Pioneering Engineer Leverages Success To Boost Minority Contractors
Pioneering Engineer Leverages Success To Boost Minority Contractors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It all started because she wanted to claim her seat at the table.
Deryl McKissack had worked hard in the construction business for years but was always told to put her head down, work harder and not ask any questions.
When her new boss wanted to demote her simply because she was a woman, McKissack said, “I quit.”
With a thousand dollars and a business plan drafted using a book purchased at Barnes & Noble, she launched McKissack & McKissack.
“I just think it was my passion that got me through, and my determination of, I’m just not going to let anybody define me,” she said. “No one can stop me from getting the work that I’m supposed to get. And whatever I get, I’m going to make sure that we do a great job.”