7 Ways to Elevate More Hispanics to Leadership in Construction7 Ways to Elevate More Hispanics to Leadership in Construction

Promoting diversity in top management is no longer a choice; it's necessary for construction companies that want to succeed in competitive markets, experts say.

Kaitlin N. Schuler, Editor

July 3, 2024

4 Min Read
Hispanic man in high-vis vest and hard helmet working on construction site
DCPhoto/Alamy Stock Photo

The Hispanic population has been steadily growing in the United States, reaching about 65 million in 2023, or one-fifth of the total population, says the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s up from 50.5 million in 2010, according to data from the Pew Research Center. This growth is reflected in construction with Hispanics making up 34% of the workforce, according to 2023 statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Hispanics have seized opportunities to establish companies, providing employment and boosting economic growth. According to the Census Bureau’s 2022 Annual Business Survey, which covers 2021 data, the latest available, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses grew about 8.2% from 375,256 in 2020 to 406,086 in 2021 and made up about 6.9% of all businesses. The highest number of Hispanic-owned companies in 2020 was in construction—nearly 63,000 firms. 

Here are seven ways that construction organizations and managers can elevate Hispanics and support and encourage them as leaders in the workplace.  

1 | Create space. 

Research suggests Hispanics engage in “sensemaking" in new professional settings, according to Cristina Padilla, director of coaching and engagement at ExecOnline and co-lead of the LatinEXO Employee Resource Group. Before acclimating to a new organizational context, Padilla says, they observe, learn as much as they can about the culture and their coworkers and then engage. Refrain from labeling or judging the behavior as withdrawn, shy or unmotivated and instead reframe expectations through this cultural lens.  

Related:How to Bring More Women Into Construction—and Why They Can Strengthen the Industry

2 | Develop mentorship programs. 

These programs can be powerful tools for promoting diversity in leadership, according to Alanna Rodriguez, HR compliance specialist for Lockheed Martin. These programs can help underrepresented employees get the support needed to succeed and create a more diverse talent pipeline for future leadership. Pairing employees with experienced leaders gives the opportunity to gain valuable skills and insights and develop the confidence needed to advance careers. 

“Promoting diversity in leadership is no longer a choice,” Rodriguez said. “It's necessary for businesses that want to succeed in the ever-changing global market.” 

The National Hispanic Contractors Association also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and training programs in the pursuit of supporting the Hispanic contractors in becoming leaders in the industry. The group, along with other construction organizations such as the National Hispanic Construction Alliance and the United Hispanic Contractors Association, offer and encourage various networking and mentorship opportunities to increase the number of Hispanic leaders in construction. 

Related:Money Talks: Attracting and Retaining Top Performers Means Paying Top Dollar

3 | Take genuine interest in leadership development. 

Without representation in higher leadership positions, Hispanics often lack the role models and mentors needed to advance their careers, Padilla says. Seek to provide opportunities for coaching, training and challenging assignments while ensuring the necessary support in their daily roles and responsibilities.  

Networking opportunities, especially for Hispanic women, also is important when seeking to advance in the construction industry, according to Romina Byrd, regional human resources manager for Baker Concrete Construction. 

“I have been part of many women's organizations, where we all have similar stories and ... in the end, it is each of us helping another,” Byrd said in an interview with Latinas in Construction. “So, I would say, to anyone struggling right now, don't lose hope, there is someone here to help you. ... Make lasting friendships and they will not only help you, but they can help someone else.” 

4 | Educate the public to create a more diverse workforce.  

Groups that are minimally represented in construction, such as women and people of color, may be unaware of career opportunities in the industry, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. Going into schools to engage with underprivileged youth is one way to establish early outreach and develop a path for individuals to enter construction and grow into leadership roles, sources say. 

Related:3 Traits That Make a Successful Construction Leader

5 | Be an advocate for individual accomplishments.  

Padilla says Hispanics typically are socialized to be humble, deferential and collectivist. Emphasizing and publicly recognizing their achievements will provide much-needed visibility at the organizational level and can increase their comfortability with receiving recognition for accomplishments. 

6 | Focus on intentional recruiting. 

Recruiting efforts must be inclusive and diverse, Rodriquez says. Partnering with organizations that support diversity and actively seeking underrepresented candidates can help companies be intentional in recruiting efforts and prioritize a diverse candidate pool. 

7 | Measure progress. 

Measuring progress helps ensure diversity and inclusion efforts are practical and effective, the experts say. Setting goals, tracking metrics and regularly reporting progress increases accountability and allows companies to adjust strategies and ensure progress toward greater diversity and inclusion. 

About the Author

Kaitlin N. Schuler

Editor, Infrastructure & Construction, Informa Markets

Kaitlin Schuler has nearly a decade of experience as an editor and journalist. Prior to joining Informa, Schuler served as special projects editor for Professional Remodeler magazine and, previously, editor for the American Nuclear Society. She earned a master's in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, and a bachelor's in English from the University of Michigan. She now resides in southwest Michigan with her husband, daughter, and cat.

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