Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA)

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Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) Founded in 1979, HACIA is a champion for equity in the construction industry

HACIA’s Multi-Modal Transportation Panel Discussion is almost here! 🚅 ✈️ 🚌 📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026🕠 5:30 PM – 8...
10/23/2026

HACIA’s Multi-Modal Transportation Panel Discussion is almost here! 🚅 ✈️ 🚌

📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 East Bank Club | 500 N Kingsbury

We are thrilled to announce Jaime Rhee, Interim Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) will be joining our panel discussion!

As a new agency, NITA represents an exciting addition to Chicago’s transportation landscape. Building on the foundation of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), NITA brings a renewed regional approach to coordinated improvement across Northern Illinois transit agencies.

Moderated by Roberto Requejo, Senior Fellow, Center for Community Investment, our full lineup of panelists includes:

- James M. Derwinski, Executive Director/CEO, Metra
- Melinda J. Metzger, Executive Director, Pace
- Jamie Rhee, Interim Executive Director, Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
- Bill Mooney, Chief Infrastructure Officer, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

We will also be joined by guest speakers Kam Buckner, Speaker Pro Tempore, Illinois House of Representatives, and Brandy Phillips, Director of the Office of Business & Workforce Diversity, IDOT to provide important updates.

Build connections and engage with transportation leadership. Register today! https://www.haciaworks.org/events/multi-modal-2026/

📣 Calling all Clean Energy Contractors! 📣 HACIA is recruiting for our Clean Energy Contractor Incubator (CECI) Program!...
10/20/2026

📣 Calling all Clean Energy Contractors! 📣

HACIA is recruiting for our Clean Energy Contractor Incubator (CECI) Program! 🌱

This program is designed to help contractors build the skills, scale capacity, and create connections they need to thrive in this rapidly growing industry. Participants can gain access to business development support, technical assistance, and valuable resources to help take their business to the next level. 👷‍♀️ 💼

🍃 Ready to grow your clean energy business? Visit our website to learn more and apply: https://www.haciaworks.org/programs/ceci-program/

This program is made possible through support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

Building Stronger Communities for a More Sustainable Future. 🌱 The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently invited ...
10/19/2026

Building Stronger Communities for a More Sustainable Future. 🌱

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently invited HACIA to participate in the 2026 Non-Utility Supplier Diversity Policy Session in Springfield, IL! HACIA’s Programs Director, Sarah Q. Reese, joined panelists to discuss clean energy initiatives throughout Illinois and the resources available for workforce development and contractor support.

A big thanks to Jeanine V. Robinson, Director of Diversity and Community Affairs, ICC, for leading this important conversation, and to the fellow panelists for engaging in a dynamic discussion about clean energy workforce development across Illinois:

- Hillary Scott-Ogurinde, Deputy Director of Energy and Utility, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Diana Fuller, CEJA Division Manager, Office of Employment and Training, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Christine Flynn, Director of Clean Energy & Ecosystem Development, Northern Illinois University – Workforce Policy Lab
- Sarah Duffy, Director of External Affairs, Illinois Power Agency
- Tiffany McFerren, Senior Project Manager, Contract Development, Elevate

Thank you to the Illinois Commerce Commission for the invitation! It was great connecting with other clean energy workforce partners to discuss the future of green construction. Conversations like these drive progress and promote initiatives for a cleaner, more sustainable future and HACIA is proud to be part of these discussions.

At HACIA, our Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program provides resources, training, and mentorship to help contractors secure clean energy and green construction projects. To learn more and apply, visit our website: https://www.haciaworks.org/programs/ceci-program/

Another exciting evening of connection at HACIA’s October Membership Meeting! 👷‍♀️ 💼 Thank you to all of our members, fr...
10/15/2026

Another exciting evening of connection at HACIA’s October Membership Meeting! 👷‍♀️ 💼

Thank you to all of our members, friends, and industry partners who joined us for our last membership meeting of the year! The evening was filled with networking, connection, and spending valuable time with our members. ✅

We also had the opportunity to welcome several new HACIA members! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Green Mile Construction Group, Ampol Group, Inc., Horizon Works, Studio Rcotecture, and Onyx Concrete. Welcome to the HACIA family! 🎉

A big thanks to our speakers for offering their valuable insights into upcoming projects and opportunities:

Illinois Tollway
- Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director, Illinois Tollway
- Marlene Vick, Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development, Illinois Tollway

Illinois Capital Development Board
- Ted Renner, Assistant Deputy Director of Construction, Illinois Capital Development Board
- Brent Lance, QBS Administrator, Illinois Capital Development Board
- Keith Stewart, Construction Administrator, Illinois Capital Development Board
- Nicholas Klein, Assistant Deputy Director of Operations, Illinois Capital Development Board

Cook County Government
- Earl Manning, Chief of Capital Planning and Policy, Cook County Government
- Raffi Sarrafian, Chief Procurement Officer, Cook County Government

✨ And thank you to our sponsors! Without their generous support, events like these would not be possible:

Gold Sponsors: d’Escoto, Inc. | HNTB, HOH
Silver Sponsors: Big Construction, GFT, Parsons
Bronze Sponsors: Clayco, Servpro, AECOM | HUNT | Clayco | BOWA JV

Stay tuned for a video recap coming soon! Explore the full event photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD7G9v

📸 : Dimelo Media

10/15/2026

✨ Celebrating the future of construction. 👩‍🎓👷

Reflect on the incredible Scholars Fund Reception at the Obama Presidential Center, where we raised over $18,000 to help fund scholarships for deserving students pursuing careers in construction and related fields.

Thank you to all of our guests, supporters, and sponsors who helped make this evening so special. Your generosity helped raise funds for the HACIA Scholarship and Education Foundation, which has awarded over $1 million in scholarships since its inception.

We are grateful for your continued support and for everyone who came together to celebrate the future leaders in construction!

Watch the video recap and see the full event photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5eRJ

Stay tuned for a blog post coming soon!

📹 : Dimelo Media

Applications now open for HACIA’s Executive Fellows Program!Build the skills you need to grow, scale, and strengthen you...
10/14/2026

Applications now open for HACIA’s Executive Fellows Program!

Build the skills you need to grow, scale, and strengthen your business through this virtual, 15-week course. 🏗️ 💼

What you'll receive:
- 1:1 coaching sessions with Subject Matter Experts (SME)
- Customized strategies designed to grow your business with purpose
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders
- Marketing Support and Financial Management to grow your brand

This no-cost program begins October 27, 2026. Take your business to the next level and apply today! https://www.haciaworks.org/programs/executivefellows/

Building a Stronger, More Equitable Chicago 🏗️ Yesterday, HACIA’s Executive Director Jacqueline Gomez, Senior Director o...
10/14/2026

Building a Stronger, More Equitable Chicago 🏗️

Yesterday, HACIA’s Executive Director Jacqueline Gomez, Senior Director of Strategy and External Affairs Alma Tello, Board President Ivan Solis, and Board Member Lien Dastgir met with City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his Chief of Staff Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas to elevate the concerns of our members and advocate for solutions that strengthen our industry and expand equitable access to economic opportunities across our city.

We emphasized the importance of strengthening the city’s prompt payment process so small and diverse owned businesses can maintain cash flow to pay their workers, purchase supplies, and continue to grow. We also advocated for a public vendor payment transparency dashboard to improve accountability and provide visibility into payment timelines to help businesses accurately plan their expenses.

Equally important is protecting equitable access to contracting opportunities so underrepresented businesses have a full chance to grow, remain competitive, and contribute to Chicago’s economic future.

A stronger construction industry requires timely payments, transparent processes, and equitable access to opportunities. HACIA remains committed to advocating for solutions that empower our members and ensure Chicago’s growth benefits the communities that help build it.

We look forward to continuing this discussion with Mayor Johnson and following up on the progress made towards finding practical solutions to these concerns.

Please help us welcome HACIA’s newest team members! 👏 Our membership team is growing and recently hired Yazmin Huerta a...
10/13/2026

Please help us welcome HACIA’s newest team members! 👏

Our membership team is growing and recently hired Yazmin Huerta as our Membership Manager and Cailyn Burr as the Senior Membership & Events Coordinator!

Yazmin brings several years of nonprofit experience where she supported programs that fostered career development and connected individuals with professional opportunities. A Chicago native, and a graduate of University of Illinois Chicago, Yazmin enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her two dogs.

Cailyn spent several years working for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce where she supported businesses and strengthened member engagement through organizational operations. Originally from Ohio and a graduate of the Ohio State University, Cailyn is excited to call Chicago home and explore everything the city has to offer.

Join us in giving Yazmin and Cailyn a warm welcome to the HACIA team! 🎉 🎉

HACIA’s October Membership Meeting is tomorrow!Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and valuable insights...
10/13/2026

HACIA’s October Membership Meeting is tomorrow!

Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and valuable insights from industry leaders across Chicagoland. This month, we will be welcoming members from the Illinois Tollway, Illinois Capital Development Board, and Cook County Government to learn about exciting agency updates. Our incredible lineup of speakers includes:

Illinois Tollway
- Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director, Illinois Tollway
- Cathy Williams, Chief Financial Officer, Illinois Tollway
- Marlene Vick, Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development, Illinois Tollway

Illinois Capital Development Board
- Tamakia “TJ” Edwards, Executive Director, Illinois Capital Development Board
- Jesse Martinez, FEP Administrator, Illinois Capital Development Board

Cook County Government
- Earl Manning, Director of Capital Planning and Policy, Cook County Government
- Raffi Sarrafian, Chief Procurement Officer, Cook County Government

Connect with HACIA members, build new relationships, and stay informed on the latest projects shaping our industry.

Register today: https://www.haciaworks.org/events/october-membership-meeting-2026/

🏗️ Access Capital and Build your Small Business! 👷‍♀️ 💼 HACIA is proud to partner with the Chicago Transit Authority (C...
10/12/2026

🏗️ Access Capital and Build your Small Business! 👷‍♀️ 💼

HACIA is proud to partner with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Ascend HI in supporting small businesses through the Building Small Businesses (BSB) Program!

📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643

Designed to elevate small, diverse construction firms the BSB program offers opportunities at no cost for growing firms. Learn how to access capital, secure bonding, and receive technical assistance to strengthen your business for public sector opportunities.

Build your small business and register today! https://www.haciaworks.org/programs/cta-building-small-businesses/

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650 W Lake Street Ste 415
Chicago, IL
60661

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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