Erika Igarashi-Cummings, a junior and president of the NAHB student chapter at Norfolk State University, is on her way to achieving a career in home building that she has aspired to since elementary school.
Her father, Herdest Cummings — owner of Ariel Professional Contracting, now known as Handy and Haul in Detroit — inspired her journey. This path has taken her from Virginia to Bayport, Minnesota, where she interned with Andersen Corporation as a corporate facilities intern.
In an interview, Igarashi-Cummings shared insights into her career aspirations, the significance of internships in construction companies, advice for women and women of color in the industry, and the impact of NAHB’s Historically Black College and University (HBCU) cohort program on her professional development.
“My dad owned a residential general contracting company that he started when I was in elementary school,” she said. “We used to paint walls and do carpentry together.”
Initially unsure if home building would be her career goal, Igarashi-Cummings discovered her passion during high school through a construction technology class offered by a local vocational school. “We ended up building a house where I did a little bit of masonry, tiling, drywall and electrical and, of course, the structural stuff too,” she recalled.
Regarding her internship at Andersen Corporation, she stated: “It’s been amazing. I work with good people who let me ask questions. They give me the opportunity to learn and grow.” She added that the experience allowed her to act as a project manager for small projects while learning from manufacturers, engineers, and contractors.
Igarashi-Cummings emphasized the importance of internships in the construction industry: “The construction industry needs young people to take over for the retiring population of workers. It’s important for students so they can gain confidence in what they want to do.”
Reflecting on NAHB’s HBCU cohort program’s influence on her career path, she noted: “The NAHB cohort means so much to me because I’ve met other construction management HBCU students.” She credited this network with helping secure her role at Andersen Corporation.
Addressing women and women of color entering the predominantly male construction industry, she advised: “You should remember that you always belong in the room. You’re there for a reason… Don’t let anyone diminish your voice because it deserves to be heard.”
Looking ahead five years into her future in the construction industry, Igarashi-Cummings is considering graduate school for an MBA with long-term aspirations potentially including creating her own construction management firm. Her primary goal remains making an impact on her community by providing affordable housing solutions.
For more information about starting a student chapter or resources available during Professional Women in Building Week sponsored by Andersen Windows & Doors visit NAHB’s platforms.
