Nashville, Tennessee – In 1790, Moses McKissack arrived in the United States as a slave with a unique skill set as a brick maker. Over the generations, his expertise was passed down, leading to the establishment of the family-owned construction company, McKissack & McKissack, by his grandsons. Today, the company is headed by Deryl McKissack’s twin sister, Cheryl, based in New York.
Motivated by a desire to see more Black women CEOs in the construction industry, Deryl McKissack took a bold step in 1990 by withdrawing $1,000 from her savings account to launch her own company. Fast forward to today, the company generates an annual revenue of $25 million to $30 million, managing projects worth $15 billion, with offices in major cities like Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Baltimore.
Despite facing initial challenges in attracting clients, McKissack’s determination and sheer hard work paid off as her company flourished. With a civil engineering degree from Howard University and relevant work experience, she made a name for herself in a male-dominated industry. One key strategy was showcasing her work through family projects and landing a crucial job at her alma mater.
McKissack’s journey to success was fraught with obstacles, from struggling to secure a line of credit to paying herself a modest salary in the early years of her business. However, her perseverance and unwavering passion for the industry propelled her forward, eventually leading to significant milestones in her career.
As a trailblazer in the construction sector, McKissack is acutely aware of the lack of diversity in the industry, particularly the underrepresentation of Black and women executives. In an effort to address this disparity, she founded AEC Unites, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for Black talent in architecture, engineering, and construction.
Looking ahead, McKissack envisions a more inclusive industry where Black and women executives thrive. With her daughter pursuing a career in bioengineering, she hopes to see the next generation of McKissacks continue the legacy in the construction field. Through her relentless commitment to diversity and excellence, McKissack sets an inspiring example for aspiring professionals in the industry.