As employees of G. Stephens Inc. stood on Evans Avenue in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood on a recent afternoon, they were able to point to three of the construction management company’s projects.
A storage basin that holds 6.3 million gallons of stormwater. A stream restoration. A new bridge over the railroad tracks.
This is an example of the footprint G. Stephens has made in the Akron area in the past 28 years. Many people may be unaware of the company’s behind-the-scenes contributions to projects that include schools, libraries, hospitals, housing and bridges. They also may not realize the company is a Black-owned business with an owner who has made it his goal to create opportunities for other minorities.
Halle Jones Capers decided this is a great time to start her own business.
Capers, with a strong background in civil engineering and long active in Akron-area community organizations and events, just formed Halle s Engineering & Design LLC. It s the first minority female-owned firm of its kind in Akron. ( First has been a theme in her life.)
She of course wants her fledgling civil engineering consulting business, which has offices in Akron, to succeed. She also wants to serve as an example and inspiration to other people of color.
I want more Halles. I want more Halles in the room, Capers said.