Shamsell Abdill

As Vice Chair of the Brighter Opportunity Through Trade (BOTT) Foundation, Shamsell brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the mission of empowering communities through access to education, skill-building, and opportunity.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Shamsell understands firsthand the challenges faced by individuals growing up in under-resourced neighborhoods — and the transformative impact that exposure, mentorship, and opportunity can have. That perspective fuels their commitment to ensuring that young people from similar backgrounds are seen, supported, and given real pathways to success. 

With a distinguished career in construction management, Shamsell has led and advised on complex, high-value projects across New York City in partnership with agencies such as the NYCDDC, NYCHA, CUNY, and NYCEDC. Her leadership is defined by an ability to unite technical expertise, social purpose, and long-term vision. As Vice President of Construction Management at Armand Corporation, an MWBE CM firm, Shamsell currently leads a multimillion-dollar construction program, overseeing multiple high-profile projects and managing diverse teams. At BOTT, Shamsell plays a central role in strategic planning, partnership cultivation, and program design, helping shape initiatives that bridge the gap between community potential and industry demand. Signature efforts such as Brooklyn Girls Empowered and the Green Manufacturing Incubator reflect her belief that access to trade education and emerging green-economy careers can change the trajectory of entire communities. 

“When talent meets opportunity, transformation begins. I know — because I’ve lived it.” — Shamsell Abdill Guided by the philosophy that “building skills builds futures,” Shamsell continues to advocate for a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-looking approach to workforce development in New York City and beyond.