Black Construction Worker Jessica English To Oversee Detroit People Mover Project


Detroit People Mover

Source: RiverNorthPhotography / Getty

 

Jessica English, a trailblazing Black construction worker from Detroit, is making history in her hometown.

As reported in the Michigan Chronicle on Jan. 27, English, the Capital Construction Project Manager, has been tapped to lead the Detroit People Mover’s rail replacement project, a transformative public transit upgrade set to cost approximately $4.9 million.

The elevated new and improved transit service will serve thousands of Detroit residents, enhancing the city’s infrastructure and contributing to the downtown area’s appeal for conventions, tourism, businesses, and entertainment, as outlined by the Detroit People Mover website.

English has a wealth of experience for the job.

English’s selection to spearhead the project comes almost a year after her extensive background in construction management earned her a reputation for excellence. Previously, she served as a Facilities Construction Manager for the City of Detroit, where she made a significant impact. Now, she’s channeling her expertise into her own consultancy, Building a Better Detroit, a firm dedicated to improving communities through “smarter,” more inclusive construction practices, the Michigan Chronicle noted. 

Under the program in March 2024, English led virtual courses on how to start a construction company and hosted a Q&A session, providing valuable insights into the construction industry as a whole.

Her passion for uplifting others in the construction field began during her time at Bowling Green State University, where she founded Purple Hard Hats, a student organization aimed at supporting women in the industry. Even back then, English was eager to create a more inclusive, empowering environment for women in construction, a vision she’s now turning into a reality as she leads the charge in Detroit’s revitalization.

English expressed her joy in seeing how Bowling Green State University continues to inspire, motivate, and uplift women pursuing careers in construction, noting that her Purple Hard Hats initiative remains active on campus.

“I started a community of girls who would get together and help each other with tutoring. From there, I got an idea from the program I was in, the President’s Leadership Academy. I’m actually very proud of it. They are still active to this day, and I have been out of college for about 10 years,” the changemaker gushed.

She’s carrying her family’s legacy in construction forward. 

With a decade of experience in commercial construction and more than five years in residential projects, English continues the legacy of her father, who has worked in the construction industry for over 40 years and remains actively involved.

“Growing up, instead of being in after-school care, my dad was taking me to job sites with him, and from there, I would be in trailers on jobs and reading blueprints with him,” English recalled of her childhood memories with her father. “So, this field was super interesting. I thought growing up that I would just be an architect.”

Now, she’s excited to apply everything she has learned throughout the years to the Detroit People Mover project. English told the Michigan Chronicle that she will work to bring “standardization” to the development process which will make it “easier for clients to find and ride.”

She added, “I’m looking forward to doing minor touch-ups. Nothing is official yet but I am excited for 2025.”

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