Dr. Giovanna Brasfield | CEO | Brasfield & Associates LLC
Dr. Giovanna Brasfield, known widely as “Dr. G,” is a trailblazing leader in the construction industry, known for her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). As the CEO of Brasfield & Associates LLC, she has built a distinguished career over 19 years, developing and implementing inclusive policies, programs, and practices that drive change. She is a proud mother, international speaker, thought leader, and a dedicated advocate for DEIA. Her work has made significant contributions to the construction industry, particularly in advancing inclusive workforce strategies and mentoring underrepresented groups. At EliteX, we are proud to have Dr. Giovanna Brasfield as part of the edition: Impactful Women in Construction, 2024.
Dr. Giovanna’s journey into the construction industry was not a conventional one. She began her career in policy and administration, but her experiences working on large infrastructure projects revealed the lack of diversity and the need for inclusive strategies.
This realization fueled her passion for creating opportunities for marginalized communities, and she found herself drawn to the construction sector. For Dr. Giovanna, construction is not just about building structures, but about fostering sustainable, collaborative, and inclusive communities. Her focus has been on workforce development, mentorship, and advocacy for minority- and women-owned businesses in construction.
Dr. Giovanna’s career in construction began in 1996 when she took on a part-time role with the Job Training Placement (JTPA) Office at the Los Angeles Unified School District. While completing her undergraduate studies at Mount Saint Mary’s University, she worked with economically disadvantaged adults and youth, helping them access training and employment programs in various industries, including construction. This early experience gave her a solid foundation in public agency management and construction industry standards, while also deepening her understanding of the barriers faced by young adults in underrepresented communities. Working alongside exceptional mentors, Dr. Giovanna learned how to place individuals in meaningful jobs and ensure they received the support needed to succeed. Since those early days, the construction industry has evolved significantly. When Dr. Giovanna first started, efforts around DEIA were largely driven by compliance with government mandates, such as quotas for minority- and women-owned businesses. Today, inclusion has become a strategic priority for many companies, recognized as a business imperative rather than a regulatory obligation. Federal and state contracts, including those under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), now include diversity goals related to workforce hiring, procurement, and partnerships with disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). This shift has expanded opportunities for underrepresented groups and made inclusion an integral part of how large infrastructure projects are executed.
“Work-life integration is key—it’s not about achieving perfect balance, but about recognizing that everything important in life requires attention, prioritization, and time.”
In addition to compliance, many companies now see the value of having a diverse workforce and supplier base. Programs aimed at recruiting and training individuals from underserved communities, such as women, people of color, and veterans, have grown in prominence. Initiatives like Build California and Culture of CARE promote respect, inclusion, and safety on job sites, encouraging companies to create environments where all workers feel valued and heard. This cultural shift has led to the development of more inclusive training programs, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities that prepare individuals from diverse backgrounds for careers in construction.
Technology has also played a significant role in advancing diversity efforts in the construction industry. The integration of AI and digital tools has made it easier to track diversity metrics, ensure accountability, and meet reporting requirements for large infrastructure projects. These advancements have also made it possible for the industry to offer more flexible work arrangements, attracting a wider range of talent, including working parents and individuals with disabilities. For Dr. Giovanna, these changes reflect the industry’s growing commitment to diversity and equity, moving beyond compliance-driven efforts to a comprehensive strategy that positions inclusion as key to business success and innovation.
Among Dr. Giovanna’s many achievements, two projects stand out for their significant impact on inclusion and economic development. The first is the Jobs to Careers inclusion program at Hensel Phelps, where Dr. Giovanna worked on the Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital Inpatient Tower project. This project restored critical healthcare services to a community that had been without them since 2007. The initiative also provided sustainable jobs, with 58% of the 1.3 million man-hours worked by local workers, earning $38 million in wages. Additionally, over $60 million was paid to local small businesses, injecting more than $100 million into the surrounding community. Another notable project is the $4.9 billion Los Angeles World Airports Automated People Mover (APM) project. Dr. Giovanna’s Joint Venture team took an innovative approach to inclusion, implementing workforce development programs, increasing small business participation, and launching scholarships and youth engagement initiatives. These efforts not only transformed the airport’s infrastructure but also created lasting social and economic benefits for the surrounding community.
As a woman in the construction industry, Dr. Giovanna has faced challenges related to gender bias and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Despite these challenges, she has persevered by building strong professional networks, leveraging mentorship, and continuously enhancing her skills. Dr. Giovanna’s resilience and determination have enabled her to overcome barriers and become a role model for other women entering the industry. Dr. Giovanna believes that attracting more women to pursue careers in construction requires a focus on visibility, inclusivity, and support. Currently, women make up only about 11% of the construction workforce, with even fewer in on-site roles. To change this, she advocates for highlighting women in leadership positions and expanding mentorship and sponsorship programs that help women advance in the industry. Additionally, creating inclusive work environments where women feel valued and offering flexible work arrangements are essential for attracting and retaining more women in construction.
Balancing the demands of her career with her personal life has required intentional prioritization and a strong support system. As a mother, especially to a child with autism, Dr. Giovanna has learned the importance of setting clear boundaries and being fully present in both her personal and professional life. Her family has been a source of strength and support, allowing her to continue pursuing her passion for DEIA in the construction industry. For Dr. Giovanna, self-care is non-negotiable, and she makes time to recharge so she can be the best version of herself for her son, her career, and her relationships.
Looking ahead, Dr. Giovanna hopes to leave a legacy that champions inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all. She is currently working on a book about inclusion, and she aims to collaborate with leaders globally to educate, empathize, and dismantle barriers for underrepresented groups. Dr. Giovanna’s vision is to create pathways for women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the construction industry and beyond. Dr. Giovanna Brasfield’s career is a testament to her passion for driving change, and her work continues to inspire the next generation of leaders in the construction industry. Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to DEIA, Dr. Giovanna is making a lasting impact on the industry and helping to create a more inclusive and equitable future.
“Construction, to me, is not just about building physical structures; it’s about fostering sustainable, collaborative, and inclusive communities.”
