Project Manager Dejanee Cherry’s Early Career Advice for Women in Construction

Dejanee Cherry, Electrical Assistant Project Manager for specialty subcontractors CEC Facilities Group in Irving, TX, has worked in the building safety industry since 2022.  

While she’s held a few different positions over the past few years, Cherry currently manages and oversees material submittals and liaises among the project managers, field superintendents, subcontractors and clients. She makes sure that the team is up-to-date with submissions and related materials. 

As a professional wrapping up her first few years working in building safety – and with big goals for the future – here Cherry shares insights from her career experience and gives advice for other women interested in joining the field.  

Gaining Experience from Different Construction Fields 

Prior to working at CEC Facilities Group, Cherry worked for the Houston Airport System, processing building and trade permit applications, providing guidance on submittal processes and permitting information and issuing all building permits and sub-permits for United Terminal B.   

In March 2025, she moved to the Dallas area and applied for a job as a receptionist with Congruex, a digital infrastructure services and solutions company. There, she learned how to pull permits, leading to her decision to become a permit coordinator consultant. She’s been in her current role since September 2025, where she’s gaining more experience for her future career.  

“Going from permit coordinator to project manager highlights the differences between those disciplines,” said Cherry. “It’s fascinating how each skillset is a microcosm of the building process. We all focus on different parts of the machine, but are still in the ecosystem of building codes, so if one part fails, we all fail.” 

The Importance of Education and Certification  

Cherry is a Certified Permit Technician, a designation she earned in 2022. She’s especially proud to have completed that course, recalling how it was not an easy feat.  

“I studied for about six months before I completed it,” she said. “That test was tedious and required lots of books!” 

She didn’t stop there. In 2024, she also became a certified Permit Specialist, Building Plans Examiner, Commercial Building Inspector and Code Specialist.  

“My first certification as a Permit Technician was completed on a whim,” said Cherry. “I got this first one for my first job. For my next job at Houston Airports under engineering firm Isani Consultants, they valued all certifications, so that cultivated the environment for me to pursue more training.”  

Cherry’s goal for 2026 is to join the North Texas Chapter of Permit Technicians. Her future plans include becoming a Certified Associate Project Manager, for which she’s currently taking classes and will dedicate this summer to studying for that test.  

Cherry is also working towards her B.S. at Lonestar College for Electrical Engineering, expecting to graduate in 2027.  

“Don’t try to keep up with anyone,” advised Cherry. “So if you need to take six months or more to learn something, then take the time you need.” 

The Value of Early Career Mentorship 

Cherry is grateful for the mentors she’s had so far and recommends other building safety professionals to seek out mentorship.  

“Houston Airport System Senior Project Manager Korvin Banks always pushed me to take opportunities, and Assistant Director of Design Mimi Tsai believed I was capable of more than I thought and inspired me with her mission of collaboration,” she said. “Advice from both made me want to explore new opportunities to reach my goals. My Dallas permit coordinator coworker Caleah Brown also mentored me to be diligent in delivering more than expected and to become a research guru too.” 

She has always loved learning and encourages other women in construction to find mentors continue their education as well. “Gain knowledge from those more experienced and research everything that people teach you. Explore every part of the construction industry to see what interests you, since the various sectors are so vastly different.” 

Women in Construction Deserve Recognition  

When asked about Women in Construction Week, Cherry said, “I am amazed that there have always been women in the construction industry. I appreciate that they are now receiving their flowers for how hard they work. Having this week of recognition marks how much women workers contribute to this industry.”  

Cherry has also noticed more women as building officials, inspectors and plan reviewers since she started. 

“Representation is important,” she said. “It lets you know you’re not by yourself.”  

Her parting thoughts?  

“Learn as much as you can from everyone you can, because you’re either a student or a teacher. Be humble enough to accept guidance, and make sure that information is absorbed.” she said. “Never give up, be yourself and when you think you shouldn’t speak up, please do.” 

For resources and support on how to enter and grow within the building safety industry, visit ICC’s Safety 2.0 website here.     

Advance your career and create opportunities to learn and engage with peers and building safety experts by becoming an ICC member here.