Her Story
About Dionne
Dionne Grays works in the construction industry and attributes much of her professional journey to her dual master's degrees. Her areas of specialization include helping people find who they are and navigating professional identity, especially for those just starting out in their professions. She is a board member at large for the Forum for Volunteer Administrators, a participant in a Leadership Cleveland cohort, and involved with the Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI). Grays also supports the Him and Me Foundation, a local nonprofit focused on father-daughter relationships.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dionne
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to no one other than the Lord and Savior. Honestly, if it wasn't for him, you know, continuously leading me and having his hand on my shoulders, and pushing me forward, and pulling me forward, and holding me in place when I needed to be held in place, when I wanted to jump, and he's telling me, no, don't do it.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have time. You have time to do what you want to do. You have time to make the mistakes, you have time to write those mistakes. You have time to try something new. You have time to stay where you are. You have time.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The ever-changing climate in the workforce, specifically the huge workforce shortage in construction. Everyone is looking for the same positions, and the hardship is trying to not only recruit but also retain the people who we have, while balancing company overhead and explaining compensation without over-explaining.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. Nothing but integrity. Without it, there is nothing.
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