February 18th 2025.
According to a report from KSHB 41, the Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City has recently welcomed their new leader, Bridgette Williams. This is a significant milestone as Williams becomes the first Black woman to hold such a title within this influential organization in the metro Kansas City, Missouri area. Having been a part of the association for the past eight years, Williams has played a vital role in bringing several major construction projects to life, including the new airport terminal at the Kansas City International Airport and the Panasonic plant in De Soto, Kansas. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, Williams humbly states that her race and gender had no bearing on her promotion, but rather her determination and hard work.
Reflecting on her journey, Williams credits her blue-collar advocacy background for shaping her into the leader she is today. For almost two decades, she worked with the Greater Kansas City chapter of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, starting as a part-time receptionist. "I remember answering an ad in the newspaper while trying to figure out my post-college plans," she recalls. Her hard work and dedication eventually led her to become the first Black female president of the organization at just 27 years old, a role she held for 15 years.
In early 2024, Kansas City was recognized as a potential hotspot for construction growth, according to The Kansas City Business Journal. Despite doubts about the workforce's preparedness for such expansion, Williams confidently addressed the issue by highlighting the industry's accessibility and inclusivity. "Construction is one of the few fields that don't require a college degree," she explains. "Apprenticeship programs offered by unions provide the necessary training, and in some cases, a high school diploma is not even required." Williams is determined to break barriers and pave the way for more diverse leadership in traditionally underrepresented industries.
As the first Black woman to hold a leadership position in this influential construction organization, Williams is proud to represent her community and inspire others to do the same. In honor of Black History Month, she urges people to reflect on the sacrifices made by their ancestors and use that as motivation to create their own history. "It's important to remember where we came from while focusing on where we're going," she states. "My goal is always to leave things better than I found them." With her determination and tenacity, there's no doubt that Williams will continue to make an impact in the construction industry and beyond.
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