|
|
CSI celebrates Black History Month, honoring the achievements of African Americans and their central role in U.S. history.
As an association, CSI welcomes the opportunity to acknowledge the countless contributions Black Professionals have made to the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Owner) industry.
Edith Stubblefield Washington, a Construction Specifications Institute member since 1979, was elected the first African American woman President of CSI in 2003. Prior to that, in 1997, she was also the first African American woman to be honored as a member of CSI’s Class of Fellows.
In the span of her career, Washington has served as a construction specifications writer and consultant for a number of architectural and engineering firms, and also as president of the Stubblefield Group in Toledo, Ohio.
|
Washington has worked on countless construction projects, including some in Japan, Mexico, and the Philippines. Her projects include hotels, schools, manufacturing facilities, and airports. She has been a member of the Owens Community College Engineering and Advisory Committee and taught specifications and contracts at Ohio community colleges and the University of Toledo’s College of Engineering.
Her colleagues laud her dedication to the association, inspirational speeches, and encyclopedic knowledge of the industry.
“Over the years we participated in CSI leadership training for presidents, and she often used stories about her ironing for her grandmother as a child and using kindling to build a fire—examples of how to inspire excellence and participation in a volunteer organization,” said CSI Distinguished Member Phillip McDade FCSI, CCS, FASLA, DTM, who preceded Washington as association president in 2002. “These were not specific for race, creed, or color. They were specific for human beings who were bound by a desire for success in the workplace and working with other human beings.”
“Edith Washington is a great person, speaker and mentor of my earliest years in leadership with CSI,” said Distinguished Member Casey Robb “If you haven’t heard this motivational leader speak, you’re missing something special.”
Washington valued being a member of the CSI community and said, “During the course of my membership in CSI, I have developed valuable personal and professional mentors. The time and energy I have devoted to CSI has paid rich personal and professional dividends.”
Her selection as president of the association was no fluke, as she told ProfessionalRoofing.net, “I have a thorough knowledge of the organization. I have grown up in the organization for many years and been exposed to a broad range of the membership. I can bring to the table a clear perspective.”
Adding, “I really enjoy motivating people and teamwork. I haven’t been afraid of being a leader. You need individuals who are willing to step out front.”
Washington’s greatest gift to CSI may be her continuing ability to inspire the association to celebrate and expand the AECO community, continue to create new opportunities for professional development, and celebrate diversity.
“Edith Washington is one of the most inspirational CSI members I ever met,” said CSI Board member and Class of Fellows honoree William Sundquist. “I can still remember the first time I heard her speak, Edith’s words still motivate and guide me today to be my best for the AECO industry. She is a gift, and I will forever cherish all she has done for me, CSI and our members.”