By Natalia Rodriguez
In early July, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay welcomed a new CEO, the accomplished Catherine Stihler. Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas are fortunate to have her as a leader in finding solutions to the housing crisis.
She’s a former member of the European Parliament representing the Scottish Labour Party, becoming the UK’s youngest member at age 25. She is a multifaceted professional recognized for her success in accessibility and citizens’ rights.
During her 20 years of political work, in 2019, she became chief executive director of the Open Knowledge Foundation, a global nonprofit centered on keeping information and data accessible and open for public and educational use. During her time, she is credited for redefining the campaign mission: “For a fair, free and open future with a renewed mission to create an open world, where all non-personal information is open, free for everyone to use, build on and share; and creators and innovators are fairly recognized and rewarded.”
After her career in Parliament, she became the CEO of Creative Commons, an international nonprofit devoted to expanding access to creative works and providing free licenses for flexible copyrights. During her time with Creative Commons from 2020 to 2024, the nonprofit raised $4 million.
It’s because of early internet advocacy work like Catherine’s that the internet is available for all without a paywall.
Catherine found her way to Monterey Bay from her familial roots. Her husband David is from Monterey; they met during university in Europe, and the family decided to move back in 2021 with their sons Alex and Andrew.
“It (Monterey Bay) feels like a second home,” Catherine explained. She recognized the housing issue and decided to assist the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity in its mission to build affordable homes and provide ownership opportunities for demographics who have often been overlooked.
“Affordable home ownership is a key issue for young people who work hard but can’t find a home,” she said.
When asked about her intentions for Habitat for Humanity, she explained her focus would be fundraising, building, learning from citizens’ housing issues, and maintaining relationships with previous donor foundations.
Catherine credits the Habitat volunteer board of “motivated, talented folks” for their efforts and cites the recent success with 11 affordable homes built in Live Oak.
Her intentions stayed true to the nonprofit’s early days, as she quoted Habitat co-founder Millard Fuller,”I’ve tried raising money by asking for it and not asking for it. I always got more by asking.”
In the midst of a growing demand for housing and rising costs for homeownership, there is hope for change with Catherine Stihler and Habitat for Humanity.