She Built This City Presents Changemakers

Ada Esther Gil-Jimenez went from immigrating to North Carolina at 14 to founding AEGJ Construction, a licensed general contracting firm in Charlotte. In this episode, she shares how her tech background, her father's drywall business, and buying her first home as a single mom during COVID all led her to launch a mission-driven construction company. She opens up about navigating a male-dominated industry as a Latina, the faith that keeps her grounded, and her vision to impact 500 families with sustainable work.

In this episode of Change Makers, Dr. Michelle Meggs — scholar, minister, and community advocate — joins the show to share her journey of uplifting women and girls, navigating self-doubt, and living by her mantra: "Y'all ain't gonna kill me."

Episode 4 of Change Makers features Jania Massey, founder of Hupact and Stiletto Boss University, who shares her journey building a nonprofit focused on empowering young women through entrepreneurship. She reflects on the challenges Black women face in funding and leadership, offers advice to aspiring builders, and redefines what "impact" really means.

In Episode 3 of Change Makers, host Kim sits down with Diane Hunt — CEO of Changed Choices and a 2025 She Built This City Changemaker Award recipient. Diane shares her journey from aerospace systems engineer to nonprofit leader serving women impacted by incarceration. She reflects on breaking barriers in male-dominated fields, the importance of inclusive leadership, and why truly listening to the people you serve is the most powerful tool a changemaker can have.

Latoya Foston, CEO of She Built the City, joins host Kim Lindstrom to share her journey from noticing racial inequities as a child to leading one of the most impactful workforce development organizations in construction and skilled trades. She gets real about survival, resilience, and why the trades are the most accessible path to economic freedom for everyone.

Changemakers host Kim Lindstrom talks with Tiffany Cherry, founder of New Seasons Construction in Charlotte. They discuss expanding from residential renovations into commercial work, managing construction’s many moving parts, and prioritizing safety. Tiffany highlights collaboration, community visibility through industry organizations, and the need for training access for underrepresented entrepreneurs.