Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA)

Last night, we came together for an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, recognition, and celebration at our annual banquet. ✨ We are also proud to congratulate the 10 scholarship recipients, each awarded $5,000 to support their educational and professional journeys. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish! 💫A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Dr. Harley Johnson, and our distinguished speakers, Alderman Peter Chico and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, for sharing their insights and leadership. 💫Congratulations to our award winners, whose dedication and impact continue to shape our industry: Lifetime Achievement Award – Dorval R. Carter, Jr. Civic Leadership Award – Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam Trailblazer Award – Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Emanuel “Chris” Welch. Professional Services Award – Jacobs (Michael Houston) Small Business Professional Services Award – KAD Engineering PLLC - Lien Dastgir Member of the Year Award – Escarpita Construction Company (Jorge Escarpita) Contractor of the Year Award – Accel Construction Services Group, LLC (Henry Lopez) General Contractor of the Year Award – The George Sollitt Construction Co. (Henry Ryan) Project of the Year Award – Chicago Transit Authority Red Purple Modernization Project (Nora Leerhsen) Government Service Award – Richard L. Martinez, Jr. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago 💫A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors who helped make this night possible: Gold: IBuildersCorp Silver: ComEd, The George Sollitt Construction Co. K.R. Miller, Peoples Gas GMA Construction Group Seven-D Construction Co, Omega Bronze: Metropolitan Steel Inc Mortenson Norfolk Southern, Sanchez and Associates Clayco Wintrust Financial Corporation Escarpita Construction Company, Jacobs Mariachi Sponsor: Escarpita Construction Company Décor Sponsors: I&B Cleaning Services LLC, Ibarra Group MPZ Masonry, Inc. Emarin Group Ltd, Luxury Marble Granite Design Inc - Beatriz Trigueros, Antigua Construction WSP, Caminer Law LLC, SANDI LLANO & ASSOCIATES, INC. Marketing Sponsor: Bella Dia Designs LLC Apparel Sponsor: Dc Mad Hatter Media Sponsor: Negocios Now 📸 Credit : Dimelo Media Stay tuned! Our full photo album and event video will be dropping in the next few days! 🎥📸 #HACIAWorks #HACIABanquet #BuildingTheFuture

🎉 Join us in welcoming HACIA's newest members for the month of February! MATH Development Group, LLC; Royale Maintenance and Management, LLC; JLC Cartage, Inc.; Torres Electrical Contractors LLC; Corona Construction; Corona Craft Restoration and Risk Advisors & Manager, LLC dba RAM Mutual Insurance Company! These incredible companies bring expertise, innovation, and a shared passion for building stronger communities. 💪✨ At HACIA, we don’t just connect members—we ignite opportunities through powerful industry connections, advocacy, and resources that help businesses thrive. Ready to take your company to the next level? See how we can help! 👉https://lnkd.in/gw3Yg8Je #HACIAWorks #WelcomeToHACIA #BuildingSuccess #StrongerTogether

Today, HACIA’s Professional Services Committee came together to discuss our 2025 events and initiatives. A huge thank you to Primera Engineers for hosting and to our incredible Co-Chairs, Brenda Garza Karhoff, P.E., S.E. & Roberto Escalante, MBA, for leading the way. The HACIA Professional Services Committee (PSC) is driving progress in 2025 and beyond! Through impactful industry panels and key legislative advancements, the PSC is dedicated to fostering equity and opportunities in professional services. Save the dates: 📅 April 9th – Vertical Design @ Jacobs | Featuring CDB, PBC, DuPage County, and UIC 📅 October 15th – Multi-Modal @ East Bank Club | Featuring CTA, Amtrak, Metra, PACE, RTA, and CDA 📅 November 20th – Transportation Panel @ East Bank Club | Featuring CDOT, Tollway, IDOT, and CCDTH Interested in joining the Professional Services Committee? Email Vince Asta at Vasta@haciaworks.org for more information! Stay engaged, stay informed, and join us in shaping the future of the industry! 🚀 #HACIAWorks #PSC #ConstructionEquity #Networking #Infrastructure

Yesterday marked the first day of our Assistant Project Engineer (APE) Program, where participants began their journey in Technical Skills, Financial Literacy, Career Readiness, and Soft Skills training. This program equips future industry leaders with the knowledge they need, including the opportunity to earn their Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification from PMI! A huge thank you to Latinos Progresando and Marselina Gonzalez for hosting our program this year! We're excited for the weeks ahead! 👷🏽♂️📈 #HACIAWorks #APEProgram

🚨 Limited Spots Available – Apply Now! 🚨 The Illinois Works NO-COST Pre-Apprenticeship Program is nearing full capacity, but a few openings remain! This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in construction to receive industry-recognized certifications (NCCER, OSHA, First Aid/CPR) and hands-on training at no cost. Program Benefits: ✔ Financial stipends available ✔ Comprehensive classroom instruction and career support ✔ Direct pathway to registered apprenticeships Secure your place today before enrollment closes: https://lnkd.in/gqTijhYe For more information, please contact Daisy Alvarado at (773) 900-2332 or dalvarado@haciaworks.org.

Closing Out Women in Construction Week with Mujeres De HACIA! 🌠 At HACIA, we believe in the power of community, mentorship, and unwavering support. That’s why Mujeres De HACIA was created—to uplift, empower, and unite the incredible women breaking barriers in the construction industry. In a male-dominated field, our members have leaned on each other, shared knowledge, and created a space where success is built together. Since its inception, Mujeres De HACIA has been more than just a group—it’s a movement. A place where women find encouragement, celebrate achievements, and navigate challenges hand in hand. Because when one of us rises, we all do. Hear directly from some of our members and HACIA staff as they share what this network means to them. 💙 To all the women in construction: we see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you. 📹 Credit: Dimelo Media #HACIAWorks #MujeresDeHACIA #WomenInConstruction

After an incredible night celebrating at our banquet, our team is taking a well-deserved moment to rest and recharge. Our office will be closed for the day, but our gratitude remains wide open. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and made the event unforgettable. Your presence and contributions inspire us every day! We'll be back Monday, refreshed and ready to continue our mission! 💙

🚧✨ Day 4 of Women in Construction Week – Honoring Sophia Irizarry! Breaking barriers and building a brighter future, Sophia Irizarry’s journey into construction is a testament to the power of perseverance and opportunity. In 2022, she took the first step by joining HACIA’s IL Works General Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program, where she connected with union representatives and earned sponsorship into the Laborers' Union (LiUNA). After completing her two-year apprenticeship, she is now a Journeyman Laborer in demolition, helping shape the city she loves! As a single mother, Sophia sought a career with strong benefits and better pay, and she found more than just a job—she found a pathway to success in a male-dominated industry. Now, she sees the endless opportunities available for women in construction and is paving the way for others to follow. Join us in celebrating Sophia’s resilience, hard work, and the impact of women in construction! 👷🏽♀️ #HACIAWorks #WomenInConstructionWeek

📢Banquet Information! 🎉 We are extremely excited to welcome you to an incredible event at the Hilton tomorrow! To make your arrival seamless, here’s everything you need to know: 🚪 Entrances to the Hotel: ✨ 720 S. Michigan Ave. Entrance ✨ 8th Ave. Entrance ✨ Balbo Entrance (also the self-park entrance) 🚗 Parking Options: 🔹 Hilton Valet (Michigan Ave.) – $82 or Discounted $49 🔹 Hilton Self Park (Balbo) – $69 or Discounted $33 🔹 Other Options: SpotHero or Uber for added convenience We can’t wait to see you there! If you have any questions, please email ncintron@haciaworks.org 🚙✨ #HACIAWorks

🔦 Day 3 of Women in Construction Week Today, HACIA proudly highlights Veronica Ramirez, a trailblazing woman in construction and Chief Financial Officer of United Enterprise LLC! 👷🏽♀️ In an industry where women remain underrepresented, Veronica is breaking barriers, proving her leadership, expertise, and resilience. With years of experience, she not only leads her company with determination but also champions opportunities for women and small businesses in construction. Beyond her role as CFO, Veronica is a passionate advocate, using her voice to address the challenges that small and diverse businesses face due to current retention policies. She stands as a powerful force for equity, pushing for policies that ensure fair opportunities for all. We celebrate Veronica’s leadership, advocacy, and the path she’s paving for future women in construction! ✨ #HaciaWorks #WomenInConstructionWeek