It started with a murmur in the back of a school auditorium. An ordinary Tuesday night PTO meeting, the kind where parents gather to discuss school events and fundraisers, took an unexpected turn for one PTO President. Amidst the hum of adult conversation, a different kind of chatter arose – the excited whispers of her four children.

"They were talking loudly," she recalls, "and when I asked what all the fuss was about, they told me none of their friends or classmates believed I was a construction manager." It wasn't a new revelation. The disbelief was a recurring theme, a constant surprise expressed by children at community events and school presentations. But this time, something clicked.

The question lingered: why was it so hard for these children to imagine a woman, let alone their friend's mother, in a construction role? A conversation with her children ensued, a deep dive into the stereotypes and preconceived notions that limited their classmates' imaginations. And from that conversation, a book was born: "My Mom is a Construction Manager," written by the Darden Kids and their mom.

This isn't just a biographical tale; it's a mission. The book chronicles the author's journey from a young girl fascinated by Legos, puzzles, and math to a successful construction business owner, author, and e-course creator. But its core message is far broader: to break down stereotypes and show young people, especially girls, that they can build their futures in any field they dream of.

The author emphasizes the powerful influence of representation. "What they see is what they will be, when you see me you can be me," she states, highlighting the importance of showing children what's possible.

Her own journey is a testament to the power of positive influence. She credits her parents, both educators, with instilling in her the belief that she could achieve anything. "They empowered me to believe I could do anything," she says. "Their guidance and dedication to learning taught me to value education and to trust in my abilities." Their unwavering support helped her navigate the challenges of being a young African American woman in a male-dominated field.

After building $2 billion in construction projects, she took the leap and started her own construction business, a move directly inspired by her parents' belief in her.

Equally influential are her four children. They were the catalyst for the book, their innocent disbelief sparking a desire to challenge perceptions. "Their initial conversations with classmates, who couldn’t believe their mom worked in construction, sparked the idea for the book," she explains. "They brought fresh perspectives to the project, helping to ensure the book would resonate with young readers."

The book, along with its accompanying construction plushie, is more than just a story; it's a tool for empowerment. It's a way to show children that their dreams are not limited by societal expectations, that they can break down barriers and build their own paths. It's a message that resonates far beyond the pages of a book, inspiring a generation to see beyond stereotypes and build a future where anything is possible.