At J2, we believe that diversity strengthens our industry, our teams, and the communities we serve. As we celebrate Black History Month, we take the opportunity to recognize and amplify the voices of Black professionals in the AEC industry.
Specifically, the engineering industry has historically lacked diversity. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), Black professionals make up only about 5% of the engineering workforce, despite comprising around 13% of the U.S. population. Systemic barriers have contributed to this underrepresentation, including limited access to STEM education, mentorship, and industry representation. However, change happens when individuals pave the way for the next generation.
To highlight the experiences and perspectives of Black professionals at J2, we sat down with a few of our team members to discuss what Black History Month means to them, their inspirations, and how they hope to encourage others.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in civil engineering, transportation, landscape architecture, survey, or a related field?
Jaylin: From a young age, I have always been passionate about using my creativity to build and learn. I was inspired to become a civil engineer because of the daily impacts the projects have on a local community and the wide variety within the field. I am a people-first person and love to improve how individuals interact with their environment. I want to make it as easy and intuitive as possible for people to travel and make it a highlight instead of a mind-numbing and dreaded task.
Bezawit: I was inspired to become a civil engineer as a child because of my neighbor, who built our houses.
Q: How has your background or culture influenced your career journey?
Elorm: Receiving that support and discipline from various family members or community leaders helped shape me into the woman that I am today.
Jourdan: My background and culture have taught me to face whatever is put in front of me with an open mind. There is a lot to learn when entering a career, but if I react with a closed mind, then I won't be able to grow or conquer obstacles put in my way.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Jaylin: Black History Month is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made to make sure Black voices and stories are heard. It is also a time for education on the hardships and struggles black people have gone through both in the past and present. This time allows me to truly understand all the sacrifices made to allow me to get a good education and to live in a less stressful world. Black History Month is also a time to make sure I am doing everything I can to continue the pursuit of equality.
Bezawit: Black History Month is a time to reflect on my heritage and those who have come before me. It fills me with pride and inspiration, reminding me of the importance of representation and diversity. It's a chance to honor those who have paved the way and to acknowledge the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. In my role as a transportation engineer, Black History Month inspires me to consider how my work can contribute to more equitable and inclusive transportation systems. I reflect on how infrastructure and transportation impact communities of color and strive to design solutions that address historical disparities.
Elorm: It serves as a reminder of the blood, sweat, and tears and the sacrifice of our ancestors and forefathers. I, too, want to keep striving to do better for the future generation.
Jourdan: Personally, Black History Month means appreciating all the effort and fight that went into getting me where I am. Without historical figures or the names of activists we aren't aware of, I wouldn't be able to be the professional I am today.
Q: How do you hope to inspire the next generation of Black professionals in our industry?
Jaylin: I hope to be an example of what you can do if you seek out opportunities and always continue to learn. I want the next generation to see just how much joy there is in civil engineering and how they can be a person others can depend upon. Showing it is possible to be successful in this industry no matter what adversity you may face.
Bezawit: By offering guidance, support, and encouragement, I can share my own journey, including my successes and challenges, to help them navigate their career paths.
Jourdan: I hope to give them an image of ambition. I want to exemplify that hard work and dedication can get them to sights they would not have originally thought of.
Q: How has J2’s culture supported you in your career growth?
Jaylin: J2 has a culture of growth and wanting to see everyone hit their potential. There is a large support system within each team, and always someone who will take the time to teach a new concept and answer questions to a deep level. The culture allows people to understand the why behind every decision and allows guidance through complex concepts without judgment.
Bezawit: J2 has helped me become a better transportation engineer by providing opportunities to attend training courses, participate in meetings, and by having a supportive team.
Elorm: A peaceful environment fosters growth. With one of the Core Values of J2 emphasizing the golden rule, everyone is already nice, but it feels like the cherry on top when one is watchful of their words. Even though words are not direct weapons, they still can hurt.
Q: In what ways do you see diversity strengthening our industry and the work we do at J2?
Jaylin: Diversity allows for a wide point of view on any topic. Having many different people from different backgrounds will enable more opportunities to see a problem or concept from a different perspective. It allows people to have thoughts they might otherwise not have encountered and lowers the risk of confirmation bias. Diversity is also a tool for reaching a wider audience and allows people to understand the struggles others may go through.
Bezawit: There are a lot of brilliant minds in diverse cultures who are looking for the right opportunity. When given the proper chance, they will bloom, and that success will rub off on the company as well.
Elorm: A diverse team in J2 can leverage varied experiences and knowledge to tackle complex engineering challenges more effectively. Different perspectives can lead to more comprehensive analyses and better decision-making.
Jourdan: Diversity is not only beneficial for equal rights, but it can bring new solutions to the table that may have not been included before. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences, and using that as an advantage can only strengthen a company's position.
Through this Q&A, we celebrate our teams' journeys, their contributions to the AEC industry, and the ways J2 supports their growth and success. Happy Black History Month!
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