They Were Dead Wrong

Editor’s Note: This was originally published as part of a blog on The Darden Group LLC’s website. It has been edited for length for the MOXY platform.

In 1999, no one was interested in something different. I was a young, black, female engineer who wanted to build. But discrimination was the norm. There was no limit or boundaries on what people would say to me. “I am not going to help you” was maybe one of the milder negative statements I heard on repeat. I was told my career would be short-lived, if for no other reason, because the dominant people in the industry were committed to making sure it would be.

But I am proud to say today—they were dead wrong. I have not been alienated from the field I love. I have not been dismissed, marginalized, or silenced. In fact, I have prospered. In part that is because I stepped up to the most challenging and complex tasks I could find. I was the youngest person at my company to be promoted to project manager, so I could run a $35M project in Washington, D.C. It was an 11-story project, with five levels below street level, and we were building 10 feet away from the oldest Catholic church in D.C., five blocks away from the White House, on one of the busiest streets in America.

Not to mention, I also became a mother of four, two sons and two daughters. I got promotions each time I returned to work. In between, my engineers tried to take my job and my pride. But if I was not going to be defeated by two twin infant daughters, I knew I was better than giving up. I put up a fight.

Tired, exhausted, and sleep deprived, I won.

Over two decades, I managed construction projects across 15 different market sectors, worth over $2 billion. And I finished every single project on-time and on-budget. Yes, those established people who told me they wouldn’t help would say now those results are impossible. But that’s because they haven’t learned to implement the efficiencies I have learned or overcome the challenges I have faced. My knowledge base, experience, and success is something no one can take from me. And eventually, after moving from Washington D.C. to Indiana, I decided to go into business for myself.

If you are considering entering the construction industry, especially as a minority, woman, or both, here is my advice for you:

First and foremost: do it. This industry is indeed rewarding. My favorite part of choosing this career is the difference my work makes to the companies, communities and professionals involved. I also have amazing opportunities to share stories of my experiences and projects with others and to be an example of what is possible for my kids.

At the same time, it’s important to come in knowing who you are, and no matter who that is, get comfortable being uncomfortable. Then again, that’s true of any industry.

No matter what career you choose, it is essential to find ways to navigate and strengthen your ability to find success. But even more so, your ability to admit you are facing adversity and ask for help from supportive peers will help you in life.

Whatever you choose, plan your work and work your plan…and always make time to extend a helping hand. “Lift as you climb” and share opportunities and people with others.

About the Author: Akilah Darden is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering and an MBA from Marymount University. She is the founder and president of The Darden Group LLC, a construction management company. She also offers an online course entitled Construction Management Masterclass.