Meet D. Jackson: A son, friend, family member, lover, creative, and Project Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with D. Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi D., what do you attribute your success to?
I like to say that people are the most important factor in all of this. The people who constantly share, give feedback and simply have the conversation. I say that because my goal has never been to be successful with my brand, but instead to have something meaningful and useful to say. My brand inadvertently became my brand because of my peers and those who’ve spread the word along the way, so I guess you can say the people are my brand and not me personally. When I think of ‘Don’t Cheat Yourself’ I think of the community in which I serve and how we are all connected in some way or another. You are the brand, so thank you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Professionally, I manage construction projects as a Project Engineer for a General Contractor in Dallas, Texas. If I had to think of one thing that sets me apart I’d have to say my personality. Most times I’m just grateful to be in a position to build someone’s vision and ultimately inspire and give back to the community through my projects. I landed my career before I graduated from Prairie View A&M University with my Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering/ Minor in Construction Science, and boy was it not easy. Prior to my Senior year I was doubtful if I’d be happy more so than successful in my career because I found myself just going to school to get a job. At a point I kept falling short of landing internships and jobs at engineering firms that I was so sure of, and that’s what fueled me to go after my dream career. I stopped going after the money and started pursuing my happiness which was seeing ideas come to life. My brand now stems from those very encounters. We all have our moments whether positive or negative in which we wish someone could relate to, and the truth is, we all do at some stage in life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow, that’s a good one. Can we say COVID and bad weather isn’t a factor as well? Throughout the week we’d definitely do some exploring of the metroplex since I rarely leave the Dallas city limits. Places like the Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth, and the Cedar Ridge Preserve would be on the list of things to do during the week. My local options food wise for Wednesday to Saturday would include Ten Ramen, Elaine’s for the Jerk chicken, Fadi’s for everything on the menu, Da Munchies for the good vegan eats and the Dallas Grilled Cheese Company. Places we’d visit and hangout would be Parliament, The Jetson, Cigar Arts, the Farmers Market, Bishop Arts and the Katy Trail. Very simple, but good quality places and fun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents, grand parents, siblings, friends, line brothers, my past freshmen residents, partner, Eric Thomas and the first Don’t Cheat Yourself Scholarship recipient, Heaven Lee Murphy. They are and have been a constant reminder as to why God chose me to be exactly who I am. From words of encouragement, to simple conversations about goals, aspirations and life experiences.

Instagram: @dont.cheatyourself
Twitter: @dc_yourself