Growth for All
Alumnus Daymanuel Sampson connects businesses with the tools for success
Carnegie Mellon University alumnus Daymanuel Sampson has worked in many roles during his 10 years with Turner Construction Company, from building information modeling and engineering to on-site superintending and project management.
As the company’s community and citizenship director, Daymanuel focuses on both workforce development in construction-related fields and engagement with Underutilized Business Enterprises (UBE) in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
He operates within Turner’s School of Construction Management (TSCM), which has been around for more than 50 years.
“It’s focused on assisting small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses and allows us to develop genuine business relationships and foster growth within our industry,” says Daymanuel, who graduated from the College of Engineering in 2013 with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and engineering and public policy.
The process begins when a cohort is selected to study at TSCM. They meet with internal leadership and industry professionals who teach them about operations, marketing, bonding and insurance, safety, and finances.
“The goal is to afford access to resources and opportunities,” he says. “There are several UBEs that have come through the school, and we hope to see many more in the future.”
Connecting eager learners with opportunities to grow is similar to his experiences as a student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. For Daymanuel, his time on campus demonstrated the importance of community and citizenship work.
“The goal is to afford access to resources and opportunities. There are several Underutilized Business Enterprises that have come through the school, and we hope to see many more in the future.”
“My heart has always been in the work when it comes to philanthropy,” he says, noting that he also learned proper planning, teamwork and how to curate the proper resources for success.
“There is something to take away from each class you take, every group you take part in and every project you complete at Carnegie Mellon. You’re challenged to think critically about the end user and their needs.”
This led Daymanuel to seek a career that made him a part of the solution to bigger world problems.
In addition to fulfilling his need to give back, his current role also came at a perfect time in his life and career. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he experienced firsthand the civil unrest and hardships within communities.
“When I was approached by the leadership at Turner to consider this role, I looked at it as an opportunity to leave my mark on an industry for the better,” he says. “I can bridge gaps that are overlooked in greater society while fostering relationships that lead to the betterment of my company and community.”
Not surprisingly, Daymanuel’s interest in helping other continues after office hours via his volunteerism.
He’s an active member of ACE, a group of architects, construction managers, engineers, educators and community organizers who mentor in architecture, construction and engineering.
“Through hands-on projects, summer jobs, site tours, guided college tours and scholarships, we support high school students during a critical time of their development,” he says.
“Volunteering as a company allows people to give back in ways that they may not be able to individually, especially during the work week.”
During the 2022-23 academic year, Daymanuel was on the fundraising committee, allowing him to have some fun organizing a gingerbread house competition that also raises a large amount of money to support Washington, D.C.-area students and leaders.
His committee yielded a 100% increase in donations from more 2,000 donors — the largest in their history within that region.
He recommends that companies encourage employees to take part in volunteer opportunities not just for personal growth, but because they can build strong corporate network.
“Volunteering as a company allows people to give back in ways that they may not be able to individually, especially during the work week,” he says.
Daymanuel adds that he’s witnessed his team members become inspired to do more within the community — and become stronger co-workers.
“I highly recommend all corporate entities reevaluate their philanthropic capacities and assess how they can become better stewards to those in need. It can be a life-changing experience!”