Tenika Deshawn, CEO of Lady Carpenter LLC | Bridging the Gap: If These Walls Could Talk

In this episode of Bridging the Gap: If These Walls Could Talk, Jim Williams and Zita Billman sit down with Tenika Deshawn, founder of Lady Carpenter LLC and Black Diamond Development. Tanika shares her inspiring journey from self-taught carpenter to CEO, detailing how her entrepreneurial drive, personal resilience, and passion for housing security fueled her rise in Pittsburgh’s construction and development scene.

Join the conversation as Tenika talks about getting started in the trades to support her family, the transition from skilled labor to project management and development, and her mission to provide dignified housing solutions in underserved communities. She also highlights the challenges of government contracting, her involvement in community-based initiatives, and the transformative power of mentorship and leadership in building dynamic teams.

Tune in for insights on navigating entrepreneurship, scaling a business in construction, and how showing up for your community can lead to lasting impact.

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