HBCU alum achieves education, career and D&I ambitions at JLL

What influenced your college choice?

If I’m honest, Tuskegee University wasn’t my first choice to attend undergrad. Growing up in Gary, Indiana I vowed to move at least three states away when I graduated high school and I applied to many schools. It wasn’t until two students from Tuskegee stopped into my high school civics class that I even thought about attending an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). In my mind, I had already grown up in a predominantly Black neighborhood and thought that I would be limiting myself if I went to a predominantly Black university. Oh, how I was wrong! Making the choice to attend Tuskegee was the best decision I made. Yes, the school consists of mostly Black students, but the experience of an HBCU is indescribable. At Tuskegee I met students from not only across the United States, but from around the world. Each of them bringing a different cultural dynamic and perspective. Outside of Black History Month, there aren’t many times this country recognizes the contributions of Blacks to society and through the curriculum, professors, and students, I saw Black excellence every day and it was amazing! And I won’t even start to describe the homecomings! One word…EPIC!

After college, what made you decide to move from Alabama to New York?

My senior year I was debating my next steps and was applying to grad schools and different companies. I received an offer from SOM (Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill) one of the top design firms in the country. For architecture students, this was the dream job, but I was conflicted because I was really considering continuing my education directly after undergrad. I’ll never forget the advice my Studio professor told me. He said, “Amber, you’re a smart and talented girl – grad school will always be there, but the job market may not. This is your shot!” He was right. I took his advice and never looked back. I moved to New York City, a place I had never been and didn’t know a soul and started my career.

What drew you to leave your first employer and pursue your Masters in Chicago?

As far as the city goes, I liked the hustle of New York. I worked at 14 Wall Street and every day I was walking to work in the huge crowds that you see in movies. It seemed as if everyone was “about their business” and that was inspiring. It really does give you that “you can do anything here” vibe! Also, there is always something to do, no matter day or night, which is very fun. What I didn’t like about NY was the cost of living and having no alleys! Coming from the Chicago area, I kept comparing the beauty of that city to what I saw in NY, and nothing could compare.

As far as my career at SOM, during one of my projects I was able to work in the construction administrative phase and sit in on the client meetings, which was rare for a junior architect. This gave me an opportunity to see the business side of architecture and coordinate with the Client Representative and the PM leads in the firm. Sitting in those meetings and hearing the client talk about their goals, witnessing the decision-making process, and seeing why things were being designed the way they were was fascinating to me.

Although I loved designing, I found myself being more interested in the coordination and looking at the client Project Manager and thinking, “I want to do that!”  I began looking at real estate development and decided to leave SOM to pursue my Masters at DePaul. I definitely would visit NY again, and would encourage any young person to live there, even for a short time, just to get the experience.

What does the JLL’s Empower Black Professionals Network (BPN) mean to you?

To me, the BPN means community. Within large companies like JLL, it is easy to feel like you are navigating alone. The BPN creates a space where Black professionals can find camaraderie around shared experiences and receive encouragement and mentorship from those who look like them, and allies who support them.

What three words best describe the BPN?

Community, opportunity, and fun!

What does an inclusive culture look like? How are you helping make JLL more inclusive?

An inclusive culture is one where employees have a sense of belonging and are respected for their individuality. When employees can bring their “whole selves” to work, it gives them the freedom to shed the armor that the world sometimes forces them to carry and share their unique talent and perspectives with others. With my team, I do my best to ensure that everyone, no matter their background or level in the company, understands that their voice matters and the contributions of everyone is what makes our team stronger!