2ndWind team in action

Giving Communities Their 2nd Wind

We're a group of young professionals bridging the gap between immediate relief and long-term rebuilding after natural disasters.

What We Do

We bridge the critical gap between immediate disaster relief and long-term community rebuilding through collaborative, field-driven action.

Community Connection

We work directly with affected communities to understand their unique needs and build trust through authentic relationships.

Hands-On Rebuilding

From temporary housing to infrastructure repair, we roll up our sleeves and get to work alongside community members.

Long-Term Planning

We bridge the gap between emergency response and sustainable recovery with strategic planning and resource coordination.

Our Work & Impact

Real projects, real communities, real impact. See how we're helping people bounce back.

Lahaina Wildfire Relief

Lahaina Wildfire Relief

Maui, Hawaii2023 - Present

  • Led emergency stabilization and early reconstruction efforts across eight historic sites, representing approximately $90M in cultural assets
  • Prepared and coordinated insurance, FEMA, and recovery documentation critical to funding and compliance
  • Served as primary architectural liaison between LRF and architecture firms, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and land management agencies
Hurricane Helene Recovery

Hurricane Helene Recovery

North Carolina & Florida2024 - Present

  • Organized and facilitated a community design charrette to capture artist-led visions for post-disaster activation of the River Arts District
  • Synthesized input from 46 participating artists into eight actionable proposals spanning multiple scales
  • Structured conversations around recovery, resilience, healing, cultural memory, and long-term creative vitality

Meet the Team

A diverse group of professionals united by a shared commitment to helping communities rebuild stronger.

TR

Tommy Ryan

Architectural Designer & Community Organizer

Background in running community design charrettes to inform disaster masterplanning and recovery

WB

Will Butler

Technology & Systems

Software Engineer and MBA building tools for relief coordination and resource tracking

EW

Emma Weigand

Architectural Designer

Design professional with a passion for enriching communities by promoting human dignity, health, and connections

RB

Ross Brown

Environmental Planning and Compliance

Environmental professional specializing in geospatial analysis, compliance, and permitting

DY

Declan Young

Data Analytics & Client Relations

Data analytics consultant with experience working alongside urban planning clients

KS

Katie Silbermann

Project Management

Project management professional with experience in solar energy

JK

Jake Kuhn

Architectural Designer & Fabricator

Designer with a background of building furniture

Get Involved

Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, or support our work, we'd love to hear from you.