Breaking Barriers: Christina Jackson’s Dedication and Lasting Impact on the Building Safety Industry

Women in Construction Week is an annual campaign dedicated to highlighting the achievements and contributions of women in the construction industry. This campaign, which is celebrated during the first week of March, provides a platform to support greater diversity in the industry, encouraging more women to pursue and advance in building safety careers.

See Related: Empowering Women: 3 Trends That Are Shaping the Future of the Building Safety Industry

Christina Jackson, PMO, Senior Codes Inspector for Newport News Virginia, has been in the building safety industry for 25 years. Throughout her career, she has witnessed a notable rise in the number of women entering the industry.

The Foundations of a Building Safety Career

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Jackson pursued accounting before transitioning to the building safety industry. Her journey began in 2002 when she joined the National Inspection Corporation, a third-party building department serving various cities in southwestern Ohio.

“Working for the National Inspection Corporation was great because they inspected new construction, existing construction, schools, rentals and a lot more,” said Jackson. “It provided such a diverse background of everything you can do in the inspection field. That’s why I stuck with it.”

In 2006, Jackson seized the opportunity to expand her career by relocating to Newport News, where she was a Code Compliance Inspector II until 2011.

Jackson then became Code Team Leader for Norfolk, VA, and finally landed her current role, which she has held for the last three years.

 Jackson attributes much of her early success to the mentorship of Stanley Skinner, a respected Building Official while working in her hometown in Ohio.

“I remember him telling me how big the construction world is, opening my eyes to the opportunities beyond Dayton. That’s what inspired me to apply to positions outside of Ohio and how I landed in Virginia. I took a leap of faith and moved here all by myself with three kids. Looking back 17 years later, I can confidently say it was the best choice for me. It helped me grow professionally and network with people I never thought I could have before.”

A Passion for Community Transformation

Building safety professionals are on the front lines of helping communities transform. It’s this very mission that fuels Jackson to step into her role every day.

“Building departments are the first stop shop for people looking to develop and transform communities,” says Jackson. “We are an essential part of the transformation that you see in communities.”

This work can range from transforming a warehouse into studio apartments or establishing rental programs to turn substandard properties into safe and well-maintained homes.

SEE RELATED: Commercial to Residential Conversions Encouraged by HUD and the Biden-Harris Administration

“Watching projects go from the initial talking stages to putting them on paper, to finally seeing the finished project and witnessing what it does for the community, it’s truly rewarding,” says Jackson.

Empowering Change Within the Building Safety Industry

Throughout her career, Jackson has made a remarkable impact on women in the workforce. She strives to empower women by exposing them to new opportunities and demonstrating their ability to impact communities.

As a teacher for the International Code Council’s Technical Training Program at Tidewater Community College, Jackson leads a hybrid course focused on building codes. This course is a component of the Construction Certificate Program offered by the college, aligning with the Governor’s initiative to provide individuals with real-life skills for jobs and opportunities.

In her role as an instructor, Jackson has witnessed a notable increase in female participation in her course. Initially, her classes were predominantly male, but with each passing semester, she has seen a growing number of women enrolling and actively engaging.

See Related: Advice From the Field: Honoring Women in Construction Week

“I’ve had women who were administrative assistants at their office taking this course and being surprised that they could be an inspector,” says Jackson. “They felt empowered by getting insights from a female in the field and learning that this is achievable for them.”

Jackson’s influence on the upcoming generation of building safety professionals is truly remarkable.

“I went to an alumni event for Tidewater Community College, where I spoke to a group of potential students who were undecided in their major. I told them about my story and how I got involved in the building safety industry and was able to advance my career,” recalled Jackson. “At the end of the event, there was an opportunity for students to branch off and speak to the professors to learn more. Another professor mentioned to me afterward how he witnessed a large group follow me right off the stage to talk. A lot of the women in the group were saying things like, “I didn’t know this was an opportunity”; “I didn’t know this was available to me”; “I didn’t know that I could do this”. It was great to be able to tell them, yes you can.”

Bolstering Opportunities for Support

In 2015, driven by her commitment to empowering women in the workforce, Jackson collaborated with her peers to establish the first subchapter of Women in Code Enforcement and Development (WICED).

Jackson’s role as one of the founding members of WICED of Virginia is one of her most proud achievements. She also recently helped mentor the WICED Texas chapter to become a national chapter.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of the chapters and how it allows women to be with like-minded individuals who are working to grow their profession,” said Jackson. “Women are encouraged to reach out to WICED for help growing in their careers. We can get them in contact with someone who is going to mentor them and reach their professional goals. I think this is so valuable for women in our industry, to make sure we have organizations that help grow women.”

Jackson is also a board member of PermitTechNation, an organization that supports, encourages and mentors industry professionals.

“Right now, there is a big push on trade schools. A lot of people are looking for an unconventional path to get a career,” said Jackson. “I think that a lot of women are starting to seek out this industry and are seeking other women who are in this career for help. At the end of the day, it is all about exposure and understanding the opportunities that are out there.

The Power of Mentorship in the Building Safety Industry

When reflecting on the evolving dynamic of the industry, Jackson notes that much of the transformation comes from women increasingly embracing the opportunity to share their experiences.

She thanks Cindy Davis, Deputy Director, Division of Building & Fire Regulations at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and Past President of the Code Council Board of Directors, for being one of her mentors and greatest supporters.

“Cindy always gives such great advice and is always encouraging. The best piece of advice she ever gave me was, “don’t let anybody talk you out of the room,” and that has stuck with me to this day. She taught me how to be a respected voice in a room amongst peers, even when nobody in the room looks like you.”

Jackson is proud to be a mentor to others who are looking to grow within the industry. “My grandmother always taught me, “make sure you keep a good name,” said Jackson. “You will have moments when people discount you, knock you down…but as long as you have a good name and people see your work ethic, determination will get you to the spot you want to be.”

Take part in the Women in Construction (WIC) Week celebration by joining WICED for their annual WIC Lunch and Learn event. This year’s theme is Keys to the Future. For more information, please visit wicedicc.org.