Black History Month - Devin Dodson

Name 

Devin Dodson 

Company 

The Ruhlin Company 

Title 

Regional Safety Manager 

How many years have you worked in the industry?  

+10 Years 

Do you have a favorite Black historical figure? If so, who and why?  

Darryl Anthony Dodson. My father. He taught me growing up the importance of hard work and dedication. He taught me to never give up and that my power is unlimited. He taught me the importance of being humble and disciplined. He encouraged me to be great, gracious and grateful. He raised a young child into a loving and caring great man. 

What attracted you to the construction industry and what do you enjoy most about your job?  

What attracted me most to the construction industry is being able to be a part of history. The impact of my involvement will be profound and significantly visible for generations to come. The creativity and dedication it takes to collaborate with diverse teams to problem solve and achieve success gives an astounding sense of accomplishment. 

What do you feel can be done to attract more minorities to the construction industry?  

Attracting more minorities to the construction industry can be achieved through several strategies such as: Education and Outreach initiatives to introduce students to career opportunities in construction. Mentorship Programs that can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. There are several scholarships specifically designed to support minorities pursuing careers in construction and related fields. Providing financial assistance for training programs and certifications can help reduce the barriers to entry and can help reach a wider audience. 
 
Representation is the most critical aspect of minority inclusion. Simply Increasing visibility of successful minority professionals in the industry through campaigns and media can inspire others to pursue similar paths. Essentially, that’s exactly what this initiative is doing and that’s why I was eager to share and participate. 
 

Here listed are several active contributors to minority scholarships: 
 
1. **National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Scholarships**: NAMC offers scholarships for minority students in construction management and other related fields. 
 
2. **The Stephen J. Sundra Scholarship**: Offered by the National Asphalt Pavement Association, this scholarship supports minority students in civil engineering and construction programs. 
 
3. **The ACE Mentorship Program**: Provides scholarships to students who participate in their mentoring program, focusing on architecture, construction, and engineering. 
 
4. **The Build Your Future Scholarship**: Supported by the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), it offers financial assistance for those pursuing careers in construction. 
 
5. **The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Scholarships**: While not exclusively for construction, SHPE offers financial support for Latino students in all engineering fields, including construction. 
 
6. **The Black Engineers of the Year Award (BEYA) Scholarships**: This is aimed at African American students in engineering, including construction disciplines, offering various awards. 

What do you like to do in your free time?  

Spending time with my family is the most imperative thing I do when I’m not working. There’s no greater feeling than encouraging your children to be the best version of themselves. 

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or your career?  

I’ve persevered through challenges and overcome many obstacles in life to become a better person and successful individual. There is nothing that can stop you from achieving your goals and success except for yourself. Focus on building yourself up and becoming what you envision for yourself. Realize your purpose and greatness then go reach your goals. Your mentality is everything. Believe in yourself because you can achieve anything!