Pivoting Toward Success
At North High School, it was a shop teacher with a keen eye for his students’ individual strengths who first recognized and brought attention to Jasmine McConnell’s remarkable talents. Jasmine McConnell was creative, willing to try new things, good with her hands, had a sense of spatial awareness, was able to follow detailed instructions, and practice patience when things didn’t go as planned. These skills have continued to serve her with every educational and career pivot she’s made.
At 17, McConnell was a newly minted high school graduate on the path to pursuing a degree in architecture. A meeting with the Art Institute’s financial aid office proved the endeavor was too expensive. Disheartened, she returned to her high school guidance office where she was met with encouragement and within a month of graduating, she was filled with excitement as she started a Liberal Arts degree at Minneapolis College focusing on construction and construction management.
Combined with her Liberal Arts degree, McConnell developed the expertise of a skilled tradesperson—applying the specialized knowledge, hands-on experience, and technical training required in a specific trade alongside the latest technologies. Her versatile skill set prepared her for work in manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and any role that demands a strong understanding of complex systems and structural design.
“The faculty at Minneapolis College believed in me, pushed me to explore new opportunities, and showed me career paths aren’t always linear—and that I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” McConnell said.
After graduating from Minneapolis College, McConnell joined the Carpenters Union and immersed herself in hands-on training, completing both her pre-apprenticeship and full apprenticeship requirements with the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. After four years of on-the-job experience and technical instruction, she refined her craft and earned her journeyman status, applying her skills to maintain and improve housing for the community.
Several bold leaps of faith and strategic career pivots broadened her knowledge across nearly every corner of the construction industry. From honing her finish carpentry skills, interpreting blueprints, and adhering to OSHA standards at Adolfson & Peterson Construction and J.E. Dunn Construction to strengthening her site supervision expertise at Urban Homeworks and TRI-Construction, she consistently embraced new challenges—always striving to grow and become the best version of herself.
After managing projects from California to Georgia, McConnell has returned to Minneapolis, where she embraces her role as a devoted aunt, active community volunteer, and General Manager of Midtown Global Market, while also expanding the reach of McConnell Construction Management.
“I strive to be open and approachable, while both supporting and challenging everyone I encounter,” she said. “I appreciate everyone who has believed in and encouraged me and I work hard to both do my best and encourage others to do the same.”
McConnell encourages others to accept that life may not unfold exactly as planned. She advises asking questions, exploring new opportunities, staying flexible, and being willing to pivot when necessary. Above all, she emphasizes continuous learning, adaptability, and the understanding that setbacks are not failures—just invitations to try again.