Workforce Spotlight: Jasmine Scott

Originally from Houston, Texas, Jasmine Scott moved to Chicago in 2020. While looking for a new career path, she connected with Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) to learn more about the construction industry and its various professional opportunities.

Lakeside Alliance spoke with Jasmine about her role on the Obama Presidential Center project, career advice and what it means to her to be a part of the Center. Read more below:

What is your role on the Obama Presidential Center project?

Scott: After getting connected to the construction industry through Chicago Women in Trades, I found my niche in a project assistant role with John Keno and Company (“Keno”). Keno plays a role in the excavation, backfilling and stone work on the project. I spend 90% of my time on site – whether it’s the OPC or one of our other projects – to take project documentation photos, prepare daily construction reports, and help onboard new team members.

What advice do you have for others looking to enter the construction industry?

Scott: Don’t be afraid, don’t be shy, and explore all your options! There is so much that goes into the construction industry beyond actually building something. If you like working with your hands, there’s something for you, but if you want to do something on the back end, there’s something for you too. I urge people to dig deeper and do their research because there are so many options you can pursue to make a difference.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the Center?

Scott: I love this project – it’s one of my favorite job sites to work on. One of my favorite things to do is to just walk around the site and take in everything that’s going on. The site is so diverse; there are many women and people of all races and religions. Everyone works together really nicely on a site that is super clean and super safe.