NAHB’s HBCU Cohort Learns, Networks at First-Ever Black Builder Mixer
NAHB’s recently launched Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student and Faculty Leadership program hosted its first-ever Black Builder and Mentor Mixer during the 2024 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
Held at The New American Home 2024, the event was a celebration of NAHB’s first cohort of students from HBCUs. Seventeen students representing nine schools enjoyed an evening learning and networking, as they toured the acclaimed 7,722-square-foot show home atop the foothills of Henderson, Nev.
The students heard from the superintendent of the build, Mark Schlachter of Sun West Custom Homes, who offered tips and insights on how to find success in the industry. Schlachter also detailed strategies for efficient planning and budgeting that have helped him throughout his career, especially with complex projects like The New American Home.
Students were also given time to talk with builder mentors from across the country and encouraged to connect with other mentors locally when they return home.
“As an African American female, it’s hard to be in an industry that’s predominantly for males, but seeing other people of color and women, it allows you to know that I can be that person. I can be more,” said Deyana Thomas, a student at Florida A&M University. “Depending on where you’re coming from you might not have that support. But we have support here at NAHB.”
The networking event is only the beginning of what NAHB aims to achieve through the program.
“I am excited for the students because everything that I — and other people of color — have gone through has been for them to be able to come to this place and have mentors to look up to,” said Tammy Murray of Andersen Windows. “They don’t have to reinvent the wheel. They have people to lean on.”
Student Chapters Advisory Board Chair Dr. Charner Rodgers thanked the cohort and its sponsors, including the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council, for celebrating the last day of Black History Month and acknowledged the rapid growth the program has achieved — expanding from 22 students to 345 in just one year.
Quoting civil rights activist James Baldwin, Rodgers said: “Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.”
Want to get involved with one of these HBCU construction education programs? Complete this form.





Latest from NAHBNow
Oct 08, 2025
How Do Median Square-Foot Prices Differ by Region?Median square-foot prices for new single-family detached homes started in 2024 grew modestly, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction data. See how they differ by region.
Oct 07, 2025
Tax Incentives That Multiply the Benefits of NAHB's Vehicle Savings ProgramsCombining the benefits of Section 179 tax deductions with the discounts offered through the NAHB Member Savings Program can be a game-changer for business owners.
Latest Economic News
Oct 07, 2025
Minority-Owned Residential Building Firms Continue to RiseThe share of minority-owned new residential builders and remodelers has more than doubled since the Great Recession, with noticeable gains from 2017 to 2022. Nevertheless, when compared to the overall U.S. population, minority-owned firms continue to be underrepresented within both housing sectors.
Oct 06, 2025
Shorter Apartment Construction Time in 2024The average time needed to complete construction of a multifamily building after obtaining authorization edged down in 2024, according to the 2024 Survey of Construction (SOC) from the Census Bureau. On average, it took 19.6 months from permit to completion, about 0.3 months shorter than in 2023.
Oct 03, 2025
Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.