Student Chapter President Shares the Importance of Supporting the Next Generation of Home Builders

Erika Igarashi-Cummings, a junior and president of the NAHB student chapter at Norfolk State University, is well on her way to achieving the home building career she’s set out for since elementary school.

Though she didn’t know it then, her father, Herdest Cummings — owner of Ariel Professional Contracting, a residential general contracting company in Detroit (now called Handy and Haul) — inspired his daughter down a path that’s taken her to Virginia to learn her craft in college, and Bayport, Minn., to put her knowledge into action as a corporate facilities intern with Andersen Corporation.

In this Q&A, Igarashi-Cummings details her career path and aspiration, why she thinks it’s important for big construction companies to hire interns, her advice for women and women of color in construction, and how NAHB’s Historically Black College and University (HBCU) cohort program inspired her work. 

Why did you decide to pursue a career in home building?

My dad owned a residential general contracting company that he started when I was in elementary school, so I used to go with him to work. We used to paint walls and do carpentry together. 

Originally, I didn’t think it would be my end goal, but when I got to high school, I took a construction technology class that was offered by a local vocational school, and I fell in love with it. We ended up building a house where I did a little bit of masonry, tiling, drywall and electrical and, of course, the structural stuff, too.

How has your internship at Andersen been?

It’s been amazing. I work with good people who let me ask questions. They give me the opportunity to learn and grow, and they don’t give me busy work. I feel like I really have an impact here. I’ve been acting as a project manager for a few small projects, and I’ve learned a lot working with manufacturers, engineers and contractors.

Why do you think it’s important for construction companies to continue to bring in young interns?

I think it’s important because the construction industry needs young people to take over for the retiring population of workers. It’s important for students, too, so that they can gain confidence in what they want to do and where they want to do it.

How has NAHB’s HBCU cohort helped you get to where you are today?

The NAHB cohort means so much to me because I’ve met other construction management HBCU students. It meant a lot to me to have others to relate to. I’m on the younger side of the cohort group, so I look up to a lot of other students who were involved who have internships and full-time jobs.

Without NAHB, I feel like my role at Andersen wouldn’t have happened. Andersen doesn’t come out to my HBCU specifically at Norfolk State. I met them in [Las] Vegas and [Washington] D.C. through NAHB, and I think the internship was meant to be because I met the same recruiters twice. 

The construction industry is predominantly male. Do you have advice for other women and women of color entering this industry?

You should remember that you always belong in the room. You’re there for a reason. You were selected to be in that room at that specific time because you are qualified. Don’t let anyone diminish your voice because it deserves to be heard. I know sometimes it can be easy to fall in the background, but it’s worth it to speak your mind.

Where do you hope to be in the construction industry in the next five years?

I’m still considering graduate school to get an MBA because who knows... in 20 to 30 years, maybe I’ll want to create my own construction management firm. It doesn’t hurt to have a master’s degree in business.

Mostly, I want to make an impact on my community. I remember reading an article about someone buying a lot of properties in their area and selling them at an affordable rate for the homeless. I’m hoping I can do something similar in impacting a community and helping someone’s life. I would like to leave a legacy.

Learn more about starting a student chapter at your local HBA.

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NAHB’s Professional Women in Building Week is sponsored by Andersen Windows & Doors.