In a field where very few women — and even fewer Black women — have a seat at the table, one Kansas City woman is breaking barriers and building more than just structures. Fahteema Parrish, the founder and CEO of Parrish & Sons Construction, is leading the way as one of the few Black woman-owned construction companies in Missouri.
Based in Kansas City, Parrish & Sons Construction has worked on some of the city’s biggest projects, including the Kansas City Zoo, the airport, and many others. Since launching the company in 2015, Fahteema has shown what is possible when courage, skill, and purpose come together.
Before starting her own business, Fahteema worked in the public sector. But she dreamed bigger. With faith and determination, she left her job and started her construction company — even though the odds were against her. Today, her company handles major city and private contracts, something very rare for Black women in construction. In fact, less than 10% of construction workers in the U.S. are women, and even fewer are Black.
Fahteema is not just proud of the projects she builds — she’s proud of the legacy she’s building. She is passionate about giving back and lifting others as she climbs. She mentors young people who are interested in construction and encourages them to explore the trades. She also speaks out about the need for more diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Her mission is clear: to open doors for the next generation and to show that Black women belong in construction, too. Learn more about her work: parrishandsonsconstruction.com
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