In the rugged, high-pressure world of construction, conversations about emotional wellness, physical health, and spiritual strength rarely take center stage. But one construction professional is changing that narrative, and building something that could outlast steel beams and concrete.
When T’Ana Yebba, an Assistant Estimator at P&C Construction, launched the AGC East Tennessee’s Health, Wellness, and Safety Committee in early 2025, she recognized the challenges of construction professionals because she had lived the struggle firsthand.
Years of balancing a full-time job and school had left her physically inactive and emotionally drained.
“I had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety by my primary care doctor, and while I didn’t seek a second opinion, I knew something was wrong with me and I didn’t want to rely on medication to fix it,” she shared. “I realized I was happiest, at my best, when I was moving—running, hiking, climbing. When I stopped moving, everything else started falling apart.”
Her journey to a happier mindset started with small steps, first by setting up her living room treadmill in front of the TV, and then taking full advantage of her workplace gym at P&C Construction.
She began removing the barriers that had once made fitness feel inconvenient or overwhelming. “It had to be frictionless,” she said. “If I had to go out of my way to take care of myself, I just wasn’t going to do it.”
Now activity is a part of her daily routine, whether she’s going to pilates, hiking, or lifting weights. What started as a personal journey sparked into a mission to change the way the construction industry views wellness.
WELLNESS IN A GRITTY INDUSTRY
The committee was born out of a deep concern for the people she worked with every day.
Members of AGC East Tennessee’s Health, Wellness, and Safety Committee:
Jedd Martin, Charlie York, John Clevenger, T’Ana Yebba, Preston Walker, Traye Meadows, Craig Tucciarone, Zeca Ferraz (Not pictured: Sara Magellan, Doug McLaren and Nathan Ramin)
“I’ve known people in this industry who’ve had heart attacks in their twenties,” she recalled. “I’ve seen friends pass away far too young. I’ve watched as field guys grab greasy hot dogs and energy drinks for lunch because it’s fast and easy, not because it’s what their body needs.”
The construction industry is known for being tough, both physically and culturally. “There’s this stereotype that no one in construction cares about health, but that’s just not true. What’s missing is access to the right information and a community that supports better choices.”
That’s exactly what the Health, Wellness, and Safety Committee aims to provide: practical tools, accessible programming, and a new sense of community that bridges job titles, generations, and companies.
“This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. One small, healthy change at a time.”
PROGRAMS WITH PURPOSE
The committee’s programs are designed to encourage a sense of community and motivation. “We want to network with other construction professionals without the stuffy after-hours vibe,” she laughed.
From white water rafting and mountain bike rides to pickleball clinics and hikes, the idea is to “get outside, unplug, and build relationships that aren’t based on deadlines or job sites.”
Other initiatives include “Faith Builders,” a group that connects spiritual reflection with the principles of building and community, and plans for future 5Ks, workshops, and even healthy dine-arounds. What ties these programs together is the emotional and mental boost they offer participants.
“People think of wellness as just going to the gym or eating a salad,” she said. “But it’s so much more than that. It’s about how we feel, how we connect with each other, and how we show up every day for ourselves, our teams, and our families.”
JOIN THE EFFORT!
Make an impact on the construction industry by joining AGC East Tennessee’s Health, Wellness & Safety Committee. Help us plan activities, share motivational stories, and create healthy programs to build a stronger construction industry. Contact Leslie Gower at leslie@agcetn.org to learn more.
