The energy movement in general has been slow to reach African Americans and women in terms of entrepreneurship but Queen McKnight, a Ward 8 resident, is determined to be a leader in the field.
McKnight is the founder and proprietor of Queens Energy Conservation LLC, based in Southeast Washington. Queens Energy Conservation specializes in energy industry general contracting, construction management and innovative energy efficiency services to residential, commercial and government clients.
“Our firm works on bridges and roadways as well as schools, institutions, dental and doctor’s offices and residences,” said McKnight, 32. “There is a need for primary contractors to be conscious of global sustainability.”
McKnight’s venture, founded in 2020, took root as a September 2021 report released by advocacy groups E2, Alliance to Save Energy, American Association of Blacks in Energy, Energy Efficiency for All and Black Owners of Solar Services revealed that although women account for nearly 48% of the U.S. workforce, they hold just 27% of clean energy jobs and account for 25% of the total energy sector workforce.
The report also said Blacks, who constitute 13% of both the U.S. population and labor force, hold only 10% of all energy jobs and 8% of positions in renewable energy generation and fuels, energy efficiency, grid modernization, clean vehicle manufacturing and similar industries.
McKnight, a 2009 graduate of Ballou High School in Ward 8, said her journey toward entrepreneurship started in June 2010, when she enrolled in the Step Up program designed to help young people from Ward 7 and 8 get into the skilled trades. She trained as an electrician and worked in that field for a few years before pivoting to construction.
McKnight was interested in energy conservation and sustainability in construction as well as owning her own business. Founding Queens Energy Conservation LLC enabled her to pursue both passions.
The entrepreneur said her company is a District certified business enterprise and is working on getting federal certifications. She speaks of “breathing construction” and wants to become an advocate for women in the field.
The local businesswoman said she strongly supports STEM education through projects promoting energy conservation and encourages students to become advocates in their future career by emphasizing the role they can play in promoting sustainable practices, reducing waste and designing energy-efficient buildings.
McKnight said through her company and her work, she wants to bring positive change in the community.
“As a product of my environment, I want to bring opportunity to my environment,” she said. “I tell people you can be the betterment of our world. By reducing the carbon footprint, you are helping the community.”