Detroit Regional Chamber > Economic Equity & Inclusion > Building Detroit’s Future: Black Woman Leads $4.9M People Mover Project, Inspires Next Generation

Building Detroit’s Future: Black Woman Leads $4.9M People Mover Project, Inspires Next Generation

January 31, 2025

Michigan Chronicle
Amber Ogden
Jan. 27, 2025

In the male-dominated world of construction and infrastructure, where women make up only 19% of the workforce, Jessica English is breaking barriers and reshaping skylines one project at a time. As the Capital Construction Project Manager overseeing the Detroit People Mover’s rail replacement project, she’s ensuring the vital transit system remains on track both literally and figuratively.

English stepped into this high-stakes role almost a year ago and hasn’t looked back since. With an impressive six years of experience since earning her master’s degree, she’s brought a wealth of expertise and leadership to the table.

Prior to this, she made her mark as a Facilities Construction Manager with the City of Detroit. Now, she’s channeling her skills and passion into Building a Better Detroit, her own consultancy focused on improving lives through smarter, community-driven construction management.

For English, construction is more than a career it’s in her blood. Following in the footsteps of her father, who worked in the field for decades, she’s determined to leave her own legacy in Detroit and beyond.

“He (her father) was in the construction industry and still is and has been for over 40 years now,” English said.

“Growing up, instead of being in after-school care, my dad was taking me to job sites with him, and from there, I would be in trailers on jobs and reading blueprints with him. So, this field was super interesting. I thought growing up that I would just be an architect.”

English educational journey began at Bowling Green State University, where she founded Purple Hard Hats, a student organization dedicated to supporting women in construction. Even then, her vision was clear: to create a more inclusive and empowering industry for women.

“I was the only African American and the only woman in my graduating class of about 40 people,” English said.

“I started a community of girls who would get together and help each other with tutoring. From there, I got an idea from the program I was in, the President’s Leadership Academy. I’m actually very proud of it. They are still active to this day, and I have been out of college for about 10 years.”

That commitment extends to her personal life, as she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Detroit Young Professionals, and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Her advocacy isn’t just about representation it’s about leadership. English’s presence on the Detroit People Mover project is a testament to what’s possible when women have a seat at the table in construction and infrastructure development. Her ability to keep this critical project on time and on budget demonstrates the power of diverse perspectives in solving complex challenges.

For Detroit residents, English’s work is more than just another infrastructure project; it symbolizes progress, innovation, and a better future. Through her dedication to building a stronger, more equitable city, she’s proving that a more inclusive industry isn’t just a dream it’s a foundation she’s laying, brick by brick.

With her drive, expertise, and commitment to community, Jessica English is more than a construction manager—she’s a builder of opportunity, a champion for change, and a trailblazer for women in construction.

“I don’t have my set projects yet, but I will say I’m excited that my GM, Robert Kramer, is open-minded,’ English said.

“The element that I’m bringing to the People Mover is standardization. Moving forward, I will bring some standardization that makes it easier for clients to find and ride. I’m looking forward to doing minor touch-ups. Nothing is official yet but I am excited for 2025.”