Boston Youth Flourishes on MPDC's Luma Construction Project

On October 23, 2009, Alita Calloway was celebrating her 21st birthday when she received the ultimate gift. An unexpected call from her mentor presented this Boston native with an opportunity to work full time as a laborer with Landmark Structures Corporation, an eastern Massachusetts based construction company.

Often described as eager to learn, Miss Calloway jumped at the opportunity that was initially intended for a male candidate. After three months of work, she can say with conviction that the experience of this job has certainly been a novel one.

Up until the day she began working with Landmark Structures Corporation, Calloway can recall her feelings of apprehension and excitement. “I had no idea what it was going to be like. It was something new.” Taking on a job like this was certainly a big step for Calloway who admits she can be a bit reserved.

Beginning her day at seven am each morning, Calloway spends her eight hour workday performing various tasks. She often cleans debris from job sites or performs the task of “crowning wood” where she inspects lumber for imperfections. Her favorite task, she explains, is what is known as “fire talking”, which is a process of soundproofing the construction units with special glue.

With no previous experience in construction, there are certain challenges she faces on the job. The most difficult thing, she admits, is the language. “It’s new to me, the language. They talk in measurements. Talking to construction workers; it’s kind of crazy!”
Calloway is currently the only female worker on-site and feels a great sense of pride in that. Despite the fact that at times she feels as though she is underestimated, she enjoys being able to prove her coworkers wrong. “People always say women can’t do what men do.” Calloway recalls times on the job when she has surprised her co-workers. “They say ‘whoa you can do that?’ Yeah, I can. It’s exciting!”

In just three months time, Calloway feels that her job has made her less reserved and admits it has helped her ‘come out of her shell’. She spends more time outside of her house, socializing, and even just talking to people on the various job sites. She is growing as an individual because of this opportunity and she gives some of the credit to a fellow co-worker whom she respects. “He has been by my side helping me and he’s good at what he does.”

Calloway says that she will definitely be with the company for a while but hopes to branch off on her own someday. “My plan is to have my own construction company, building my own buildings in Boston.” The door that was opened for this bright, young Bostonian has taken her life in a new direction and changed her for the better.