Dream Jobs

By Choosing Fields We Rarely Enter, These Three Black Women May Just Inspire The Next Generation.

- Tanisha A. Sykes

There’s something exhilarating about a Black woman who dares to dream. That’s the consensus of the ladies we’ve interviewed here—an architect, a marine biologist and conservationist and an entertainment lawyer. Given how underrepresented we are in academia, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and law, these shining stars stand as a testament to what’s possible. Read on to find out why they love their jobs and what opportunities exist for other women of color.

ZENA HOWARD DREAM JOB: ARCHITECT

Anyone who visits the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., knows two things: The awe-inspiring nearly 400,000-square-foot space is exquisite, and take a good pair of walking shoes. What you may not realize is Zena Howard, FAIA, principal and managing director at Perkins+Will’s in Durham, North Carolina, was the senior manager on the project. “It’s the first time that the African-American story has been told in a holistic manner,” says Howard, 52, an award-winning architect and educator.