MCO Construction and Services, Inc.

To MCO Construction, NABWIC, its founder and chairman Ann McNeill, and the team at Pirtle Construction,

This is a message from the daughter of a woman you once employed — a woman who was hired on the spot in 2018 by Ann McNeill, during one of the darkest and most pivotal moments in our lives. My mother, a seasoned construction professional with over 35 years of experience, was transitioning out of an abusive marriage, trying to protect her child — me — and build a better life. Her heart, work ethic, and qualifications were undeniable. She was brought into NABWIC, became a proud member, and was outsourced to work with Pirtle Construction on a project she cared deeply about: rebuilding Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after the tragic shooting.

She was proud. She felt seen. She believed she was part of something bigger — not just construction, but healing. But that dream was short-lived.

Once my mother shared her living situation — that we were staying in a domestic violence shelter while waiting for housing in Broward — the support disappeared. A woman who once championed her turned cold. Miscommunication and judgment took the place of empathy. Her vulnerability was shared behind closed doors. The leadership — including Ann McNeill and her partners — made the decision to let her go.

There was no conversation, no compassion, no second chance. Instead, we lost our housing again and were forced to return to the shelter. This wasn’t just a job loss — it was a blow to someone who was already fighting for her life and mine.

I may have been a child at the time, but I remember. And now, as a teenager, I understand even more: this is a heartbreaking example of how some Black leaders, once in power, mirror the same systems of oppression we’ve fought so hard to dismantle. What happened to my mother wasn’t just unprofessional — it was a betrayal of everything NABWIC and MCO Construction claim to stand for.

Empowerment isn’t just about applause or the spotlight. It’s about who you stand by in the dark.

My mother has since risen — becoming a COO of another construction company, continuing to advocate for others in crisis, and still carrying herself with grace, strength, and humility. She would have been a fierce ally to Ann McNeill, MCO Construction, and Pirtle Construction — if only she had been given a chance.

So this is not just a review. It is a call for reflection.

You lost a loyal asset. A powerful woman. And you set a terrible example for the next generation watching.

Sincerely,
— A Daughter Who Remembers