Brand Building: She's breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated construction industry.
December 22, 2025
AI Summary
5 min read🎙️ The Voices & The Context
- The Format: This interview on the Money Making Conversations Masterclass dives into empowering Black women in the male-dominated construction industry, blending personal storytelling with industry insights in an inspirational and banter-filled exchange.
- The Format: An interview.
- The Key Players:
- Guest: Monique Strong – Atlanta chapter president of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC), a trailblazing leader advocating for Black women's advancement through networking, leadership, and breaking stereotypes in construction.
- Host: Rashawn McDonald – Energetic interviewer with sharp wit, teasing Strong about her engineering background while highlighting her journey, creating lively chemistry through playful challenges and affirmations.
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What you'll learn
- 1 **(00:00) 🎙️ Introduction: Monique Strong**
- 2 **(03:39) Greeting and NABWIC Mission**
- 3 **(05:02) Defining Construction for Black Women**
- 4 **(06:41) Personal Inspiration and Family Roots**
- 5 **(09:26) Pivoting to Construction Post-College**
- 6 **(11:42) Entry via Internships and Mentorship**
- 7 **(13:26) Family Reactions and Overcoming Stereotypes**
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monique Strong.
President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Breaking Barriers in Construction
- Monique Strong is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated and white-dominated industry.
- She leads NABWIC’s Atlanta chapter, advocating for leadership, equity, and professional development for Black women in construction.
2. What “Construction” Really Means
- Construction isn’t just hard hats and manual labor—it includes:
- General contracting
- Project management
- Estimating
- Safety coordination
- Architecture and engineering
- Business ownership and development
3. Legacy and Inspiration
- Monique’s passion for construction was inspired by her grandfathers and her grandmother, who helped build the home she grew up in.
- Her journey includes a degree in engineering from Clark Atlanta University and further training in construction management.
4. Challenges and Triumphs
- Faced skepticism from family and industry peers.
- Overcame stereotypes and isolation as a young Black woman in construction.
- Emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and embracing your identity as a woman in the field.
5. The Power of Mentorship and Community
- NABWIC provides a supportive network for women at all stages of their construction careers.
- Weekly calls, mentorship, and shared resources help members grow and succeed.
6. Why Diversity in Construction Matters
- Diversity reflects the makeup of the country and brings innovation and detail-oriented excellence to the field.
- Inclusion in leadership and contracting opportunities is essential for equity and community development.
💬 Notable Quotes
- “You don’t have to be hard. You just have to be hungry.”
- “We are the unicorns people are looking for.”
- “I like to take something that’s nothing and make it something.”
🎯 Advice for Women in Construction
- Get involved with a community like NABWIC that supports your growth.
- Seek mentorship from women at all stages—beginning, middle, and end of their careers.
- Embrace your uniqueness and use it to lead and innovate.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
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