Akeethia Brown
Operating engineers local 49
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About Akeethia:
I was a single mother, working part-time at Summit Academy OIC, and eventually enrolled as a student full time. My main reason for entering the field of construction was my daughter. I wanted a better life. Not just for myself, but mostly for her.
Since I started working in construction, I set many goals for myself even when I was just an oiler. I made sure to spend time at the Local 49 Training Center operating the various equipment, and obtained my crane certifications. I received the Apprentice of the Year Award in 2018. But the biggest accomplishment of all was finishing my apprenticeship.
As a journeyman Crane Operator, I can say that I'm very proud of myself. Being in this industry is not easy, and you must have thick skin if you want to succeed. I'm grateful to have had the opportunities to operate various cranes while in the field and perform specific tasks. Most of all, I'm grateful that my career has given me a lifestyle I wasn't even able to imagine over seven years ago. I've been able to show my daughter that no matter how hard the work is, no matter how scary the situation may be, she can do whatever she puts her mind to.