Empowering Women to Lead, Build, and Break Barriers in a Transforming Industry

When powerful voices come together to uplift women in male-dominated industries, the impact is unforgettable. That was exactly the energy at the recent Women in Construction convening, where Cheryl McKissack Daniel, CEO of McKissack & McKissack, delivered a keynote that left the room inspired and empowered.

Hosted by industry leaders and advocates for gender equity, the event brought together women entrepreneurs, project managers, engineers, architects, and changemakers from every corner of the construction process. The goal was clear: to share insight, fuel ambition, and build community among the women who are shaping the future of the built environment.

Cheryl’s presence grounded the day with wisdom born from legacy and leadership. As the fifth-generation leader of the nation’s oldest minority- and woman-owned design and construction firm, she shared personal stories, business strategies, and hard-won lessons from decades at the helm of a thriving company.

From navigating complex projects like The Oculus at the World Trade Center to scaling McKissack’s influence across commercial, healthcare, and transportation sectors, Cheryl’s journey offered tangible takeaways for women ready to grow, lead, and rise.

“We are not just participating in this industry—we are redefining it,” Cheryl emphasized. “Our voices, our vision, and our value are needed now more than ever.”

The day was a celebration, a strategy session, and a call to action rolled into one—and Cheryl’s words will continue to echo through the work of every woman who attended.