Reimagining the Built Environment: A Call to Action for Wealth Generation and Community Empowerment in Construction

The construction sector offers immense financial and economic opportunities, but for too long, communities of color have been left behind as our cities are built up around us. It’s time to reimagine the built environment—one that is driven by the community and for the community. As a leader in education, health equity, reentry, business, and the nonprofit sector, I’ve made it my mission to bridge this gap.

Recognizing the transformative power of construction, I brought together The Watson Organization, one of the largest Black-owned construction companies on the East Coast with St. Lukes, an anchor healthcare institution and government partners to remove barriers and unlock opportunities for wealth generation. This isn’t just about building structures—it’s about building pathways to prosperity and dismantling the systemic exclusion of marginalized communities from economic growth.

I chose the construction sector not only for its vast opportunities but because of the personal success it has afforded me over the years. Consulting with construction companies to support their business development, community outreach and engagement efforts has provided financial freedom, but more importantly, it has empowered me to make a lasting impact. Through my work, I’ve been able to hire individuals, donate to causes that matter, and dedicate my time and talents to the nonprofit sector and philanthropy.

True change requires more than just policy shifts—it requires wealth generation and economic empowerment. The construction sector provides just that, offering not only financial security but also the chance to leave a lasting legacy. Imagine your last name atop the skyscrapers in your city—representing the transformative power of our collective work and the realization of generational wealth for communities too often overlooked.

Let’s build a future where our communities thrive, not just survive. The time for change is now, and the construction sector is the foundation upon which we can build that future.

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