🔒Born to build: Adusei has construction in her genes

If Vincencia Adusei builds it, people will come.

Adusei’s reputation as a Black woman running her own construction management company — VASE Management — precedes her. And that’s not an easy task in a male-dominated field. But Adusei, known as “Vee,” and a native of the West African country of Ghana, was born to build.

“I grew up in a construction family as a child in Ghana,” Adusei said. “My families are builders and entrepreneurs. They built several major roads and highways in Accra and Kumasi [Ghana’s two largest cities]. I was raised to believe one of the good ways to impact life and any community is by building and creating jobs. I watched my family hire community people. I have always been fascinated by watching how development and construction can transform entire communities. I think that created a desire in me to be in business and to be a good leader.”

Since founding VASE (Vincencia Adusei Special Events) Management in 2002, Adusei and her team of five full- and part-time employees have completed numerous residential and commercial projects in the public, private and nonprofit sector, including for Elm City Communities/New Haven Housing Authority, Yale University and the Ansonia Housing Authority.

Her office is based at 531 Ferry St. in New Haven. She declined to disclose annual revenues.

One of Adusei’s current projects is redeveloping Elm City Communities’ 214-unit Charles T. McQueeney apartments for elderly and disabled residents. The project ranks high on Adusei’s priority list because of her desire to see people have affordable, safe and comfortable housing.

Her company is working with A. Prete Construction in redeveloping the 10-story building, along with two, six-story high-rises. The project is having a big impact on people’s lives, she said.

“I love the residents’ faces when they walk into their new units for the first time,” Adusei said. “This look is rewarding because so many families have been through a lot with the COVID-19 pandemic. I always feel thankful and blessed to be part of the many lives and communities we change for the better. I am doing what I want to do, a career path that changes lives and transforms communities and allows my firm to grow.”

Expansion-minded

Adusei, while studying for her MBA at the University of Bridgeport, started off as a construction industry consultant but said she quickly realized she could do some things better, differently and more efficiently if she were construction manager.

“I could not connect with all stakeholders as a consultant, so I decided to start my own construction firm,” Adusei said. “The technicalities were easy to pick up because I come from a construction background. I was able to bring my perspective and style to the industry.”

Adusei said being a woman in a male-dominated field has its challenges, but she never lets that interfere with progress.

“I think I am probably unique,” she said. “I recognize that it is not viewed as a traditional role for females. I try to use it as an advantage because I believe the best decisions are made when approaching it from a different perspective.”

Adusei attributes her strong work ethic to her parents, watching them build a successful construction company that still thrives today. She recalls sitting on the back of work trucks as they drove to construction sites, building roads and highways to connect people.

“I come from a strong family,” she said. “There is nothing we cannot do. I do not have business partners. I make the most critical decisions. Most people I have met are not used to seeing a female managing a construction firm, and yes, that is obvious in some of the first reactions. I get on with it because I have work to do. You have to create your opportunities and have grit. Do not stay in your lane.”

Adusei said she is as comfortable throwing on a pair of work boots when overseeing a job site to switching into a pair of heels for a board meeting. She’s constantly driving around in her car, making sure current projects are running smoothly and scoping out potential new jobs.

Adusei describes her work ethic as “do unto others what you would have them do to you.”

“I care about my reputation and the reputation of the firm,” she said. “I want to learn, I want to build and I want to make a lasting impact.”

Adusei said she hopes more young girls follow in her footsteps. As a member of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, she’s encouraging and assisting women interested in the construction field.

“It is a great industry to make a tremendous change and effect on people’s lives,” Adusei said. “We need more of us.”

Adusei, over the next five years, hopes to expand VASE’s construction management arm into real estate development, with a goal to expand throughout Connecticut, Miami, Kenya and Ghana. She’s also working on a podcast called “YIMBY Nation,” which explores U.S. housing policy and the roadblocks to building more equitable neighborhoods.

One of Adusei’s biggest fans is Karen DuBois-Walton, newly announced New Haven mayoral candidate, president and CEO of Elm City Communities, and president of the New Haven Housing Authority.

"In her very Vee-like way, she sought us out, got us to the table and it was a perfect match,” said DuBois-Walton, who met Adusei some 14 years ago and is working with VASE on the McQueeney redevelopment. “I met her while she was working to connect minority contractors to opportunities in the field. Her quality of work is just exceptional, and she’s a joy to work with. Vee is persistent and hugely qualified and knows what she’s talking about. She represents herself and her service, and her secret to success is her desire to do good work.”

That good work has paid off for Adusei, racking up awards, commendations and citations over the years, including from the Home Builders Association, National Association of Women in Construction, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Fairfield County Business Journal (40 Under 40), Minority Inclusion Project, Connecticut Against Violence and Girls Scouts of America.