Dawn Fleming

McCarthy Building Cos.

Where you grew up

St. Louis

Where you went to school or did technical training

MO College, St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, and currently enrolled in Ivy Tech

Personal hobbies

Traveling, going to the movies, exploring museums, and anything nature related.

What do you do in your profession?

I am a carpenter.

What are your dream career and dream tasks to work on?

Being a carpenter is my dream job. I love that there are so many different opportunities to learn many different things. I have so far put office furniture together, done finish carpentry work, concrete forming, and some framing.

Advice for someone who wants to do the same job or career as you.

Don’t ever limit yourself. You can do as much as you allow yourself to do. Be motivated. Stay prepared. Stay educated on how to better yourself for your profession.

If you were to go back and give advice to yourself at age 16, what would it be?

I wish I would have known about the apprenticeship programs. I definitely would not have a student loan in a profession I never pursued. Most importantly do not limit yourself. Two of my degrees are in a profession that I picked because I was trying to be in a profession where women were expected, but that wasn’t where my heart was. I’ve always had a passion for construction but just felt intimidated. I had to build confidence and courage.