KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 4, 2021

Kennesaw State University construction management student Cierra Danforth was recently one of 15 students nationwide honored with the Outstanding Student Award by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The award recognizes student members of NAHB for their work in their local student chapter, academic standing, level of involvement in the organization and their interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry.

“Receiving this award has made me feel so accomplished and confident that I am doing what I am meant to be doing,” Danforth said. “I feel so grateful, and it inspires me to keep pursuing my dreams in construction management.”

Danforth’s passion for construction began during her childhood with her fascination with LEGOs and her dollhouse. Her grandfather, a brick mason, influenced her to pursue a career in construction after showing her the homes he helped build, inspiring her to work on buildings that would stand long after she was gone.

Danforth represents a growing number of women entering in the construction industry and is no stranger to success both academically and professionally. She has made the dean’s list every semester of college,  and she serves as the president of KSU’s NAHB chapter. As president, Danforth networks with industry professionals by setting up company visits each month, and also volunteers with Atlanta ToolBank, HomeAid Atlanta and Habitat for Humanity.

Danforth is also a member of the Association of General Contractors and Women in Construction, and she currently interns at J.M. Wilkerson Construction, where she has helped to oversee two building projects in Atlanta. Her internship has allowed her to see building progress in-person and utilize her skills in finance and contracting, which Danforth believes are some of the most important aspects of construction. Her dream is to become a project manager and own her own company.

“I want to have a legacy and inspire women that they can own a construction company, and I want to show other African American girls and boys that they can accomplish what they set their hearts to and that they shouldn’t let anything discourage them,” she said.

– Josh Milton

Photos by David Caselli

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.