NAHBâs Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student and Faculty Leadership program hosted the second annual Black Builder and Mentor Mixer at the 2025 International Buildersâ Show in Las Vegas.
The event at The New American Home 2025 welcomed 110 students and mentors, including 18 HBCU students who participated in the leadership programâs second cohort. Students toured the prestigious 9,047-square-foot home, which features five bedrooms, five and one-half bathrooms, and an 800-square-foot subterranean wine cellar and lounge.
Mark Schlachter from Sun West Custom Homes, who served as superintendent of the build, spoke to the students about his tips, hardships, and how his team overcame numerous obstacles to construct the luxurious home atop the hills overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.
âDonât be afraid to ask a question,â said Schlachter. âYou want to ask as many questions as you can so you get all of the information that you need.â
Students then dispersed to network with industry professionals to gain insights into the residential construction field, and even plant the seeds for future employment.
AD Designs LLC CEO Anthony Dunston returned to the Black Builder Mixer a year after he found his companyâs summer intern, a Tuskegee University alumnus, at the inaugural event.
âExposure is so important,â said Dunston. âWhen I was in school, we didnât see houses like this. We didnât get to experience conferences like this. Being able to walk in these doors, from an architecture standpoint, changes the way you think about design.â
The mixerâs success was palpable for many attendees whoâd flown in from all over the country.
âThis event was amazing because at Norfolk State, for students in construction, a lot of people are going down the commercial path,â said Angelo Little, a student at the university. âMeeting so many like-minded individuals in the residential industry, especially from other HBCUs, is inspiring. It really helps bring me out of my comfort zone a little to meet others and see what their plans are.â
Students represented 10 HBCUs already participating in NAHB’s HBCU cohort.