By Cezar Cunningham, Senior Project Manager, Hill International

More than 20 years ago, having recently graduated from Howard University, I landed a job with a prestigious construction firm in the Washington, DC region. I vividly recall my interview day, walking through the polished halls of their Bethesda, MD, headquarters, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. My throat was dry, my heart was racing, and despite my best efforts, I was sweating under my ill-fitted suit. As I passed a corner office on my way to HR, a voice called out, “Young man, excuse me.” Doubling back, I saw an older gentleman at the desk who reminded me of my own father. He was curious about me, not least because we were two of the few people of African descent on the executive floor.

I have never considered myself African American, but as someone from the Caribbean, I wear my African heritage proudly. That day, our shared background and chosen career path created an immediate bond between the executive and me. He may have seen a bit of his younger self in me. After a brief introduction, he offered me some unsolicited advice: “There are not many folks who look like us here. Make sure you work harder and more diligently than everyone, so others can follow in your footsteps. Set an example, and don’t give anyone an excuse to say you aren’t worthy.” His words have stayed with me ever since. While many people receive similar advice, it resonates perhaps more deeply if you belong to a group that is underrepresented—be it minority, immigrant, woman, Indian, Asian, or Black.

Representation Matters

In the Caribbean, I wouldn’t have needed that talk. Growing up, I saw people who looked like me in every aspect of life. Lawyers, politicians, national heroes, doctors, architects, and even the gang members, often looked like me. For me, this meant I could see myself in every possibility and aspire to be anything I wanted, with no assumed barriers or limitations. I never felt a sense of “otherness,” and that was somehow empowering.

The U.S. and Caribbean have certain aspects of shared history, but the outcomes, especially demographically, differ. The lingering effects of America’s past mean the playing field hasn’t always been level. Despite these challenges, people from diverse backgrounds have helped create the most prominent nation in the world and have continually risen, achieving and thriving alongside citizens of all backgrounds in countless fields. Representation matters. Seeing oneself in the faces of great predecessors is meaningful. Learning to appreciate the accomplishments of people who look different from you but have shaped your world is also profoundly valuable.

In construction, where the diversity of thought and experience is critical, broad representation becomes even more significant. The industry is built on collaboration, innovation, and the blending of varied perspectives.

Inclusivity at Our Core

At Hill, inclusivity is one of our core values. We recognize that the unique life experiences and perspectives of our employees and the communities we serve make our company stronger, more welcoming, and help us deliver the infrastructure of change around the world.

When we see diversity in leadership and throughout project teams, we not only reflect the communities we serve but also bring together a broader range of ideas and solutions. This inclusivity strengthens our projects, our teams, and ultimately, our collective success. The more we embrace and promote diversity, the stronger and more resilient our future will be.

To learn more about Hill’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.hillintl.com/inclusion-diversity-equity-awareness/

For those interested in exploring career opportunities at Hill, please visit: https://www.hillintl.com/careers/