Building Capacity: MWBE Advocacy and Construction Legacies
Construction executive Akilah Darden joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss unlearning systemic barriers, the power of MWBE sponsorship, and building legacy in infrastructure.
In this thirty-first episode of Conversations with MOXY, host Natasha Ozybko sits down with Akilah Darden, the founder and president of The Darden Group. The conversation centers on the concept of "unlearning" as a strategy for professional growth, the power of visibility for underrepresented groups in construction, and how intentional leadership can dismantle systemic barriers for minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
From Corporate Management to Entrepreneurial Advocacy
Akilah Darden’s journey is rooted in high-level project management within the construction and infrastructure sectors. With a background in managing massive, multi-million dollar projects for major corporations, she realized that while she had mastered the technical and logistical "how" of construction, there was a significant "who" missing from the table: minority and women contractors.
She founded The Darden Group to bridge this gap, providing executive construction management and consulting services that prioritize diverse participation. Darden emphasizes that her mission is not just to build buildings, but to build the capacity and legacies of small businesses that are often overlooked by larger firms.
The Power of Visibility and "The Only"
A central theme of the episode is the psychological weight of being "the only" in a room. Darden shares her experience as a Black woman in leadership, noting that visibility is a double-edged sword: you are noticed more, but you are often held to an impossible standard of perfection. Darden discusses the need for women to "unlearn" the belief that they must be "twice as good" to earn basic respect. She encourages women to lead from their authentic expertise rather than a place of defensive performance. She posits that simply having a diverse person in a decision-making role changes the "vibration" of the room, making it safer for others to speak up and contribute. Darden also points out that "accidental" exclusion often happens because leaders rely on the same small network of people; she advocates for an intentional "expansion of the circle".
Intentional Inclusion: Beyond Compliance
Ozybko and Darden delve into the difference between "checking a diversity box" and true inclusion. Darden argues that for many large firms, diversity is a compliance requirement rather than a core value.
Operational Integration She advocates for diversity and inclusion to be integrated into the initial project design and budget, rather than being added as an afterthought.
Sponsorship vs. Mentorship Mirroring a recurring series theme, Darden emphasizes that minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) need sponsorship—direct access to contracts and financial capital—not just advice or mentoring.
The "Multiplier Effect" She notes that when a large firm successfully partners with an MWBE, it creates a ripple effect of economic growth in underrepresented communities.
Stewardship and Building Legacies
The conversation reinforces the "MOXY" through-line of stewardship. Darden believes that successful leaders have a responsibility to "reach back" and pull others up. She shares her commitment to teaching younger generations about the lucrative and impactful careers available in construction management, specifically targeting middle and high school students to show them that they belong in the C-suite.
Conclusion: Lead with Courage
Darden concludes by urging the MOXY community to move past fear and embrace their unique perspectives. She reminds women and minority leaders that "your presence is your power" and that by standing firm in their value, they are clearing the path for the next generation. Her final advice to executives is to be courageous in their hiring and procurement: "If you want a different result, you have to choose a different partner".