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
Jul 02, 2025
From Disaster Relief to Challenging Gas Bans, HBAs are Making a DifferenceNearly two dozen HBAs received Association Excellence Awards for outstanding contributions they made on behalf of their members and communities in 2024.
Jul 01, 2025
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Will Spur Economic GrowthNAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes issued the following statement after the Senate passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Latest Economic News
Jul 02, 2025
Two or More Story Home Starts Rebound in 2024Over half of new single-family homes built in 2024 were two or more stories, according the recent release of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC). After declining in 2023, the share of homes started with two or more stories increased again in 2024, continuing the upward trend in place since 2020.
Jul 01, 2025
May Private Residential Construction Spending DipsPrivate residential construction spending fell by 0.5% in May, marking the fifth straight month of decreases. This drop was primarily driven by reduced spending on single-family construction. Compared to a year ago, total spending was down 6.7%, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.
Jul 01, 2025
Flat Job Openings for ConstructionThe count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry held steady amid a slowdown for housing, per the May Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).