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In honor of the holiday, the NYC Department of Buildings is proud to spotlight four African American women whose careers reflect the strength, talent, and leadership that drive our agency forward.
Their journeys highlight the opportunities available within public service and demonstrate how Black women continue to make lasting contributions to the safety, growth, and the success of New York City.
Director of Bronx Borough Operations
20 years of service with the NYC Department of Buildings.
I was initially hired through Good Temps in 2002 as an Administrative Clerk for the Limited Alteration Application (LAA) unit, but I moved up steadily to a permanent role as Customer Service Supervisor, and then Quality Coordinator and Deputy Director for Audits. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I joined the Bronx Borough Operations team as Director.
My greatest accomplishment has been positively impacting the quality of life of the people I work with. By promoting open communication, professional development, teamwork and mutual respect, I have helped create an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
Challenges you have overcome
One of the challenges I have successfully overcome has been managing and leading individuals who are older than me. This was especially challenging during the pandemic when everyone was working remotely. Due to my age, I have often had to rely on my team-building abilities, professionalism, work ethic and expertise to earn the respect and trust of the colleagues I supervise. By building trust and demonstrating genuine interest in their success, I was able to strengthen collaboration, improve morale and increase productivity.
Advice for future professionals
One of the most important qualities for professional success is a willingness to learn and remain coachable. Being open to new ideas, feedback and different perspectives allows people to grow. Combined with strong communication, curiosity and collaboration skills, a commitment to learning can create opportunities for advancement and success in any profession.
What Juneteenth means to you
I recognize that the sacrifices and resilience of those who came before me helped create the opportunities that allow me to hold my current position. It serves as a reminder of the strength and perseverance of Black families who, despite generations of oppression, were able to envision a future beyond slavery and sharecropping.
The holiday represents the hope, ambition, and determination that empowered Black Americans to pursue education, meaningful careers, homeownership and economic independence. It ushered in a new way for Black people to see themselves — not as property, but as individuals with the freedom to define their own futures and contribute meaningfully to society and the workforce.
Construction Supervisor Inspector, Construction Safety Compliance Unit
8 years of service with the NYC Department of Buildings
My career journey started when I was 28 years old. I was walking past a bus stop billboard and noticed an advertisement for a program called NEW. This program trained women and prepped us for the construction trades. I went through the program, choosing to be a carpenter, a role I held for 11 years.
I used my skills, knowledge, and experience as a stepping stone, landing a job at the DOB in 2018. I have learned so much in this role about the safety aspect of the construction trades. I was a construction field inspector for 2 years and became a supervisor inspector in March of 2020.
Challenges you have overcome
I had challenges when it came to learning new skills or when layoffs happend. The unsteady pay, from the layoffs, was my biggest challenge. I always tried to stay focused and when distractions came, I knew what my goals were, so I didn’t let them hold me back or throw me off course. For the most part, I learned not to take things personally and to stay professional, so I got along with everyone.
Advice for future professionals
Learn as much as you can. You can learn from anyone around you, whether it be what to or what not to do. Ask questions and always research and check to make sure what you are being taught is accurate. Stay professional, don’t take things personally, be confident and make yourself proud.
What Juneteenth means to you
Juneteenth was day of freedom for my ancestors. This is important to me because they were removed from a system of oppression to a system in which they could thrive. Although the progression took time, it paved the way to this day, where I am part of an equal opportunity system. I can do the things and have the things my ancestors have fought to have. Things like fair wage jobs, protective rights, promotions, voicing my opinion and being heard, just to name a few. It was my ancestors’ perseverance that paved the way and for that I am especially proud!
Chief Customer Service Officer
June 30th will mark my 23rd year with the NYC Department of Buildings.
My career started in the Garment District while I was in high school. I always was fascinated with production and organization, which led to my interest in construction. I started at Columbia University as an administrative assistant in the Planning, Design and Construction department, and with the support of my mentor, Patricia J. Lancaster, I was promoted to assistant project manager. My first project was installing a sprinkler system on campus. Later I led minor upgrades and oversaw new building construction. As the Assistant Director of Design and Construction, I helped develop the university’s Minority, Women and Local Business program and was designated Community Liaison, which led to the launch of the My Neighbors website.
Under Mayor Bloomberg, two important initiatives were launched – the Call Center 311 and Customer Service. Then Commissioner Lancaster reached out again, asking me to apply for Director of Customer Service. I applied for two reasons:
• The ability to utilize my skills to lead a new initiative
• The opportunity to work with my mentor again
Challenges you have overcome
Being respected as a woman and a woman of color in male dominated fields. Thankfully, I was raised to always believe in myself, have a great work ethic and to never stop learning. My dad’s philosophy was to start your day at 150%. If you fall short, you would still give 100%.
Advice for future professionals
Utilize and develop the skills required for the position you are currently in, but work to acquire ones you will need for future growth. If you plan to be in a leadership position, confidence in yourself is essential. No one can diminish your self-confidence or worth.
My years of experience, along with patience and empathy are required skills I use every day.
What Juneteenth means to you
I reflect on how far we have come and how much further we have to go. One of my heroes of the Civil Rights movement is John Lewis. If you have not watched the documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble, I encourage you to do so.
Labor Relations Manager
9 years of city service and 3 years with the NYC Department of Buildings
I began my professional career with a major telecommunications company, where I spent 20 years building my skills and experience. Starting as a customer service representative, I advanced through a variety of roles of increasing responsibility before ultimately serving as a customer service manager. Those two decades provided a strong foundation in leadership, problem-solving, employee development and customer relations.
Seeking new opportunities to serve, I transitioned to city government. I spent five years as a Senior Auditor with the Department of Investigation, where I developed a deeper understanding of accountability and compliance. While each role contributed to my professional development, I had a passion for labor relations. Although the transition required patience and persistence, it ultimately led me to a career that aligned with my interests and strengths. Last month, I celebrated four years as a Labor Relations Manager.
Challenges you have overcome
I spent years gaining non-traditional experience and applying for opportunities in my desired field, but nothing seemed to work out. Eventually, I got where I wanted to be. This experience taught me that career transitions often take longer than expected.
Advice for future professionals
Never stop growing and learning. A degree is not the end of your education — it is the foundation for everything that follows. Be open to new interests, seek experiences beyond your job description, and continue developing skills that challenge and expand your perspective. The knowledge and experiences you gain today may not seem directly connected to your goals, but they often become the very things that distinguish you when opportunity presents itself. Careers are rarely linear. Stay curious, remain adaptable and keep investing in yourself. You never know when the lessons you’re learning today will open doors tomorrow.
What Juneteenth means to you
Juneteenth is a holiday that I personally observe through reflection, participation in Mass and acts of service that give back to my community. As a labor relations professional, Juneteenth serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of my role in fostering fair and equitable workplaces.
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