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Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Kayla Palmer

At just 18 years old, Kayla Palmer faced a life-altering car accident that left her with serious medical injuries. Doctors informed her that these injuries would severely limit her future career prospects.

Defying Expectations

Despite these grim predictions, Palmer harnessed her determination and went on to graduate from college with aspirations of attending law school. As a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she began her professional journey with the Cherokee Nation Housing Authority, where she was involved in initiatives aimed at supporting affordable housing. However, her transition into a role as a litigation paralegal revealed a stark reality: the legal profession was not aligned with her vision for meaningful work. Instead of fulfilling her aspirations, Palmer experienced burnout and recognized that pursuing law school would delay her ability to make a significant impact in her community.

A New Path: Embracing Construction

In search of a more fulfilling career, Palmer entered the construction industry alongside her husband. This new route provided an avenue to build not only a business but also a vibrant community.

Today, she serves as the president and co-founder of Palmer Construction & Marine Company LLC, a small business located in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Established in 2021 and owned by both women and the Cherokee Nation, the company specializes in road and bridge construction, heavy civil projects, and marine infrastructure. Through her work in construction, Kayla has found a way to connect with people, strengthen her community, and leave a lasting impact through the projects she helps to create.

“This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.”

The Shift from Law to Construction

Facing Obstacles

Reflecting on her journey, Kayla shares, “I live on the Cherokee reservation, and many factors influenced my path. However, the pivotal moment came when I was told, at age 18, that I would face a lifetime of disability after a brain bleed from a car accident. That challenge motivated me to prove the doubters wrong.” After graduating from college, she initially became a rehab specialist for the Cherokee Nation Housing Authority, which broadened her perspective on community service. Although her subsequent role as a litigation paralegal seemed like a step toward her initial dream of becoming a lawyer, it ultimately led to dissatisfaction and fatigue.

Realizing a New Purpose

As Kayla recognized her true purpose, she realized that pursuing law would not allow her to achieve her goals expediently. Looking for a medium through which she could make a tangible difference, she ventured into the construction industry.

Palmer Construction & Marine Company: Making an Impact

Services and Clients

As a general contractor, Palmer Construction & Marine Company engages in various projects for federal, state, tribal, and Department of Transportation clients. Their work spans multiple sectors, including:

• Road and bridge construction
• Heavy civil projects
• Crane operations
• Marine industry solutions, including boat and barge construction, lock and dam maintenance, and structural repairs.

Community-Driven Projects

Among the numerous projects completed by Palmer Construction, one particularly stands out for its community impact: the renovation of a local softball field. “Having played softball in college, I understand its significant role in fostering leadership skills and bonding among young people. Knowing that we created a space where children, especially young girls, can grow and thrive fills me with pride,” Kayla shares.

Challenges Facing Native Communities in Construction

As the construction landscape evolves, Kayla identifies several pressing challenges, particularly for Native communities:

• Cost of Construction: The rising costs of construction materials and affordable housing are significant barriers, affecting not just Native communities, but a broader demographic.
• DBE Contracts: The suspension of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) contracts at state and federal levels adds another layer of difficulty for businesses attempting to thrive in this sector.

Nurturing Native Professionals

Fostering a Diverse Workforce

In a traditionally male-dominated field, Kayla emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals with vision and long-term goals. “At Palmer Construction, we value potential over experience. We seek individuals who are willing to learn, work hard, and grow with us,” she states.

Empowering Future Generations

When hiring, she looks for candidates who actively envision where they want to be in the next decade. This forward-thinking approach fosters a nurturing environment that not only supports the growth of individuals but strengthens the community as well.

How AI legalese decoder Can Help

Navigating the complexities of construction contracts and legal regulations is crucial for success in the construction industry. This is where tools like the AI legalese decoder can offer significant assistance. By simplifying complex legal language and making documents more accessible, the AI tool enables community-focused businesses like Palmer Construction to better understand contractual agreements and legal obligations. This empowerment allows entrepreneurs to make informed decisions while minimizing legal risks.

A Call for Engagement

In Service is a recurring series that spotlights Native executives in professional services such as law, banking, accounting, insurance, and consulting, focusing on those who support tribes and Indigenous entrepreneurs. If you know of someone who should be featured, please reach out to [email protected].

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