In the world of engineering, construction, and project management, success often requires a blend of technical expertise, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Omoné Livingston, the Founder, President, and CEO of O2 Engineering, Projects, and Construction Management (O2EPCM), embodies these qualities and more. In a recent episode of Women In Motion, Livingston shared her inspiring journey, her dedication to empowering others, and the significance of community and certification for women-owned businesses.
Building Dreams, One Project at a Time
From a young age, Livingston had a clear vision of her future. Her passion for engineering began at just five years old, fueled by a love of Legos and building structures. This childhood interest led her to pursue a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from Cal State University, Northridge, followed by a Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UCLA. With over 32 years of experience in the industry, she has worked on a wide range of projects across engineering design, construction management, project controls, and program services.
Her company, O2EPCM, provides professional technical consulting and management services for a variety of industries, including transportation, water infrastructure, environmental projects, utilities, and education. With a commitment to excellence, O2EPCM specializes in program and construction management, project controls, inspection services, and staff augmentation.
Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
Despite a successful career working for multi-billion-dollar corporations, Livingston recognized a significant gap in the industry: the lack of African American women entrepreneurs in engineering and construction management. Motivated by this realization, she took a bold step and founded O2EPCM from the ground up, investing everything she had into her vision.
“I’ve always worked as if I owned the company,” she shared, emphasizing her drive and ownership mentality. Her dedication, long hours, and strategic networking played a crucial role in building O2EPCM into a thriving business. However, she credits much of her success to the team she calls her O2EPCM family, as well as the supportive clients who believed in her company’s mission.
Empowering the Next Generation
Beyond her business, Livingston is deeply committed to workforce development. She actively provides opportunities for aspiring professionals through scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs, particularly for underrepresented students. Her passion for helping others succeed extends to mentoring small businesses, offering guidance based on her own entrepreneurial journey. She enjoys seeing other people succeed and it gives her great pleasure to celebrate others’ accomplishments.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those considering the leap into entrepreneurship, Livingston is candid about the challenges. She went without an income for a year when launching O2EPCM, demonstrating the level of discipline and sacrifice required. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, attending industry events, and staying on top of technological advancements.
Networking and leveraging available resources were crucial to her success. Organizations like WBEC-West, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provided invaluable support in structuring and growing her business.
The Value of WBEC-West Certification
As a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), O2EPCM has benefited greatly from WBEC-West’s programs and networking opportunities. Certification not only enhances visibility but also opens doors to projects requiring diverse business participation. Livingston strongly encourages women entrepreneurs to pursue certification and actively engage in WBEC-West’s webinars and events.
Looking Ahead
Livingston’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and generosity. From breaking barriers in the engineering industry to mentoring the next generation of professionals, she exemplifies leadership and community-driven success. O2EPCM continues to grow, providing expert engineering and construction management services while maintaining its commitment to uplifting others.
For businesses and agencies seeking a dedicated and experienced partner in engineering and project management, O2EPCM is just a call away. To connect with Omoné Livingston and her team, visit https://o2epcm.com/ or reach out via email at omoneo@o2epcm.com
Livingston’s journey proves that with passion, perseverance, and the right support network, anything is possible. Her story is an inspiration to women in business, proving that breaking barriers and lifting others along the way creates a lasting impact. To hear her full journey on Women in Motion, click this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/construction-management/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
