Originally born in Chicago, Candace “CJ” Brogdon returned to the city in 2021 looking for her next opportunity. That’s when she got involved with Chicago Women in Trades and got on track to a career in carpentry. Now, she’s a part of Lakeside Alliance principal firm Powers & Sons Construction and working on the Obama Presidential Center project.

Born and raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Marquis was first introduced to the building trades through St. Paul Community Development Ministries’ twelve-week pre-apprenticeship training program. After completing his carpentry apprenticeship, he joined the team at W.E. O’Neil as part of Concrete Collective and began working on the Obama Presidential Center project.

October is Careers in Construction Month, an opportunity to shine a light on the more than 180 roles one might find within a construction project. Every role is essential to getting to the finish line, some of which have nothing to do with fabricating steel, pouring concrete, or architecture and design. Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center, checked in with members of our team who occupy roles that may not always be the first to come to mind, but cover a range of responsibilities that are essential to the project.

Maliq and his grandfather are not the only ones making a multi-generational impact at Powers & Sons. Mamon Powers, Jr., CEO and Chairman of the Board of Powers & Sons, is following in the footsteps of his father, Mamon Powers, Sr., who founded the firm in 1967. Today, third generation leadership — including Lakeside Alliance’s very own Kelly Powers Baria, daughter of Mamon Powers Jr. — is stepping in to lead the firm’s next chapter.

Kamonte Brown found his path in construction with the support of St. Paul Community Development Ministries, a We Can Build It Consortium Partner, and their twelve-week pre-apprenticeship training program.