JC Sykes is a carpenter, co-owner 90 Degree Construction, author, and the Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls Build, a non-profit organization that “Brings boldness and authority to all women and young girls by providing exposure and opportunity in the construction industry.” On this episode of the Hazard Girls podcast, JC and Host Emily Soloby discuss overcoming gender and racial bias in the construction industry, dealing with unions, being a wife, mother and author, as well as the importance of self reliance and much more.
Sn 5 #17: JC Sykes Founder of Black Girls Build

Emily Soloby
Emily received her BA in Women’s Studies and JD from Temple University. Early on, she worked as a legal advocate for women in domestic violence cases. After practicing law, Emily began working on the business side of things. She is the co-owner of AAA School of Trucking, a truck and heavy equipment safety training firm, which she has spent the last 10 years growing into a thriving national business through government and military contracting and corporate partnerships.
As an executive in the transportation industry, darting from client meeting to trucking range required safety boots that met her style standards, and when she couldn’t find them anywhere, she created Juno Jones Shoes. Emily trained in shoemaking in Cuernavaca, Mexico and at the Brooklyn Shoe Space, and assembled a powerhouse team of designers, consultants, and industry experts to bring Juno Jones to life. Through Juno Jones Shoes, Emily is fulfilling her dream of not only providing women with safe, stylish footwear options for their jobs but of helping to normalize and empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
For more information go to junojonesshoes.com.

JC Sykes
JC Sykes is a carpenter, co-owner 90 Degree Construction, author and the Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls Build.
