Founder and President JC Sykes
The Vision of Black Girls Build Inc.
Imagine a world where Black women and youth thrive as leaders, creators, and innovators in industries that shape our communities. At Black Girls Build Inc., this isn’t just a dream; it’s a vision we work toward every single day.
We envision a future where Black women and youth are fully represented and respected in the construction and skilled trades industries. By providing hands-on education, mentorship, and access to opportunity, we aim to dismantle the barriers that have existed for generations.
For us, it’s about more than teaching practical skills; it’s about empowerment. Our vision is clear—to create a future where the builders of tomorrow reflect the diversity and strength of the communities they serve. Diverse. Powerful. Unstoppable. That is the legacy we strive to build.
About Black Girls Build Inc.
Black Girls Build Inc. is a nonprofit organization driven by a powerful mission—to empower Black women and youth by introducing them to the construction and skilled trades industries. Through engaging DIY learning experiences, we open doors to career pathways in industries historically marked by underrepresentation.
Our programs encompass workshops, mentorships, and real-world community projects. Participants gain practical skills and training that serve as stepping stones toward economic independence, leadership opportunities, and entrepreneurship.
At Black Girls Build Inc., we truly believe this: When you teach a woman to build, you’re giving her the tools to create not just her future, but a brighter future for her entire community.
Why Our Work Matters
The construction and skilled trades industries are suffering from a critical shortage of workers. Rapid advancements in technology have reduced the appeal of physically demanding jobs, and the removal of trades programs from schools, beginning as early as the 1960s, has only worsened the problem.
The statistics are clear about the gender gap in these industries:
Women make up just 10% of the construction workforce.
Of that 10%, only 2.5% actively work on job sites; the rest support the industry in office-oriented or maintenance roles.
Systemic barriers, such as unconscious and conscious bias, inadequate training opportunities, and outdated perceptions about women in trades, have historically left women on the sidelines. Despite these challenges, women continue to break through and claim their space in these industries. And Black Girls Build Inc. is determined to accelerate this progress while ensuring that Black women and youth are not left behind.
Our programs directly address the gaps in representation and training by inspiring young women with real-world learning opportunities, professional mentorship, and a network of support that promotes success and sustainability.
Sponsorship and Support Opportunities
At Black Girls Build Inc., we’re building the future—but we can’t do it alone. We need the support of sponsors, grants, and community partners to grow our impact and take our mission even further in 2025.
Here’s how you can help us break barriers, build careers, and change the face of construction:
1. Sponsor a Workshop
Your sponsorship can help fund our hands-on workshops, allowing more women and youth to learn vital skills such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work while gaining confidence in their abilities.
2. Donate Tools & Materials
From hammers to safety gear, tools are the foundation of what we do. Donations of high-quality materials and equipment are invaluable to our program and ensure participants can learn with the best resources.
3. Mentor a Future Builder
Mentorship is key to breaking into industries with longstanding barriers. By becoming a mentor, you can provide guidance, inspire confidence, and share your industry expertise with the next generation of builders.
4. Provide Grants or Financial Support
Every donation makes a difference. Your financial contribution supports our workshops, materials, community projects, and outreach efforts, expanding access to our life-changing programs.
Together, we can eliminate the obstacles Black women and youth face in these fields and build a more inclusive, innovative future.
The Larger Picture
The construction industry is at an inflection point. Awareness of the need for diversity is growing, and recruitment strategies are shifting. Slowly but surely, opportunities are opening up for women—but it’s clear that systemic bias and a lack of proper training have delayed what should have been swifter progress.
That’s why organizations like Black Girls Build Inc. are so essential. We’re not just preparing individuals for jobs; we’re reshaping an entire industry. By empowering Black women and youth with the skills they need to succeed, we’re changing the perception of who belongs in construction.
Building a Legacy of Change
At Black Girls Build Inc., the work we’re doing goes beyond the tools we hold or the walls we build. It’s about creating a ripple effect, one participant, one mentor, and one project at a time.
When Black women take their rightful place in the skilled trades, they’re positioned to impact neighborhoods, redefine industries, and inspire others to follow their lead. These efforts translate to stronger, more vibrant communities where opportunity knows no limits.
You can be part of this change. Are you ready to build with us? Join our movement today to empower a generation of game-changers, one skilled hand at a time.
Contact us today to learn how you can support Black Girls Build Inc.
#BlackGirlsBuild #WomenInSTEM #Empowerment
