Advancing Latino Contractors
Formed by Latinos
LatinoBuilt is a nonprofit trade association serving Latino business owners and entrepreneurs in construction.
LatinoBuilt supports and empowers Latino construction contractors with bilingual services that support and grow their businesses.
Working with our members, partners and sponsors across Oregon and SW Washington, LatinoBuilt works to eliminate inequities and expand opportunities for Latinos, and other underrepresented groups, in the construction industry toward a more equitable future.
Mission
To improve opportunities in construction for Latino-owned businesses in Oregon.
Vision
To build a community that empowers and supports the voices of Latino-owned businesses in their efforts to overcome barriers, develop capacity, promote and enrich lives.
Values
Community
Advocacy
Education
Empowerment
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Source: Bureau of Labor & Statistics
LatinoBuilt’s Formation for a Better Future
“The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.” – Maya Angelou
LatinoBuilt began in 2019 as a trade association with a purpose to serve and advocate for Latino construction contractors and business owners. Its conception and formation was championed by two Latina business owners in construction – Rosa Martinez and Berenice Lopez – based on their own experiences, journeys, and advocacy for other Latinos. Formed by Latinos, for Latinos, the Association’s membership and community partners met quarterly and continued to grow, offering access to business support services, trainings and workshops in Spanish.
When the 2020 pandemic hit, delaying construction projects and further exacerbating social inequities, LatinoBuilt’s bilingual member services became even more sought after. Then, the LatinoBuilt Foundation was formed in 2020 as an Oregon nonprofit charitable foundation to raise and distribute funding that support the broader needs of the Latino construction community, including the efforts of the LatinoBuilt Association.
After initially operating out of Lopez’s H.E.L.P. Group LLC offices, LatinoBuilt’s new design-built commercial office space opened in December 2022.
Co-founders Rosa Martinez and Berenice Lopez identified the need to reduce barriers and advance opportunities for Latinos in construction and began research and planning.
The first LatinoBuilt board of directors took shape – an all-Latino group of business owners in construction – including president Rosa Martinez, vice president Gil Carreon, treasurer Berenice Lopez, secretary Jennie Rodriguez, and board members Hugo Zavala, Alan Oates, and Art Cortez.
LatinoBuilt received its official Oregon 501c(6) nonprofit trade association status with a purpose to help Latino contractors reach their potential. LatinoBuilt’s first members meeting was held on October 23, 2019 at Lulu’s Cocktail Lounge with more than 80 in attendance.
LatinoBuilt rolls out its branding and website, created by Latina-owned Twirl Advertising & Design.
The first LatinoBuilt workshop on TOPIC, co-hosted by the City of Beaverton, was held Aug. 15, 2019, at Beaverton City Library with more than 35 Latino contractors in attendance.
LatinoBuilt grew from its original 7 members to 70 members.
The LatinoBuilt Foundation formed in August 2020, earning its official Oregon 501c(3) status, with a mission to create pathways for economic opportunities for Latinos in construction.
The Association becomes more visible, earning media recognition, including a feature article in Opportunity Magazine, here and a Diversity Award from the Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon along with a feature article, here.
SafeBuild Alliance and LatinoBuilt, with a grant from Oregon OSHA partnered to develop “Safety Starts Here,” a new bilingual campaign for the Portland Metro area market to support safe workplaces in the construction industry, as reported in this Daily Journal of Commerce story.
Co-founder Rosa Martinez received an Impacto Award from Centro Cultural de Washington County at its Gala de Cultural in March 2021 for her advocacy of the Latino community, promotion of equity, and building of intergenerational wealth, here.
LatinoBuilt hires its first full time executive director.
Co-founder Berenice Lopez was honored with a Daily Journal of Commerce Women of Vision award for her leadership and promotion of industry diversity at its awards event on August 24, 2022, here.
Community engagement manager Luis Morales was interviewed by Oregon Pero en Espanol here.
LatinoBuilt’s new design-built commercial office space was planned, constructed, and opened in December 2022 at 8548 SW Apple Way in Portland, Oregon.
LatinoBuilt grew its membership by 48% to more than 200 members in 2022.
LatinoBuilt hires new executive director and was featured in the Daily Journal of Commerce.
Media outlet Oregon Pero En Espanol (@oregonespanol) covered LatinoBuilt’s first quarterly meeting of 2023, held at the new LatinoBuilt Offices on Apple Way in SW Portland.
The Daily Journal of Commerce 2023 Diversity Awards held March 30, 2023, recognized LatinoBuilt for its design-build commercial office project and recognized LatinoBuilt Foundations advisory board member Bryan Ortiz, here.
LatinoBuilt’s educational offerings significantly expanded in 2023 with the establishment of LatinoBuilt University.
LatinoBuilt launches its updated website and new online member portal.
Join Our Community Today!
We invite you to join LatinoBuilt Membership, where you’ll find a supportive community dedicated to your success in construction. We’re here to help you and your team with education, training, business development, networking, advocacy, and access to professional resources.
Experience firsthand how LatinoBuilt can make a positive difference in enhancing your business capabilities. We can’t wait to welcome you into our community!