Kyla Sharp is one of many women who have enrolled in a construction training at Summit with the goal to build a future for herself—and her daughter.
In 2016, Kyla moved from Chicago to Minneapolis in pursuit of better opportunities. “I just knew I wanted a better economic standing,” she recalls. “Chicago wasn’t providing opportunities for that.”
After moving, her future felt unclear. Kyla knew she wanted to pursue a career, but was unsure of what she wanted to do. That’s when her friends and family started telling her about Summit. Kyla’s grandparents, who frequently saw advertisements for Summit, urged her male cousins to enroll. When they didn’t, Kyla took advantage of the opportunity. “My cousins wouldn’t do it, so I did,” she says.
Summit’s rigorous 20-week electrician curriculum tested Kyla mentally, physically, and spiritually. Mentally, she was challenged daily in class. Kyla had no prior experience in the construction industry, but with the support and guidance of Summit’s instructors, she gained confidence and industry-informed skills.
Physically, getting to Summit meant taking two buses and a train in the middle of winter. “Getting up, putting on layers, and going out in the snow—that was tough,” she says. “But knowing I had the courage and bravery to face the elements made me believe wholeheartedly that I can do anything.”
Spiritually, her future was still unclear. She didn’t know what her life would be like after completing Summit’s electrician training, but she had faith it would better than her past. “Being at Summit changed my perspective and economic status. It literally changed who I am as a person,” she says.
Kyla currently works at BAE Systems as an Electrical Mechanical Technician, and she is excited for the future. In the next 10-15 years, she hopes to become an engineer at a leading aerospace company like NASA or SpaceX. She plans to take the next step toward this goal by pursuing an engineering degree.
Kyla is also passionate about increasing awareness of the trades among youth of color, who may not realize the opportunities available in the construction industry. “Everything I do now is advocating for at-risk youth. What I do, it’s not difficult to do. There’s just not enough exposure,” she says. “My life is dedicated to the bigger picture. I don’t see myself doing anything else.”
Kyla’s hope is for other young women and youth to feel empowered to build their future—just like she did.