We had the good fortune of connecting with Catrina Alexandre and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catrina, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

Most important factor towards the success of #BlackWomenInConstruction is being authentic & speaking the truth about the journey in the construction industry. I pride myself on being true to myself & others in all situations. Careers in a male dominated fields have alot of ups and downs. Patience is built in the beginnings of working in construction.  It maybe hard to find a job, hard to find a mentor or apprentice opportunities. #BlackWomenInConstruction offers resources to help people understand what to do during the waiting season.  #BlackWomenInConstruction was started to ensure another woman in construction doesn’t know how to maneuver in hardships in construction.  #BlackWomenInConstruction started from my own struggle of finding women who looked like me in the construction industry. Representation does matter. #BlackWomenInConstruction platforms allows people to be themselves and not have to suppress their personality to fit the “mold” of what a construction worker is thought to look or act like. #BlackWomenInConstruction is welcoming of all races, nationalities, genders or titles. We want to be a safe space for everyone in the industry including those working in designs, the trades, architecture, real estate and all aspects of construction. Being authentic and real makes us different. We discuss an array of taboo topics, and mainstream topics like mental health, how to negotiate for a raise, or balancing home & life, while working in a demanding occupation. We speak the truth. We advocate for the person who is afraid to stand up and speak out at work.
#BlackWomenInConstruction goal is to create a future generation of influential women in construction who are assured of their skills, proud of their work and speaking their truth.


Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I work full time as a #BlackWomenInConstruction. I am immersed in a environment that’s always growing.  Working on the platform #BlackWomenInConstruction requires being honest about experiences while working in a male dominated field. #BlackWomenInConstruction goal is empower others to be proud of workmanship & themselves regardless of their job title. We sometimes equate job title with importance but it actually isn’t true. Being assured in yourself despite takings losses like losing a job or changing career takes alot of self awareness and learning from past experience. I am in a position of happiness between my work life and personal life. Surviving through the growing pains of working in construction has helped #BlackWomenInConstruction manifest into existence. I am most proud of professionally is believing In myself. I would like to thank me for believing in me. I am not saying to be cocky but I am stating facts: I love who I have become personally and professionally. We are manifesting into something amazing. I would never have started #BlackWomenInConstruction if I didn’t go through getting over job rejections, not getting the promotion I deserved, getting paid less than other coworkers while doing more work and so much more. The hardships were the neccessary thorns on a Rose. The roses are still beautiful but the thorns are needed to appreciate the growth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

There’s alot of national parks and hike trails in my area which have been occupying my time lately.They are a great way to disconnect from internet and social media a just relax.

You gotta bring good food for those hikes. I typically stop at Y.U.P.P (Your Ultimate Patty Place ) in South Orange , New Jersey.   They have some of the best patties you’ll ever have! They even have seafood and vegan options too.

I have been eating at many black owned & minority/p.o.c owned restaurants lately . I believe financial independence is the fruit for generational wealth. We have to make a habit of supporting more local food businesses.


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friend Lucinda, @ljbpoet Lucinda is currently finalizing her 1st published book which will be out this year. She encourages me to be steadfast in my goals. She leads by example. She’s works over 70 hours per week working as a behavioral therapist; helping those who society often forgets. She works a very demanding job both physically and emotionally ; however she still perseveres. She finds time to encourage others, donate and volunteer regularly. Seeing her lead with compassion shows me that despite what going on in life, we all can help another person along the way. Make sure to obtain the new book by @LJBPOET.  It will be a great read!!!

Website: Www.blackwomeninconstruction.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/blackwomeninconstruction

Linkedin: Blackwomeninconstruction

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/Blackwomeninconstruction

Other: Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/cat_got_ur_tongue

Image Credits
Pictures by Catrina Alexandre

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.