KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 12, 2023

Graduating Kennesaw State University student Temi Aladegbemi said her career choice was inspired by what caught her eyes outside car windows while growing up. 

“I always took road trips with my family, and I was extremely interested in the buildings we would pass along the way,” she said. “Also, I was always building something as a kid, like with Legos and puzzles.” 

Kennesaw State was the first university Aladegbemi visited for a tour, and from the moment she arrived on the Marietta Campus, she knew her place was in the College of Architecture and Construction Management.

“I knew I wanted to pursue something where I would interact with architects while using my strong suits, which is organizing and managing,” she said. “So, the construction management major felt like the perfect fit for me.”

A first-generation college student graduating on Dec. 12, Aladegbemi has been active in campus activities from her earliest days at KSU. She sought out new experiences and encourages others to do the same.

“This university is a very welcoming environment. The staff and professors I have met have always been helpful,” she said. “Now, I have found my community, and I don’t know where I would be without the support I have from these individuals and their pushing me out of my comfort zone.”

Among the opportunities Aladegbemi has taken advantage of are participating in several competitions, including the National Association of Home Builders student competition and the Associated Schools of Construction student competition. 

She has also enjoyed being the president of Kennesaw Women in Construction (KWIC) for the past two years. The organization, created by Irish Horsey, former interim chair of KSU’s Department of Construction Management, is focused on creating a support network for women starting their careers in the construction industry by providing networking events, community service opportunities and workshops. 

KWIC has helped Aladegbemi and other young women find a space to express their creativity and ideas in a comfortable setting. She said construction remains a field that is male-dominated and does not include many minority groups. 

“This allowed us to welcome women from all different walks of life and create a community to not feel alone,” Aladegbemi said. “When founded in the fall of 2020, it started with five students. Now, we have more than 50 students.” 

As president, she is heavily involved in creating company visits, coordinating panel discussions, managing social media outreach, scheduling site visits and networking with experienced women in the field. 

“It has been so rewarding to me to see how we are all inspiring and uplifting each other, and it allows me to see how each girl brings a different and unique story to the table,” she said.

Aladegbemi said her family has been the driving force to achieve her goals. She wants to pay them back by using her knowledge and education to impact others around her.

“My advice for girls following me is not to be intimidated and to find your voice,” Aladegbemi said. “When you are confident in what you say, you will remain authentic to yourself.” 

For after graduation, Aladegbemi has signed a full-time contract with Albion General Contractors, Inc., as an assistant project manager, where she will oversee various campus projects at Kennesaw State, Georgia State University, Dalton State College and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

– Ana Johnson
Photos by Darnell Wilburn

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.