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Diamond Elizabeth Small, MHA.........................................Diamond Elizabeth Handbags
from Top 50 P&E 2022
by d-mars.com
Diamond Elizabeth Small, MHA
2022 UP & COMING P&E
Diamond Elizabeth Small, MHA is a passionate, innovative, focused health care worker with an exceptional blend of research savvy, creativity, and fashion from Pearland, Texas. As an epidemiologist by day and handbag designer by night, Diamond lives the best of both worlds.
Diamond received both her Bachelor's degree (2017) and Masters of Science in
Healthcare Administration degree (2019) from Texas Southern University. During her collegiate years, Diamond was heavily involved in various organizations and research initiatives. After being elected as “Miss Master of Science in Healthcare Administrator” for the 2018-2019 academic year, Diamond began working with several nonprofit organizations in the Houston area and went on to create her very own professional organization for minority healthcare administrators. In addition to being elected as Miss Master of Science in Healthcare Administrator 2018-2019, Diamond volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations in the Houston area while being of service to all mankind as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. After her collegiate achievements, Diamond began work at the Houston Health Department where she administered the “See To Succeed” program. This service is geared towards solving health issues for children in the Greater Houston and surrounding areas by providing free vision exams and quality corrective eyewear to school children 6-18 years old with unresolved vision needs. This opportunity motivated Diamond to advance her career and join a new organization as an epidemiologist in the public health segment. Knowing that her community suffered with chronic health conditions led her to continue to fight in public health and become an advocate and liaison for people in her community. Diamond continues to utilize her research skills to minimize the ongoing effects discovered daily in the communities surrounding chronic illnesses and diseases. After a few years in various healthcare roles, Diamond decided that she wanted to pursue her true passion for creating and designing luxury handbags for women. In June 2020, she launched her very first handbag collection. Diamond Elizabeth, the brand, is a luxury business known for its uniquely designed, high quality material. Each bag is designed and planned out for each season of the year. Diamond Elizabeth has been featured in local magazines and press, like Voyage Houston and The Future is Female. As a woman who loves to inspire others, creating a luxury handbag at affordable prices for women brings her pure joy. Diamond prides herself on empowering and uplifting like-minded women in her community and she tends to do the same with each collection through beauty, style and creativity. Aside from her daily healthcare research and creating handbags, Diamond enjoys traveling the world and attending events that cater to the people she looks to serve in life. Diamond lives by her favorite quote “live as though life was created for you” - Maya Angelou.
Diamond Elizabeth Small, MHA Epidemiologist Public Health Expert Founder & Designer Diamond Elizabeth Handbags www.diamondelizabeth.com
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
CDM7 is a familiar name and strong contender in the construction field. This construction, development, and management organization, remains committed to safety, quality, cost, and schedule to successfully serve clients. Construction is this company’s core function and founding business practice, with their principles, values, and culture allowing them to provide quality services that accommodate client needs for the successful completion of projects. CDM7’s impressive development portfolio is built around leveraging their construction resources, relationships, and partnerships, to create sustainable places for people to meet, explore, create, share, inspire, and live. CDM7 has over 60 years of combined relevant industry know-how that clients trust to keep their businesses moving, with less overhead.
Trey Harris founded CDM7 and leads as president and CEO. Harris has gained a keen proficiency in this industry, having worked in various positions in construction before CDM7. “I worked for a large commercial construction firm prior to founding CDM7. They made it mandatory for all employees to get 30 hours of training every year. Because of this, it provided me with a great foundation for understanding the construction business. Taking classes in business development, pre-construction, financial management, safety, and many others have, no doubt, provided me the skill set needed to strategically and effectively run a profitable construction company,” Harris said.
Under Harris’ leadership, CDM7 continues to grow, with a newly acquired license to complete work in Louisiana. This achievement allows the company to extend its reach beyond Texas, gaining more opportunities for new bids and contracts. The certifications, memberships, and associations combined with hard work contribute to CDM7 making its impressive mark in the construction industry. But Harris knows that without a core team of talented and ardent individuals, this company’s growth and achievements would not be possible.
SUBC USA: What are some of the challenges you face in this industry, and how do you overcome those challenges to stay competitive? CDM7: The greatest challenge in this business is finding the right opportunities that fit our business model and allow us to make fair fees. With a pandemic that has stopped traditional business practices, it has been challenging to qualify for new work, even with company credentials in order. To overcome these challenges, we focus on three ways to partner with firms that have strong ties within the industry: design-build, JV partnerships, and minority participation. produce a supernatural result that our clients will love. SUBC USA: Please tell us about your company and the $15 million dollar bonding. CDM7: If you can bond in this business, that speaks volumes to how your company operates. In addition, if you can bond up to $15 million dollars, this means you have capital and a stellar company on your hands. Bonding for some companies is challenging because of how they keep their books and a lack of training in financial construction management. Bonding is like a credit card, and everyone has a limit. Your success rate on each project helps to increase your limit, which in turn, provides the company with more opportunities.
SUBC USA: Talk about how your company stands on its core values to deliver on every project. CDM7: These values are profoundly important to any business, but especially to a construction business. Every day on the jobsite, you face obstacles and challenges that can be tough to overcome; having a strong value system is important. Honor is big to me because the construction industry is filled with vultures who have demolished the construction culture with dishonesty. Innovation and technology are key because we are just on the cusp of what is to come. Staying ahead of the technology curve will be paramount in helping us control our overhead and maximize the construction schedule and processes. A clairvoyant person is one who can see the future. And in construction, you must be three steps ahead in every move you make. Partnerships and relationships hold the key to our future. As the adage says, “Show me your friends and I will show you your future!”
SUBC USA: What are some goals for the company moving forward? CDM7: Moving forward, it will be important for us to not simply be known as a minority company, but as a commercial general contracting company that just so happens to be owned by a minority. We want to be able to hire, train, and give opportunities to people that look like us. When contributing my time to speak with construction majors at Prairie View A&M University, I can see how important it is for individuals like myself to spend time with them and share real world stories. In life, everything has to do with exposure. If you never get exposed to things, you’ll never know how to operate in specific situations. I want to make sure that those who want to know, receive the knowledge and opportunity to make a difference in the construction industry.
SUBC USA: Your company has over 60 years of combined experience that makes you qualified, so talk about some of the combined experience/leadership behind the company that is a component of CDM7’s strong foundation. CDM7: Prior to founding CDM7, I held various operational roles throughout the construction industry. Rising from the ranks of office engineer to general manager and completing over 2.6 million sq. ft. of space at over $625 million dollars, it really gave me great understanding of how to successfully run a construction business. Knowing that I wanted to grow the company at a rapid pace, I focused on finding individuals who had similar experiences at their previous companies as well. This has allowed me to trust in their knowledge of the foundational practices and procedures that are required to run a sound construction project. Skilled and committed people are the key to growth and producing exceptional work. Without great people, we would be stagnant in growth. SUBC USA: This is a veteran-owned company. What efforts do you/ your company practice to hire veterans for your company or to help veterans receive work in this industry? CDM7: Being that this is a veteranowned construction company, we always look to invest in the growth of individuals, especially veterans, who demonstrate an interest and passion for this field. Being afforded the opportunity to coach and mentor those who have served this country is always a plus. They especially deserve an opportunity to not only work in this business, but gain the expertise to be qualified for promotion as industry leaders. SUBC USA: What are your efforts to mentor the next generation of minority-owners in this industry? CDM7: Mentoring the next generation is something that I am truly honored to do, and I enjoy it as well. I’m constantly sharing my insights with minority subcontractor owners to help them understand the thoughts of top-tier general contractors (GCs). The minority contractor ecosystem was truly created for subcontractors and not for the general contractor, so there are very few minority GCs. As we go from being minority GCs to just a GC, it will be important to help the future generation of construction industry leaders who intend to follow our path. SUBC USA: Tell us about the significance of the reference to the number 7 in the company name. CDM7: The number seven represents completion and the supernatural power of God. We want to be a company that finishes what we start. CDM7 believes that if we do the natural, God will do the super; together, we will
Q&A with Trey Harris, president and CEO of
CDM7: SUBC USA: With OSHA citing so many construction companies for not complying with COVID-19 safety standards, what is CDM7 doing to keep its construction teams safe and productive during this time? CDM7: We take the safety and health of our employees extremely seriously, thus resulting in the creation of an extension to our already existing safety plan, specifically outlining key pre-screening questions before our employees, and subcontractors are able to begin daily work. If anyone exhibits signs of sickness, they are immediately sent home. A limited number of employees are allowed to be in a confined space at the same time to adhere to social distancing. When applicable, meetings are held virtually to lessen face-to-face contact. Everyone must wear a face covering and wash/ disinfect their hands regularly.
CDM7 stays ahead of the curve, remaining competitive in this arena, and aspires to find ways to work with their clients, owners, and partners, adding value to any organizational structure. With vast experience and expertise, CDM7 consistently delivers a cost-effective project in a safe manner through managing their schedule and quality control. The end result is always one their clients take pride in and patrons will love.
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Name 2021 XXXXXXXX Industrial Welding Academy A Family-Owned Enterprise Preparing the NEXT GENERATION OF WELDERS
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
The nation's aging infrastructure requires the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and structures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Recent statistics from Data USA show the number of people employed as welding, soldering, and brazing workers has been growing at a rate of 4.98%, from 580,520 people in 2018 to 609,457 people in 2019. Andre worked for several major industrial companies, and as a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), he has more than 30 years of training experience in the welding industry. Miranda possesses more than 2 decades of workforce development and management experience, being a valuable element to IWA’s foundation.
Continuing to meet the industry’s demand for welders, providing higher education in welding is the Industrial Welding Academy (IWA). Since 2007, Andre Horn, founder and CEO and Miranda Horn, vice president, have been dedicated to teaching students the in-demand trade of welding built on their motto of “Integrity With Attitude.”
IWA, for more than a decade with an acclaimed certification program, has proven itself as more than just a welding school, but a proven place for young men and women to get a second chance, being successful in their personal and professional development. Under the direction of the Horns, the curriculum, staff, and instructors are strategic, so the student body feels more like part of a family, beyond the traditional teacherstudent setting. This learning environment is distinct and effectual, perpetually producing graduates who are the future
150 TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY
generation of leaders in the welding profession and in their communities. “IWA changes the lives of our students by teaching them the valuable skill of welding. And we don’t take it for granted that we are in a city with one of the highest levels of employment in the welding field in the country. Yes, our students have the advantage in that instance, but we understand that the highest level of training needs to be available in order for them to secure gainful employment. IWA is about opening doors for young welders to be the best through our quality welding training environment. When our students gain the confidence career-wise, that also extends into their personal life, building self-esteem. And that is one of
Left to Right: Andre Horn, Desiree Horn, Miranda Horn, Dalton Horn the best things to witness.” Andre said. The Horns leading this family-owned enterprise prepares not only students, but also the next generation of IWA leadership with their children, Desiree and Dalton Horn showing passion and gaining first-hand experience to be successful in continuing the IWA legacy. “I am more than honored to continue the legacy my parents have created from the ground up. For them to even consider passing the torch to me really means a lot. I get the privilege to keep this legacy alive and impact the community the same way my parents did,” said Desiree. “IWA is the perfect place to come for those needing a second chance. Regardless of your background, welder qualifications are based on hands-on training and work ethic. Here at IWA, we focus on book knowledge and hands-on training that you will need in the field,” expressed Dalton.
But the academy’s achievements would not be possible without the IWA educators and support staff. “You can give students requirements, but do they have the tools to meet those demands? I am thankful that IWA’s instructors are providing those necessary tools for our students to succeed in their education and in the real world after they graduate from IWA,” Miranda said. IWA CWEs are credentialed by the American Welding Society (AWS), the multifaceted nonprofit organization advancing the science, technology, and
Miranda and I are proud of the achievements of IWA, but we are training our children, Desiree and Dalton, to build upon the foundation that we have laid. Learning the business and what it takes to run a successful school, also earning the opportunity to lead IWA is what will sustain the IWA legacy. Our family and the IWA staff and instructors are dedicated to the philosophy that one’s ability to earn a meaningful income is based on their dedication to learn marketable skills. This is based on our ‘Integrity With Attitude’ motto. IWA stands on that now, and with our children one day taking over the reins, I have no doubt this academy will continue to stand on that for years to come.”
—Andre Horn, founder and CEO of the Industrial Welding Academy application of welding and related disciplines all across the country. Working with welders of all levels and companies of all sizes, IWA’s certified welding instructors have more than 50 years of experience in the welding industry.
Ever growing, with a location in Houston and expanding in 2018, with a school now in Beaumont, both stateof-the-art welding schools accommodate an industry-leading student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Training spaces are designed to resemble the job settings in realistic welding conditions and environments. Students are each assigned a welding machine and welding booth during the course. IWA providing individual booths for students allows them to Name 2021 XXXXXXXX
strengthen their skills received individually as well as collectively. IWA remains committed to providing the superior training and education that is in line with current welding industry needs.
Like many, IWA has had to pivot and adapt amid the pandemic, but the academy shows no signs of yielding, continuing to produce confident and competent welding professionals. “The government required closures during the pandemic did force us to close our doors temporarily for a couple of months, but we took that time to put new procedures into place when able to reopen for our students. We were able to adapt with CDC and state regulations in place for the health and safety of our staff and students to remain productive in IWA’s learning environment,” said Andre. He added, “And with us being in the hub of the oil and gas and petrochemical core, there remains continuous career opportunities for our students after they graduate. We had no choice but to adapt to the current times. If you don’t adapt, you get left behind, and there was no choice but for us to reopen and push through. We owed that to the students, staff, and to the community.”
IWA proves to be a worthy driving force in educating our next generation of welders, recently holding their
Annual Student Welder Certification
Day, hosting aspiring welders from
Houston and the surrounding areas to test for certifications at their Houston location. “This annual event was especially important, being that we all have had to overcome challenges brought about by COVID-19. Our students, instructors, and staff had to adapt as TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - well, and we understand that. But we 10TH ANNIVERSARY 151
are still here and applaud everyone for pushing through to not only continue to keep IWA a success, but to shine the light on our students who worked so hard and deserved this day. This annual day would not have been possible without AWS, our sponsors, proctors, community partners, instructors, staff, and the high school instructors who brought their students to participate,” expressed Miranda.
Though you may not realize it, welding shapes our communities and everyday lives. And IWA is proud to be instrumental in shaping the lives of the next generation working in this career. From construction to manufacturing, the demand for welders remains strong. Salaries are also good, given that many jobs in this arena don’t require an extensive education, with some making a six-figure income. IWA is not just about preparing students for a job, but a career and fulfilling life, conveying the great value of integrity and discipline upon its students.
Because many of the IWA students come from at-risk areas, IWA gives them a deserving second chance to change their lives. “IWA is providing our young people an invaluable opportunity to gain higher education in the welding industry. Miranda and I, with our children, dedicated instructors, and staff are equipping students to perform their best, because they have the credentials, discipline, experience, welding training, and confidence to excel and exceed expectations as welders,” Andre said.
Andre and Miranda have made IWA more than an academy, but a family-run operation preparing students to be productive assets in the industry and in their communities. It’s a great legacy that will remain standing for years to come, one day being run by their children, Desiree and Dalton, remaining the bridge connecting those needing a second chance to a successful career in this industry.
Desiring to meet the steady demand for welders, IWA has future plans to open additional facilities throughout the city and state. For more information about IWA, please visit www.iwatraining.com or email mybestwelding@iwatraining.com. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data USA Zippia
