and mobilize support for families in need of safe, adequate housing. 
 

Changemaker regional honoree

“One of my most powerful moments as a Habitat volunteer was seeing a change begin in my own home, where family members who once overlooked handwashing with soap at critical times started practicing it regularly after my WASH sessions and household follow ups. Soon, I began observing similar changes in the community, and that experience made me realize that with dedication, the right skills, and knowledge, one volunteer can inspire meaningful and lasting behavior change from one family to an entire community.”
— Sulochana Sah, Nepal. She is a field supervisor with the National Farmers Group Federation for a climate-smart project in eastern Nepal.

Door Opener regional honoree

“After a decade of volunteering with Habitat, I’ve learnt that while giving your time is never easy, the gratitude you carry home always outweighs the exhaustion. I hope we all find the courage to look beyond ourselves, give what we can, and leave every place we touch a little better than we found it.”
— Muskan Lund, India. She was among winners of the 2025 Habitat Youth Solutions grants. Her project addresses extreme heat in vulnerable communities in western India through solar-reflective roof paint and training of women in applying the paint, creating livelihood opportunities. 

Emerging Leader regional honoree

“Youth4Humanity gave me the lens to truly listen to communities and understand how climate and housing inequality intersects in real, human ways. It grounded me and made me more empathetic. That same grounding is what helped me walk into the Youth Assembly with a new kind of confidence to speak from lived experience, not just theory.” 
— Nujju Awale, Nepal. She was part of Habitat for Humanity Nepal’s Youth4Humanity initiative. Her project was also among 40 shortlisted entries for the 2025 Habitat Youth Solutions grants.

Lifetime Keystone regional honoree

“Housing is not just about shelter; it is about stability, identity and opportunity. When we build homes, we are also building confidence and self-reliance in families who have struggled for generations. This build beautifully captures the spirit of volunteerism and collective action that Habitat for Humanity represents.”
— Sheila Kripalani, India. She created and led Habitat for Humanity India’s Women IndiaBUILDS initiative. She brought together women leaders and changemakers to advocate for and mobilize support for families in need of safe, adequate housing. 
 

Learn more about the other volunteers from who are honored for their leadership, service and innovation. Together, they have helped to transform communities and advance access to safe, affordable housing.

In addition, be inspired by the journey of long-term volunteers such as Olivia Wong. She continues to champion the cause of housing since her first Habitat build more than 20 years ago.