Dixon: I want to help minority women build careers in construction and architecture

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – A Rio Grande Valley native who has just graduated from college says she wants to help minority women that are interested in careers in architecture and construction. 

Alize Daisy Dixon, who was born and raised in McAllen, has just graduated from Prairie View A&M University with two Bachelor’s degrees – in Architecture and Construction Science. She is an active member of the Women in Construction organization and the Association of General Contractors.

In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian on the day of her graduation, Dixon pointed out that there are very few women in her industry, and even fewer minority women. 

“My long-term career goal is to one day be able to support, advocate and push minorities in this field. I feel like the AEC industry needs more representation of minorities, and I feel that I can be that voice for those people and help them reach any goal that they ever have in mind. I want them to know that they can take up space,” Dixon said.

Dixon said she enjoyed pursuing her career goals while studying in college.

“I reactivated the Women in Architecture organization and served as president for two years, and then served as the vice president the next year. I also served as the vice president of the Association of General Contractors organization, and I had a blast doing it.”

Asked how she became interested in construction, Dixon said the inspiration came from her late grandfather, Jose Alfonso Valdez, Jr., a former assistant principal for La Joya ISD.

“I used to go with him to the houses that he used to build and I would have my own little toolbox. And those memories kept me pushing into the career I’m in today,” Dixon said. 

Dixon first full-time job in the construction industry will be with Prime Electric in Seattle, Washington. 

“I am going to be an APM, which stands for Assistant Project Manager. It is my second promotion while being in college. Prime specializes in electrical subcontractor work.”

Here is a list of Dixon’s career accomplishments to date:

Project Engineer by age 20

Texas Architecture Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Deans Honors List (2022 – 2025)

Honor Roll (2024 – 2025)

Reactivated the Women in Architecture Organization (2022)

President,  Women in Architecture (2022 – 2024)

Vice – President & Ex-Officio, Women in Architecture (2022 – 2025) 

Vice President Association of General Contractors (2024 – Present)

Member, Associated Builders and Contractors (2023 – 2025)

Member, National Society of Leadership & Success (2024 – Present) 

Member, PV Spectrum (2022 – Present)                       

Forklift Operator Certified

OSHA 30-hour construction certified

Editor’s Note: Here is a video recording of the Guardian’s interview with Dixon:

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A Mother’s Perspective

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Dixon’s mother, Melody, wrote about her daughter’s accomplishments on social media just before graduation. She wrote:

“Today, I was overcome with emotion as reality hit me—my daughter is graduating tomorrow with two Bachelor Degrees. In this quiet moment, the weight of our journey washed over me. Through every hardship, every sleepless night, one thing was always clear: I would move heaven and earth to ensure she had a life better than mine.

“From sleeping on floors that weren’t ours, to nights where I had no idea where our next meal would come from, I carried determination in my heart and refused to let our circumstances define her future. Instead, I instilled in her my strength and my resilience that better days were ahead. She became my reason, my motivation, and my hope. Watching her now, I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. Gratitude that every sacrifice, every sleepless night, every tear has brought us to this moment.

“She will walk across that stage not just for herself, but for every version of me that once doubted we’d ever make it this far. I see not just her victory – but mine too. We didn’t just survive – we rose. I see in her everything I ever hoped to be, and so much more. And I will be right there, tears in my eyes, heart full, knowing that this is only the beginning of all the greatness she’s destined for.”

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