My identity is not a barrier—it’s a strength.

When Charlotte Lundy joined unCommon Construction, she was a passionate high school student searching for direction. Today, she’s a graduate of the program, a future architect, business owner, and part of the 2% of architects in the U.S. who are Black women.

Before unCommon, Charlotte rarely saw people who looked like her in the field she dreamed of entering. But through mentorship, hands-on learning, and a supportive community, she found the tools—and the belief—to pursue her goals.

“The most valuable lesson I took from unCommon was that my identity, my experiences as a Black woman, are not obstacles—they are strengths.”

Charlotte has now graduated with her master’s in architecture, determined to create spaces that reflect the culture and diversity of the communities they serve. Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when young people have access to opportunity and support.

“unCommon changed my life and opened doors I never thought I could walk through.”