A 501 (c) (6) organization founded in 1979, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) works to ensure the equitable participation of its members in the construction industry, while also promoting the growth, quality of work, professionalism and integrity of these individuals and businesses. We have fought for diversity in the construction world for over 40 years, and continue to clear paths of opportunity for Minority- and Woman-owned Business Enterprises across the Midwest. From advocating for public policy, providing the tools necessary to seize and succeed at new business opportunities and providing training and education that assist Hispanics in growing their own construction-related businesses, HACIA believes in pushing its community beyond what have become traditional roles for Hispanics in the construction industry.
Mission: HACIA advocates for its members, builds their capacity, and facilitates access to a broad network of diverse professionals and industry leaders.
Vision: A community of diverse construction leaders with equitable opportunities, creating generational wealth and transforming communities.
Since 1979, HACIA has fought to open and protect paths of opportunity for minority construction businesses and employees. A key component to this mission has been HACIA’s issues-based advocacy and support for public policy that levels the playing field in the construction world.
From involvement on key civic bodies to coalition building and action at the grassroots, HACIA has generated a solid track record in advocacy work and established itself as a strong, sound voice in thepublic arena. Political advocacy is essential for any specialized profession today and financial involvement in the election process is a vivid means of demonstrating support for lawmakers who are sympathetic tothe specialized concerns of our profession. HACIA is constantly engaged in the public policy arena, evaluating proposals that affect every aspect of your business and weighing in on your behalf. Your involvement in the political process at the grassroots level helps legislators put a local face on our issues.
HACIA leverages relationships and influence to connect members to contacts, resources, and opportunities. Through events, HACIA promotes partnerships, increases members’ visibility, and facilitates connections for members’ success. HACIA organizes consistent networking events, industry conferences, and workshops to foster meaningful connections among members, industry stakeholders, and potential partners. HACIA has over 350 members, 67% of which are MBE/WBE/DBE certified, and 60% are Hispanic-owned businesses.
Through HACIA U, HACIA empowers individuals by nurturing their potential through a diverse array of capacity-building programs. HACIA firmly believes in inclusivity, which is why they welcome everyone to participate, regardless of their membership status. HACIA collaborates with education institutions, trade schools, and vocational training programs to promote construction careers among underrepresented groups and offer scholarships, and connect individuals to apprenticeship opportunities. HACIA develops educational resources, workshops, and tailored training in construction management, safety, financial management, operations, and business development, to name a few. They also establish mentorship programs to foster knowledge transfer and promote professional growth by connecting experienced professionals with emerging leaders.
The Hispanic American Industry Association Scholarship & Education Foundation (HACIASEF) is a non-profit 501c(3) organization whose mission is to provide on-going training and educational services to businesses and their employees in the construction related industry. HACIA also annually awards scholarships to deserving students studying in the construction field to further their education to become future leaders in the industry. HACIASEF strives to promote awareness of professional career opportunities and continues to raise the bar in its goal to promote the future leaders in the fields of technology, architecture, engineering, construction & professional services industries. HACIASEF believes all qualified construction business should have equal access to opportunities and education in their industry. HACIASEF also joins the effort to build diversity in the construction world and advocates public policy that formally outlines the rights and responsibilities of minority firms in the Chicago land area.
