Felicia Davis Risk Management | The AKA Team, Inc

The most influential force in my career journey has been Black women—the many unheard stories, voices, and examples of perseverance that often go unrecognized. Their resilience, their ability to push forward despite barriers, and their commitment to excellence have shaped the way I show up in my own work. 
 
When I think about the women who came before me—those who navigated systems that weren’t built for them, who created opportunities where none existed, and who carried entire communities through their strength—it reminds me that I’m part of a much larger legacy. Their stories motivate me to keep going, to take up space confidently, and to pursue leadership without hesitation. 
 
Black women have taught me that perseverance isn’t just about enduring challenges; it’s about transforming them into purpose. That mindset has guided every step of my career and continues to influence how I lead, how I advocate, and how I build pathways for others coming behind me. 

My first job in construction actually began in the world of landscaping. What drew me in wasn’t just the physical work, but the transformation—taking something old, worn, or overlooked and turning it into something new, functional, and beautiful. I found myself fascinated by every part of the process: reviewing specs, preparing bid proposals, sitting in bid meetings, studying plant life, and understanding how landscape designs come together. 
 
Working with raw earth materials—plants, stone, soil—taught me how creativity and structure can coexist. It showed me that construction isn’t just about building; it’s about envisioning what something could be and then bringing that vision to life. 
 
That early experience shaped my career path by giving me a deep appreciation for detail, design, and the strategic side of project development. It sparked my interest in the broader construction industry and set the foundation for how I approach projects today—with curiosity, craftsmanship, and a commitment to creating something meaningful from the ground up. 

A common misconception people still have about women in construction is that we’re somehow less capable—whether physically, technically, or strategically. It shows up in subtle ways, like the assumption that a woman on a job site must be handling administrative tasks, or the surprise when she’s the one leading the project meeting or making key decisions. 
 
What that misconception overlooks is the reality of today’s construction industry. Women are project managers, estimators, superintendents, safety leaders, equipment operators, designers, and business owners like Ariane Kirkpatrick, CEO of the AKA Team. We’re shaping budgets, coordinating complex builds, solving engineering challenges, and driving innovation across the field. The capability has always been there; the visibility is what’s catching up. 
 
For me, the misconception has become motivation. It pushes me to show up with excellence, to lead with confidence, and to make space for other women coming into the industry. The more women people see in these roles, the faster those outdated assumptions fade. And the industry is better for it—more diverse perspectives, stronger teams, and a broader definition of what leadership in construction looks like. 

Women bring a wide range of strengths to the construction industry, and many of them directly elevate how teams collaborate, plan, and execute projects. One of the biggest strengths is communication. Women often excel at bringing clarity to complex situations, facilitating conversations between different stakeholders, and ensuring that everyone—from subcontractors to clients—are aligned. That level of coordination can make or break a project. 

The advice I would give to women who are considering or just entering the construction industry is to trust your place here. Construction needs your perspective, your voice, and your leadership. Don’t let outdated assumptions make you question your capability. You belong in the room, on the job site, and at the decision‑making table.