Pioneering Engineer Leverages Success To Boost Minority Contractors
Pioneering Engineer Leverages Success To Boost Minority Contractors
WASHINGTON, D.C. It all started because she wanted to claim her seat at the table.
Deryl McKissack had worked hard in the construction business for years but was always told to put her head down, work harder and not ask any questions.
When her new boss wanted to demote her simply because she was a woman, McKissack said, “I quit.”
With a thousand dollars and a business plan drafted using a book purchased at Barnes & Noble, she launched McKissack & McKissack.
“I just think it was my passion that got me through, and my determination of, I’m just not going to let anybody define me,” she said. “No one can stop me from getting the work that I’m supposed to get. And whatever I get, I’m going to make sure that we do a great job.”
Arkansas Teen Auditions on Season Premiere of American Idol
Nia Renee, from
Little Rock, is set to audition in front of American Idol s all-star judging panel, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. Nia has been entertaining audiences since an early teen playing festivals, events, and venues all over the state including performing for Governor Asa Hutchinson. She s also got some acting chops in her blood too, having played character roles in her high school theater classes including Sister Act, Willy Wonka, and others. In June 2018, Nia had the honor of singing the National Anthem at a Washington Nationals Major League Baseball Game.