Celebrating Black History Month
This February, to help celebrate the richness of Black history, achievement and dynamic culture, we spoke with several of our employees to gain better insight into what this month truly means to them as they pursue careers in the construction industry.
Ericka Taylor
Project Operations Assistant Manager, Central Region
How do you build connections inside and outside of McCarthy?
I’ve volunteered with several partners in the past, only to have surprisingly re-connected at future events. Regarding outside connections by way of community service, connecting via email updates and upcoming volunteer opportunities has also allowed connections to remain active. Outreach has not only been the way to connect, becoming a Partnership for Women committee member has also allowed me to connect with partners and build solid relationships. Attending classes, celebrations and seminars have all been a great way to connect and catch-up face to face and in person.
What is one new thing you want to learn this year – and how do you plan to apply it in your life or work?
I’d like to become well-versed in today’s rapidly changing and growing technology. Just when I think I have a firm grip on something new, I soon find out I am still behind. From vehicles, home appliances, cell phones, AI, ChatGPT, social media, apps, etc., there’s so much to absorb, process and retain, but with only 24 hours in each day, life and time pass so quickly. This is where, as an individual, I must carve out the necessary time and explore the available resources and not just read the literature and emails as they come through.
Jalen Jenkins
Estimator, Southern Pacific Region
What is your strongest leadership quality?
It’s my ability to resonate with others. I believe that the best leaders often have a diverse crowd of people following their lead and trusting their vision. The way you build such a following and support network is through actively and regularly listening to those in your group. At McCarthy, and in life, there are an infinite number of backgrounds, mindsets and ideologies. To be an effective leader of such a diverse group, you must understand what’s important to others, what their perspective is, and how they would navigate the situation at hand.
If you could invite any Black historical figure over to dinner, who would it be — and what would you serve them?
I would love to have Hall of Fame tennis player Arthur Ashe over for dinner. For those who are unfamiliar, Arthur Ashe is the only Black man to win a singles title at Wimbledon and remains a trailblazer for African Americans in the sport today. Though he had a short-lived career and life, he made the most of it by empowering young African Americans across the country to pick up a racquet and try a sport that seemed out of reach or not for them.
Since Arthur was from Virginia and I’m from Georgia, a nice plate of soul food would be great for us. Macaroni and cheese, collard greens, fried catfish with hot sauce on the side, a couple pieces of cornbread and peach cobbler for dessert.
Shari Smith
Assistant VDC Manager, Northern Pacific Region
What is your strongest leadership quality?
The first thing that comes to mind is my ability to be the “calm in the storm”. The entirety of my McCarthy career has been dedicated to complicated HCAI (Healthcare Access and Information) hospital projects that are nothing short of chaotic. But if someone were to describe me as I navigate, it would probably include my nature of reining people in so we can solve the problem, rather than being the problem. I’m gentle-natured and intellectual but can use my voice to command respect and drive forward progress. The manner in which respect is always integrated into my delivery seems to allow people comfort in wanting to follow.
If you could invite any Black historical figure over to dinner, who would it be — and what would you serve them?
It would be Mae Jemison. I‘ve come to realize a huge part of the black millennial experience is that a lot of us are the first in our family, or generationally, to have opportunities opened up for us. That also means there are limited role models in our fields and we now have a social responsibility to become role models. As a younger millennial and 90s kid myself, she was the best example of someone who looks like me doing exemplary things in an underrepresented STEM field in modern times.
For dinner, the main course would probably include glazed ham, greens, macaroni and cheese and potato salad. For dessert I’d make my caramel apple upside-down cake and peach cobbler.
Maiya Hollywood
Project Engineer, Southern Region
What is one new thing you want to learn this year – and how do you plan to apply it in your life or work?
I want to learn more about project management tools and processes to better manage timelines, budgets and resources. As a new project engineer, I recognize the importance of these skills in delivering successful projects. I plan to take advantage of mentorship opportunities, attend training sessions and work closely with senior engineers to gain hands-on experience with these tools. Applying what I learn will help me become more efficient in my role and contribute more effectively to the success of our McCarthy projects.
Who or what has been most instrumental and impactful in helping you gain access to spaces or opportunities that may have once felt out of reach?
James Jackson has been incredibly instrumental in my journey, both personally and professionally. His guidance and mentorship played a key role in helping me determine my degree and set a clear path for my future. As a Workforce Development Professional and Diversity Recruitment Coordinator in Michigan, James exemplifies the power of creating opportunities through mentorship, strategic program development, and community advocacy. His commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion have not only inspired me but also equipped me with the tools to navigate and access spaces I once thought were out of reach.
