On June 18, 2025, at the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations in New York City, the Global Kids Annual Gala paid tribute to an extraordinary leader whose work has shaped communities and inspired generations: Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack.

A Legacy Built on Purpose

As the fifth-generation leader of the nation’s oldest minority- and woman-owned design and construction firm, Cheryl McKissack Daniel has long embodied resilience, innovation, and legacy. Her journey has never been just about buildings and blueprints—it has always been about breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and creating opportunity.

With more than 30 years of experience in civil engineering and construction management, Cheryl has overseen some of New York City’s most iconic infrastructure transformations. From the bold new vision of the New Terminal One at JFK, to the dynamic redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport’s Central Terminal, to the vital modernization of Harlem Hospital, her leadership has continued to shape the city’s future in tangible, lasting ways.

A Visionary at the Helm

Under Cheryl’s guidance, McKissack & McKissack evolved into a $50 billion project powerhouse. The firm’s wide-ranging portfolio—spanning healthcare, education, cultural institutions, and transit—has been grounded in both purpose and equity. These weren’t just structures—they were symbols of progress, intentionally designed with and for the communities they serve.

Beyond concrete and steel, Cheryl has remained a passionate advocate for diversity and equity in architecture, engineering, and construction. Her commitment to uplifting underrepresented talent has opened doors and shifted trajectories for countless professionals—especially women and people of color—across the country.

Building Bridges for the Next Generation

What set Cheryl apart has never been just what she built—but how she built it. Every project she touched was guided by a sense of social responsibility, a dedication to mentorship, and a deep belief in inclusion and giving back. Whether supporting a young woman of color taking her first steps into engineering, or influencing policy to open boardroom doors, Cheryl led with both heart and vision.

Through her philanthropy, board service, and tireless advocacy, Cheryl has continued to light the way for the next generation of trailblazers—especially for those who may not have seen someone like themselves in the field before.

A Moment of Well-Deserved Recognition

The 2025 Global Kids Gala honored Cheryl not only for her extraordinary career and contributions, but also for the values she represents: courage, legacy, equity, and possibility. It was a moving celebration of leadership that uplifts others—and a powerful reminder of the kind of world we can build when we lead with purpose.

We are proud, inspired, and deeply grateful to have stood beside Cheryl McKissack Daniel as she received this well-deserved honor. Her story is one of vision—and her work remains a blueprint for the future we all deserve.

Thank you Global Kids for this incredible experience and for honoring Cheryl. We are the ones who are truly honored.