2020 SPRING ISSUE

B/ACE Spring 2020

Women’s

Edition

FINDING LIFE AFTER DEATH

Rinse.

Wash.

Repeat.

MARKITA P.

Laborer Local 76

Hairstyles Then & Now

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One of us!

fighting for us...

H C N PU 112

Jawaharial

Williams Omar 10th District State Representative 2 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

MILESTONES IN OLD TOWN Onni is proud to celebrate topping off Old Town Park’s second tower! We couldn't do it without the vision and dedication of our talented team.

Onni is now excited to announce the issuance of building permit for Old Town Park’s third phase.

Visit our onsite leasing office today for more information on this exciting new community.

O L D T O W N PA R K . C O M For local hiring opportunities visit www.communities4construction.com

Renderings are artist’s concept only.

Build your brand and support the community by purchasing an ad. The profits from the magazine provide financial assistance to candidates who need help with union dues, construction PPE, tools, and other support in an effort to be successful in accessing the construction trades.

Please contact: contact@bacemagazine.com for our media kit.

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‘‘

This quarter’s issue is all about women!

What motivates us, what drive us and what sustains us.

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‘‘ B/A

Editorial Note

Oh my God! Oh, my God! Where did the first quarter of the year go? I can’t believe spring is here, but I welcome it with open arms. Spring is the season of transition, change, and growth. It’s also a time to shine a spotlight on women. March is Women’s History Month, when we honor the important role women have played in shaping the history of our country.

We also celebrate the significant contributions women have made to the construction industry during Women in Construction Week (March 1 - 7).

That’s why this issue is dedicated solely to women – our stories, our historical contributions, and all of the things that make us so amazing! We met two courageous women who are caring for themselves and their families in the wake of unspeakable tragedy.

We talked to two talented young ladies who are sharing their love of science with elementary school girls. And we profiled a group of incredible women who have been trailblazers in the construction industry. Because although women have made significant progress, we still have a long way to go in the fight for fair treatment. In addition to having to overcome unfair, gender-based stereotypes, many women encounter harassment and pay inequity in the workplace on a daily basis.

Rachel Ivy Editor-In-Chief

ACE

Being a woman in the construction industry is like being the new kid on the block trying to play in the neighborhood park. We may have to kick off a few fights if we want to be taken seriously. But when they see that we can hold our own, they realize that we bring a whole lot more to the game.

I was inspired by all of the stories of strength and determination in this special issue, and I know you will be too. Happy Spring!

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CONTRIBUTORS

Anna Hall What’s the one thing you do for your mental health?

I pray and meditate.

Markita What’s the one thing you do for your mental health?

One thing I will do for my mental health is pray.

Alicia If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Chicken Caesar salad

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CONT RIBU TORS Tierra What’s the one thing you do for your mental health?

I pray to the higher power and seek help.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Pizza

Denise What’s the one thing you do for your mental health?

I stay in communication with God. If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Chicken

Corniki What’s the one thing you do for your mental health?

For my mental health, I attend support groups.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

I would eat chicken for the rest of my life if I had to.

Cecelia What’s the one thing you do for your mental health?

I write in my gratitude journal daily. It takes me away from the distractions of the world and slows me to focus on the things I am grateful for.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Cabbage or Mac and Cheese Angela What’s the one thing you do for your mental health?

Balancing work and taking care of my family can be stressful, so I have to take time for myself to recharge. At least three times a week, I try to wake up before everyone else for meditation or yoga.

Taking just 30 - 35 minutes to check in with myself leaves me much better prepared for whatever the day brings.

Kenyatta What’s the one thing you do for your mental health?

I make sure I get an adequate amount of sleep.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Poke Bowl

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34

30

CONTENTS Editor’s Picks 8 Work Life Balance 10 Buying Your First Home 12 Women Inventors 16 Ways to Show Yourself Some Love 18 Letting Go 20 Growing Girl Power 23

Project on the Horizon Subcontractor You Should Know Hustle Hard Family Affairs Completed Project Iron Woman Easter Elevated Face of Bace

24 26 28 30 34 38 42 44

Elle Noir Love Quest Diversity Divas Style Station Rinse. Wash. Repeat Finding Light The Evolution

50 52 58 62 64 70

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EDITOR’S

PICKS

My Editor’s Picks are all about spring favorites and Mother’s Day gift giving ideas. Each member of the team shared with us one of their personal favorite Mother’s Day gifts.

At the top of my list are both my love for fashion and my love of reading.

Gucci, Dior and Manolo Blahnik all wrapped up in these ultra-Chic coffee table books.

Random House Collection of Designer Books

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Linen Chambray blazer

While I love heels, my lower back not so much.

I have to keep me a pair of comfy kicks with me at all times and these Geox in baby blue will be the perfect compliment to this beautiful blue suit.

Geox Tabelya Mixed Leather Trainer Sneakers

Champagne Toast

MADEWELL

Coral-ing Your Spirit Animal

Its a ring thing!

Crossover Ring 9 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

HOW BALANCED IS YOUR WORK LIFE? Rachel Ivy

One of the biggest struggles working moms face is the idea of work-life balance. Just when I thought I had it figured out, it all came crashing down when my son left his last wrestling tournament feeling defeated. He had a strong start to the season. He won most of his matches and even won Player of the Week for his team.

But in the last tournament of the year, he lost to the same group of kids he beat at the beginning of the season.

When I reflected on his matches, I realized that the other team just outworked him. While we would miss practice if I had to work late, or was too exhausted to sit 10 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

through a 2-hour practice session, the other kids were there faithfully.

I don’t know the first thing about wrestling, so I took work calls during practice time. But the other dads were in the room, making sure their kids were focused and not goofing off. I couldn’t help but feel like my son lost because I wasn’t fully engaged. But how can I be fully engaged with his wrestling and balance all of the craziness in my life? I can’t seem to figure this work-life balance thing out, so I would love to have all of my working moms to weigh in. Do you believe that work-life balance exists? If so, what does it look like for you?

Work-Life Balance

What does work-life balance look like for you?

Tell us your work-life balance Email: Contact@bacemagazine.com 11 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

The Keys to Buying

Your First Home Buying a home is a major milestone, and probably one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make. The idea of coming up with a large down payment and taking on a 30-year mortgage could be enough to scare most people away from the process altogether. But if you think home ownership is out of the question, Cecelia Marlow, Vice President at The Federal Savings Bank, suggests you think again.

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We spoke with Marlow about what you need to know before you purchase your first home, and the resources available to help you find the best situation for your family.

These days a lot of young people think they’ll never have enough money to buy a home. What would you tell them?

A common misconception is that you need a 20 percent down payment to purchase a home.

The reality is that many first-time buyers put down anywhere between three and five percent, a fact that makes buying a home much more attainable. There are also tons of first-time home buyer grants that can help offset the required down payment. At least 50 percent of the people I work with qualify for some type of first-time home buyer grant.

How should you determine your budget?

A general good rule of thumb is to multiply your annual income by three to find the price point you’re going to be looking at. Your housing expense should never be more than 30 percent of your income. I’m a conservative person, so I like to look at the net income. It’s more realistic to consider what you’re actually bringing home, but the bank will qualify you on gross income.

Is there a recommended amount you should have in savings before you buy?

I would recommend a minimum of three months of expenses. Six months would be comfortable, and if you’re just an aggressive financial person, 12 months is the goal. But don’t rule yourself out if you don’t have 12 months. We’re currently in a very low-interest-rate environment. When I first started in 2003, the average interest rate was about 12 percent.

Today, interest rates are between

3.65 and 4.5 percent. The interest rate environment gives you more purchasing power because your interest rate is multiplied by your purchase price to determine your monthly payment. That means, the lower the interest rates, the more you’re going to qualify for. And over the long term, you’re paying less for that home.

When I’m approving people for loans, I tell them that I can’t promise them the same 4 percent interest rates will be available next year.

And if they go up to 5 percent, I’m probably going to have to take 25 - 30 thousand dollars off of their purchase price approval. You definitely want to weigh where you are financially, but when you’re in a position to buy, just go buy.

What should you do if you are priced out of your dream neighborhood?

Some neighborhoods have declined in value, but real estate has always been a great investment.

I do believe that you should be financially responsible. Don’t come to the closing table and write that final check if you only have ten dollars in the bank. Because you’re going to want to buy towels, sheets, and other things for your new house. A lot of the guidance I give people on the front end of the home buying process is around preparing to be financially stable from a credit and budget perspective.

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appreciation. And when you sell, you can use the cash as a down payment on a larger house.

I also like to talk to people I work with about Multi-Units for Millenials.

Chicago has a lot of two to four-unit buildings. And a lot of people don’t know that you can purchase one of those buildings with little more than 3.5 percent down. So if your first purchase is a multi-unit, you have additional income the day you move in. Then you have not only cut your mortgage payment in half in many instances, you can begin to save the money you’ve been used to spending on rent. For people who are open to that idea it’s great, because you’re starting the ball off in an investment position.

My grandmother bought her house in Morgan Park in 1959 for around $20,000. And although Morgan Park isn’t one of the most desired areas in Chicago, my family could get at least $160,000 for that house if it was on the market today.

Real estate always appreciates over time. I don’t care where you buy.

For example, Englewood is an area where you see a lot of boardedup homes. But there is a Whole Foods on 63rd and Halsted, and the city just spent massive amounts of money on improvements to Kennedy King College. It might not be the most desirable place to live today, but within the next 10 years, the indicators are showing that it will be a neighborhood we can’t afford. It’s almost like Bronzeville.

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Years back, you could get a condo for 10 to 20 thousand dollars. Now the condos in Bronzeville are a couple of hundred thousand dollars. You have to keep your ear to the ground and be engaged in what’s going on within the neighborhoods and the wards so that you understand.

The idea of a 30-year mortgage can be intimidating to some buyers.

How do you know when you’ve found the perfect house?

People often go into the process thinking that when they move, that’s it. But the first home isn’t always the dream home. National statistics show that most people stay in their first home for about five to seven years. If you look at the first home as an investment, you’ll have some

Is it better to spend a little more money on a home that is move-in ready or to look for a fixer-upper that is less expensive?

I think it depends on perspective.

Some people need to be able to walk in and see exactly where the furniture is going, and want something move-in ready. But when you find a home you want to buy, I encourage you to have a home inspection, which is different from an appraisal. Because even if you find a beautifully rehabbed home that looks amazing, you want to make sure all of the major systems are in good working condition. A home inspection can give you some peace of mind because it will let you know if you’re going to have to buy a new furnace in a couple of years.

But for those who are looking for more DIY opportunities, there are renovation purchase loans that allow you to receive renovation money to upgrade the home. When you’re applying for a renovation purchase loan, we do require you to get a general contractor, who we will vet. That safeguards you and the bank from the risk of using a faulty contractor.

There have been issues with predatory loan practices, particularly against people of color. What can people do to protect themselves from a potentially dangerous financial situation?

I’m always a big proponent of education. I host regular homebuyer education classes to help people understand the process and get familiar with the terminology. It’s often easier for someone to ask me to explain what a certain lending term means in a classroom setting. There are also a lot of counseling agencies that offer homebuyer education courses. HUD’s website will give you a list of approved housing counseling agencies by zip code. I’m not a big fan of Googling. It might be a good start, but you definitely want to have someone or some organization that you can plug into because the information is constantly changing. A lending practice that may have been feasible this time last year could potentially be outdated today.

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DID YOU

DID YOU ?

KNOW When you think about inventors, you’re likely to come up with a list of men. Women have been the brains behind many inventions we use in our daily lives, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS, though they are often overshadowed by their male counterparts. Take a look at a few women who have changed life as we know it.

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WOMEN INVENTORS

KNOW

Amazing things invented by women!

Hedy Lamar: Invented the basic technology for the modern-day WIFI, Bluetooth and GPS

Melitta Bentz: Invented the coffee maker & coffee filter

Marie Van Brittan Brown: Inventor of the home security system

Sarah Boone: The creator of the ironing board

Nancy Johnson: Created the ice cream maker

Mary Kenner & Mildred Davidson: Invented the sanitary belt which was the inspiration for the modern-day sanitary napkin.

Rea Ann Silva: Created the Beauty Blender TM for the TV show Girlfriends becuase it was the 1st show to ever be filmed in HD 17 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

B/ACE

“We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own to-do list.”

– Michelle Obama

5 Simple Ways to Show Yourself Some Love Self-care is a term that’s thrown around a lot these days. A simple online search will return thousands of articles on the topic. And for good reason. Self-care is important.

Taking time to take care of yourself helps to reduce stress, which can weaken your immune system. And as a result, it can leave you more susceptible to colds, depression, and heart disease. But self-care isn’t only about massages and manicures. There are lots of things you can do to lighten your load, which will go a long way in helping you recharge.

Don’t be afraid to delegate For many women, the workday doesn’t end when they leave the office. They come home to a whole other set of tasks to tackle. According to CNBC, American women spend an average of 28.4 hours per week on unpaid labor, which includes things like child care and household chores, compared to 17.5 hours per week by men. If piles of laundry and dirty dishes leave you feeling overwhelmed, you may need to ask for a little help.

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Make sure you’re sharing the load with everyone in your household. Create a schedule of tasks which includes the person responsible, and display it in a common area in your home so that everyone is accountable. Give your children age-appropriate tasks that they can complete independently. In addition to teaching them responsibility, you’ll be able to check a few more things off of your to-do list.

Create a village It’s no secret that child care is expensive. According to a 2018 study by Child Care Aware of America, the cost of centerbased childcare is higher than the cost of college tuition in 28 US states. That fact can make you think twice before calling on the help of a babysitter. But that doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying an occasional girls’ night out or date night with your partner.

If family members aren’t an option, create a babysitting cooperative with other parents you trust. Take turns looking after each other’s children. By swapping babysitting services, the kids will have fun playing together, and you can help your fellow parent friends enjoy a night out.

Schedule time for yourself We often talk ourselves out of exercising, socializing with friends, or pursuing a hobby, saying that we don’t have time. But you may find that making time for things you enjoy will make it a lot easier to tackle some of your least favorite tasks. You can help make yourself a priority by adding personal time to your calendar between meetings and driving your kids to their basketball games.

Adding things to your calendar not only helps you keep track of how you’re spending your time, but it also makes you accountable to yourself. Not to mention, a good laugh with a friend can often help you put things in perspective and remind you that you’re not alone.

A Kansas State University study found that participants who unplugged after work felt more refreshed when they returned to work the next day. Try to find time in your day when it’s okay to give your phone a break and truly be present in the moment. Don’t worry, not much will have changed on your Instagram timeline while you’re away.

Get a good night’s sleep If you find yourself feeling irritable and sluggish during the day, you may not be getting enough sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need between 7 - 9 hours of sleep each day. And because women often spend their days multitasking, their brains are working overtime, making it even more important for them to get the sleep they need.

Turn off the lights and the television and turn on soothing music or a diffuser with your favorite essential oils to create the right environment for a good night’s sleep.

Sources:

Find time to unplug These days, we use our cell phones for a whole lot more than just making calls. For most of us, they’re a lifeline, giving us directions, weather forecasts, and the latest news. Although being constantly connected can be convenient, it can leave us feeling anxious and tired.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/21728434 https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/ appendices%2010.19.18.pdf https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/10/ heres-what-women-could-earn-ifhousehold-chores-were-compensated. html https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ articles/how-much-sleep-do-we-reallyneed 19 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

EGo

Letting The National Domestic Violence Hotline describes domestic abuse as a “pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.”

According to their statistics, 1 in 4 American women have been victims of some form of severe physical violence by an intimate partner. But domestic abuse is not just about physical violence.

It can also appear in the form of verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and financial withholding.

is using the milestone to embark on a new career with a whole new sense of confidence and purpose.

“This is the first time I’ve had the clarity and determination to take control of my life,” she said.

What was your childhood like?

I didn’t have a traditional upbringing. I witnessed a lot of abuse as a child. Both of my parents were alcoholics. My mother was physically abused by her mother, who was an alcoholic. Then she Chicago-native, Ericca Marie was physically, emotionally, and Avila, has endured a pattern of verbally abused in her marriage. physical and emotional abuse She left the marriage and raised since her childhood. But after two three daughters on her own. I’m the abusive marriages, she found the youngest. strength to walk away. Avila sat down with us to talk about how I believe that my mother abused she was determined to end the us in ways that she didn’t even cycle for herself and her children. realize. She was very verbally and Avila, who is turning 40 this year, 20 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

emotionally abusive to us. Her

way of disciplining us was very physical. I grew up in a very violent environment and I experienced the same abuse in both of my marriages.

There was also a lot of body shaming in our family, and I felt it growing up. I developed a fullfigured body at a young age.

Everyone thought I was older because of my shape, which caused me to be very self-conscious. I didn’t want to wear shorts or a bathing suit because I thought people would think I was being too provocative. And I carried that for years.

You mentioned that abuse was prevalent in your family. Did you see any potential signs of abuse in your partners before you got involved with them?

The first guy I married was a lot like my father, who was abusive to my mother. And like her, I experienced physical, verbal, and emotional abuse in my marriage. When I left, I realized that it was a repeated cycle.

My second husband reminded me of my mother. I overlooked some of the signs of abuse in that relationship. I kept telling myself that I should stop being so judgemental and love unconditionally.

Was there anyone around you who warned you about getting involved with these guys?

The first time, yes. It was very obvious that the man I was with had a mean and violent streak, and people did warn me to be careful.

I was 18 when I met him, and he was already known to physically and verbally abuse his girlfriends.

But I thought it would never happen to me. I convinced myself that he loved me too much to hit or abuse me.

The second time around, I thought I picked someone totally different from my first husband. I didn’t think I would go through the same thing again. People vouched for him and told me he was a nice guy. But he had another side. He had a violent past and a history of addiction.

But again, I overlooked it. I had loved ones who dealt with addiction issues, so I convinced myself to accept that flaw. I liked the guy. He was funny, nice, and he wanted to settle down. He told me everything I wanted to hear.

He accepted me with my two kids and without a steady income at a time when I didn’t think I had much going on for myself.

Did you feel like you deserved more from your relationships?

Yes. I had been disrespected by the two men I had married, and I realized that I deserved so much more. I decided to put myself in a position to receive it,

ERICCA

AVILA 21 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

When my second husband started to verbally abuse me, something clicked. He had been abusing me since day one, and I had been convincing myself that things weren’t that bad. I was so used to being disrespected, that I had been overlooking things the whole time. I knew the situation wasn’t good for me or my kids. And now that I had a new baby girl, I didn’t want to fall into the same pattern. I suggested going to counseling or church to help resolve our issues, but he wouldn’t compromise. When Now that you’re on the other side I realized that he wasn’t willing to of all of this, what is life like? compromise and fix anything, I knew I needed to leave.

I’ve been really invested in my career.

But for me, it was never just about What is your message to other putting on nice clothes. I needed women? to start taking care of myself again.

I’m out here to be a role model for Don’t let anyone convince you of women of every shape and size. who you are, show them who you are. You’re beautiful and you’re I used to talk myself out of things and enough. Walk away from anyone listen to what other people thought toxic or abusive to you. Recognize was best for me. But when I did what the signs, and don’t overlook them. was best for everyone else, I wasn’t Love yourself enough to know your satisfied. So I decided to take control worth and put yourself around of my decisions. I told myself that people who value you.

I was going to be unbothered by

negativity. I think my experiences have opened me up to a lot of great opportunities.

Every day I walk out of my house, I’m showing someone who tells me that I don’t look good in my clothes that I’m I’ve always loved fashion and going to do what I want to do. I have beauty, and I wanted to tap into to reboot my confidence every day my creative side to share my story. I so I can be camera-ready and runway thought the perfect way to reach as ready. I have to put my A-game on. many people as possible would be But that just goes to show you that to become a public figure. you never know what someone else is I was a single mom in my early going through.

20s with two kids, and I worked three jobs just to support them.

Despite all of your struggles, you’re embarking on an exciting new career. How did you decide to pursue modeling?

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to Walk Away

When did you finally decide that enough was enough?

I was about to go through another divorce in my 30s, and I had another child. I didn’t know how I was going to do it all. I felt like I was a failure at relationships, and I’d gained weight. I felt unaccomplished, and I was being told daily that I was fat, worthless, and dumb. That weighed heavily over me.

I had been criticized for my weight, but I knew it was time to start loving myself at my size. I needed to be more confident because I was attracting the wrong men. So, I started modeling, and I got signed to a well-known talent/acting agency less than four months after I started.

I’ve also had offers from several modeling agencies. When I changed my mindset and started speaking about my purpose, things started happening.

Knowing When

so I started praying and reading affirmations. I kept telling myself to focus and figure out what I wanted to do.

Source: https://www.thehotline. org/resources/statistics/ Statistics | The National Domestic Violence Hotline On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.[i] Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced rape, physical. www.thehotline.org

GROWING GIRL POWER

Two Whitney Young High School students have found a creative way to expose young girls to STEAM curriculum. Nia Lambert, 17 and Alex Switzer, 16 developed their idea after a freshman year Biology project challenged them to find a way to better their environment. The girls came together to start NAV Garden for Girls, an after-school gardening program that infuses environmental science with art and women’s empowerment. The result has grown into a successful non-profit organization.

“Gardening was the environmental part of the project. But we wanted to work with a school to help make the building look better and allow them to use the food they grow in lunches and snacks for the children,” Lambert says.

The program begins in February with an educational component. Planting usually begins in March or April. “It all depends on Chicago weather,” says Switzer.

NAV Garden for Girls is currently working with Bronzeville Classical School on the city’s south side. They started last year, planting flowers and a few vegetables. This year, the goal is to update the garden, replant the flowers, and add more vegetables to their crop.

NAV has been a huge success at Bronzeville Classical and has received positive feedback from the entire school community. “Now we have a waiting list for girls who want to get into the program,” Lambert says.

As for the future of NAV, Nia and Alex are preparing for college in about a year.

But their ultimate goal is to make the organization as big as they can.

You can keep up with NAV on Instagram @navgardenforgirls. And you can donate to their organization via PayPal @navgardenforgirls

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PROJECT ON THE HORIZON

320 N. SANGAMON 24 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

Project on the

Horizon The 320 N. Sangamon is a 13-story new core and shell office building.

Building includes a retail space, main lobby, and loading dock on street level, parking garage on L2, outdoor terrace on L6, and amenity space, mechanical room, and roof terrace on L13. The property is in the “West Loop� neighborhood of Chicago, with the existing Ace Hotel to the West, office building to the South, vacant property to the north, and public street access to the east. Structure includes concrete slabs and a steel roof. Facade includes precast, window wall, and metal panels. Finishes include bathroom build-outs on every floor, lobby and L13 amenity space build-outs, and pavers and green roof at the terraces.

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Subcontractor You Should Know Hall spoke with us about how she broke barriers to become the first African-American female plumber with the City of Chicago and how she is trying to make things a little easier for a new generation of African-American women to enter her profession.

What made you decide to become a plumber?

Anna Hall CEO: P&H Divine Plumbing, Inc

SUBCONTRACTOR

YOU SHOULD KNOW

M

ost people only think about their plumber when something goes wrong with their pipes.

But South Side native and licensed plumber Anna Hall wants people to know that she’s part of an important profession that does a whole lot more than fix leaky faucets and clogged toilets.

“Plumbers protect the health of the nation,” Hall said. “Our job is important

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because if your water is contaminated, you can die.”

Hall has been a licensed plumber for over 30 years. For most of that time, she has been the only African American woman on the job. Today, she is the proud owner of P&H Divine Plumbing, Inc, a subcontractor who has done plumbing projects for the likes of CHA and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

I used to work for the City of Chicago at the Department of Aviation. They had very few black plumbers at that time.

There was a [male] plumber there who would always tell me and the other ladies to apply to the apprenticeship program. Our supervisor got tired of him bothering us, so when it opened, she told us to apply. I give credit to that guy for pushing me.

Were there challenges?

There were a lot of challenges.

Around that time, only a few women were getting into plumbing. And most of the time, I was the only Black woman on the job. A lot of men tried to make things difficult to see if I would quit.

But quitting wasn’t an option for me. I grew up in Robert Taylor Homes, and if you can make it out of there, you can make it anywhere.

Years later, after I finished the apprenticeship, I came back to the City of Chicago, and I was the first licensed African American female plumber to work for the city. I made history.

Subcontractor You Should Know Who were your mentors? Were there any women who helped you along in your career?

When I started, there were only 3 ladies ahead of us, so there weren’t many women who could mentor me.

I have to give credit to Deborah Whitaker, Director of Business Development at HIRE 360 Chicago.

She’s not a plumber, but she knows a lot about construction and has been in my corner from day one.

Michael Charles, Executive Director at Black Contractors Owners and Executives, has been very supportive. And my Pastor, Corey B. Brooks, is my spiritual guide and an entrepreneurial motivator.

But a lot of times, people look up to me as their mentor. I have a reputation for not backing down. I stand firm in things I believe in, and I consider myself an advocate for other plumbers. I speak up for our male plumbers more than anybody, because they need help. I believe God has challenged me to help those who can’t help themselves.

Being a plumbing contractor has put me in a better position to understand why it was meant for me to be a plumber in the first place.

How did you become a subcontractor?

About 3 years ago, I took an entrepreneurship class at the Urban League. We learned about things like marketing, branding, finance, and whether it’s best to be an LLC or S-Corp. And when I started to apply for my license with the state, they had someone there to help me with that. In the end, I had to pitch my business, and I got a perfect score. The Urban League got me started in the right direction, but

I had to learn a lot on my own. I didn’t have anyone else to show me the way. A lot of opportunities have opened up for me because of my certifications. I’m an MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), a WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise), and a DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise). When I started my business, I knew that just being a black woman wasn’t going to get me in the door. I needed to have the certifications. And because I’m a licensed plumber, I self-perform.

Do you find that you have to do more to prove yourself? Do you feel like people are just doing business with you because they have to?

I think it works both ways. A lot of people don’t know that I’m a plumber. They assume that I am the front and that someone else is doing the work. But when they see my plumbing license and my contractor’s license, they take a second look. [Contractors] may be forced to do business with someone like me, but it’s an opportunity for them as well as for me.

What is the toughest part about being a business owner?

I think the biggest challenge is getting financed. I’m sure other minority subcontractors would agree with me.

How have you been able to get your foot in the door?

I’ve belonged to a union for 30 years. I also belong to a lot of different organizations. I go to a lot of networking events because that’s how people get to know you. When I pass out my business cards and talk to people at the city events and CHA events, I can find

“A lot of people don’t know that I’m a plumber.

They assume that I am the front and that someone else is doing the work”. out when people are looking for subcontractors with the certifications I have. The city, state, and county are cracking down and not giving contracts to people who aren’t subbing out their work to a minority or woman-owned business. I think a lot of times, I’m just at the right place at the right time.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I’m a Christian, so I give God a lot of my time, especially on Sundays. I’m pretty balanced, so at a certain time, I shut down my firm. I also take vacations and belong to different health clubs. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. And I have no problem giving things to other people to do when I need help because you can’t do it all by yourself.

What do you want people to know about you and your company?

I want people to see that we’re just as qualified as anyone else. We’re not looking for a handout, we just want an opportunity.

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Hustle Hard

By Rachel Ivy

Whether you’re saving for a family vacation or trying to pay off debt, a side hustle can be a great way to earn some passive income. Your side hustle may not be your primary source of income in the beginning, but because it’s something you enjoy doing, you’re probably really good at it. And because you’re good at it, you can earn a little extra cash while offering something of value to the world.

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to earn extra income these days. According to a June 2019 survey by Bankrate, 49% of Americans under 35 have a side hustle to supplement the income from their regular full-time or part-time job. And many people who have a side hustle, love the work that they do. 27% of workers say they’re more passionate about their side job than their primary job, as the Bankrate survey found.

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Source: https://www.bankrate.com/personalfinance/side-hustles-survey-june-2019/

“Your side hustle should be a true reflection of the things that make you happy”.

I am the queen of the side hustle.

Although I majored in Accounting, I’m a creative soul. I typically excel at anything that allows me to operate in a creative space.

For a long time, accounting paid the bills. But in the evenings and on weekends, I sold art, planned lavish fundraisers, and designed centerpieces in my kitchen for Sunday afternoon weddings!

Every opportunity won’t speak to you, and that’s ok. I was almost a saleswoman for two large insurance companies. I went through a grueling three-month interview and selection process, only to walk away once I was approved. I realized that although I know a lot about the financial industry and have great selling skills, insurance sales was not my passion.

Your side hustle should be a true reflection of the things that make

you happy. For example, if you enjoy cleaning and jamming to your own tunes, try providing a cleaning service or working with a cleaning company in the evenings. If you’ve been a tradesman for years and worked on lots of construction sites, consider providing General Contracting services for small home renovations. Or apply for a grant to teach carpentry to youth on the weekends.

No matter what you choose, just hustle hard!

H

Keep your personality in mind when exploring your side hustle. Consider whether you like being alone or working with the public. Are you a night owl or an early riser? If you enjoy driving and meeting new people, you’ll probably make a great Uber or Lyft driver. However, if you like to drive but don’t like people, part-time truck driving with longer weekend road trips might be a better option. No matter what you choose, just hustle hard!

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FAMILY AFFAIRS

Family Affairs

Denise Jones broke barriers in the male-dominated construction industry when she entered the field 20 years ago. Jones, who was a resident of the Cabrini-Green housing complex, found her way into the trades when the buildings were being torn down. She was looking for an alternative to an office job that would keep her stuck behind a desk and enrolled in a program designed to allow residents to learn construction skills. “I actually went to be a carpenter, and the company doing the hiring stuck me with the tapers,”Jones said.

A

s the only woman in her company at the time, Jones had to endure her share of hostility from her male counterparts. “I’ve had so many things happen to me. I’ve had people take my lunch and my tools, but I didn’t quit,” Jones said. “I just said, ‘Somebody better get me some money for lunch and a new set of tools in the morning.’ I’m not here to make friends and I’m not here to make enemies. I just want to do my job and feed my family.” But

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in spite of the negativity, Jones never gave up and remains a proud member of the Painters District Council 14 Local Union No. 194. She’s used her industry experience to uplift other women and encourage them to pursue careers in the trades. In fact, she’s led her daughters, Tierra (a union painter) and Cierra (a union taper), to follow in her footsteps.

We spoke with Denise and one of her daughters about how they’ve been able to overcome the challenges of working in an industry that isn’t always welcoming to women.

The construction industry is still dominated by men. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to deal with as women?

Denise: There is positive and negative. Some men are just old school, and they really don’t know how to work with women. I eventually show them that I can do the work, and things will change.

But some people won’t change their minds even if you do a good job. I look at it like, that’s their problem, not mine.

Tierra: Some [men] think there are things we can’t do because we’re women.

They’d rather us be at home than have us out in the field working. Every day is a challenge. We have to come to work to prove ourselves.

Denise

Local 194

Tierra

Local 194

How do you deal with those challenges?

Denise: You have to stick with it. As other women come into the trades, I tell them, ‘You’ve got to be fit for the fight.’ I’ve always had God as my commentator.

And when things got hard, I would have to go to a portapotty and talk to Him. But I would never let anyone see me crumble. You have a right to stand up for yourself. You don’t have to get loud, but you do have the right to speak up.

Tierra: You just have to show up, be on time, and do your job. Being a woman [in the trades] is hard, so you have to make sure you show and prove.

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What resources are out there for women who are looking for support in a male-dominated field?

Tierra: We just formed a women’s committee within the union to try to figure out some of the issues women have on the job.

Denise: I’ve mentored some of the women at Chicago Women in Trades. I’ve done classes with them. I talk to them and tell them that they have to be willing to work.

What do you do to recharge when you’re not working?

Denise: Actually, I work a lot. But when I’m off, I go to church, hang out with family and friends, and go out to eat. I don’t want to think about work when I’m not working [laughs].

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Tierra: I’m pretty laid back. I like to go out with my friends and chill.

What do you see as the future for your career?

Denise: I’d like to get into real estate and own my own building. And I’d like to teach in the Union. I’d also like to be helping homeless people and others. Hopefully, that’s where I’ll be in five years.

Tierra: I get up every day knowing that everything I’m doing is for my kids and their future. So, I’m trying to start my own painting company.

What advice would you give other women looking to get into the trades?

Denise: Get in the ring and be ready to rumble. You can’t be easily broken.

You have the right to earn just as much as men. Things will be hard when you first start, but it will get easier. You’ve got to have determination.

Tierra: Don’t give up. There will be a lot of hard times and moments when you feel like giving up. But women have to stay strong because that’s what [men] want you to do. They want you to feel weak.

‘‘

A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.

Eleanor Roosevelt

‘‘

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Completed Projects B/ACE is committed to supporting community involvement in construction projects.

We’re putting the spotlight on just a few of the successful partnerships between developers and community residents who have had a hand in changing the face of their communities.This month’s spotlight features the renovation of Lathrop Homes and 333 N. Green.

Lathrop Homes

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Julia C. Lathrop Homes, built in 1937 and recognized as one of the earliest public housing projects in the country, underwent a multi-phase redevelopment.

A significant element of the redevelopment work included new site infrastructure, the preservation of the “Great Lawn,” and the revitalization of the river’s edge along the Chicago River, including the development of a boat ramp. The redevelopment was led

by Related Midwest, and stands as a model for a mix of affordable and market rate residential units, thus contributing to the development’s income and racial diversity.

Just a few of the local hires who worked on this project

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333 North Green

333 N. Green is a new 19-story, creative office and retail building. The building is composed of approximately 29,000 SF of grade level retail space along Green, Wayman and Halsted Streets, 537,000 SFof office space and a 326-space parking structure. The building features unparalleled amenities that include a sky deck over looking the city, a gaming area, fullservice fitness center and a host of other tenant “lust worthy amenities.�

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Iron Woman Chicago-area native Jean Montalbano grew up in a family of ironworkers. But she surprised them all when she decided to follow in their footsteps. “They didn’t discourage me, but they laughed,” she said.

Today, Jean is a proud member of the Local 63 Architectural and Ornamental Ironworkers Union.

Though she has faced some less than friendly situations on the job, Montalbano says she feels lucky to have been surrounded by great teachers who made sure she had the skills she needed to succeed.

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Thirty years after she made the decision to dive headfirst into a field where women are in the minority, Montalbano has no regrets. And she’s doing her part to support a new generation of female ironworkers.

ironworkers. When the union was taking apprenticeship applications, I went and applied to take the test without telling anybody in my family. I met with the apprenticeship coordinator, and he knew I was young. I still had braces on my teeth.

I grew up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood where girls weren’t really encouraged to go to college. In my time, they didn’t really tell us we had to do anything. I was 19 years old, and I didn’t really know what I was going to do with my life.

There was some good and some bad. After you take the [apprenticeship] test, they put you on a list. When my number came up, they had me come in for a few days. They showed me how to carry a ladder, roll up extension cords, and some of the other basic stuff you need to know as a brand new apprentice.

I knew about the ironworkers because my father and a couple of my uncles were

But I also had to go through an oral interview with the examining board of the local union as part of the application process. In my interview, they told me that I was really young and that I would probably not make it. Even though there are plenty of 19-year-old guys who go into the field.

How were you How did you received when you got into the become an ironworker? workforce?

Did you experience any negativity from your male coworkers?

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Women often get the grunt work, like sweeping up the work area. There are plenty of women who deal with that for their entire apprenticeship. I was lucky in my first couple of years to work with a lot of great ironworkers who taught me a lot. They put me to work.

And I was the first female certified welder in our local union. But at the same time, I did face a lot of hostile work environments. There are some men who just flat out don’t want women on jobs, and they will not work with you.

Do you think the environment is more welcoming for women now?

I think women are coming into the field now knowing what to expect. Years ago, a lot of women didn’t know what to expect. And it’s not that they weren’t cut out for the work, they just didn’t necessarily know what they were getting themselves into. These days, I think they’re doing a better job of giving the women the training they need ahead of time.

So it’s not a total shock to them when they start working.

Have you been able to support younger women entering your field?

A few of us in our local union started a sister’s committee. We mentor apprentices or younger Journeywomen. We’re there to have each other’s back because as women, we don’t get a whole lot of support. We have different issues. Many of us go out on the job site and never even see another woman. It happens all the time. Sometimes we’re not really welcomed on the job, and sometimes they just don’t want you there.

On a good note,there are also lots of great people who love every minute you’re there.

They respect that you love your job and don’t have a problem.

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We’ve talked about some of the challenges you faced as a woman in a maledominated field. Do you think being a woman gives you any advantages?

Definitely. Especially when it comes to moving heavy materials. A lot of men just rely on their strength.

But I think because some of the stuff is challenging, women train ourselves to think ahead. We tend to do things a little smarter [laughs]. We’ll utilize carts or different kinds of techniques. Then the guys will say, “I wish I would have thought about that.”

And I’ll say, “I just did, so thank me.”

What advice would you give women entering your field?

Learn as much as you can and have a good attitude.

What’s next for you?

I have a good 6 years left to work. But after that, I’d just like to be able to retire and spend time with my family. Another great thing about getting into a trade is being able to see the end. You can work your entire life and not have anything. But we have great retirement benefits.

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This Easter, get inspired to up your Easter dinner game.

If your family is anything like mine, we can never all fit at the same table at the same time. So how do you unleash your inner “Decorator Extraordinaire” when the hallmark of Easter dinner is the dining room table?

Start with the first things guests will see upon arrival, your front yard and your entry doorway. For the door, use pink, purple, or any pastel color wrapping paper to cover the door.

Then hang a colorful door wreath, flower basket, or vintage photo frame. Make sure your wreath includes eggs, ribbon, or any other miniature décor items that match your color scheme and theme.

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Easter Ele

But don’t stop with the outside door.

Continue the decorating theme and use Easter colors and patterns throughout the house. Decorate the interior doors with the same colored or patterned paper. Pink polka dots and stripes would look amazing! For the bathroom, change out your soap dishes and shower curtains to the coordinating color palette. Add a cute jar of pastel eggs wrapped in ribbon to the sink counter or on the top of the toilet tank.

And don’t forget to add spring scented hand soap and candles.

evated

Make a Bunny Bar, complete with alcoholic beverages and nice barware for adults, and cute bunny inspired treats for the kiddos. If you can recruit a bartender, dress them up in a cute bunny costume to serve your guests.

Now, it’s time to move on to the focal point of your Easter dinner, the table.

This will ensure you don’t lose any seating on the ends. Build your centerpiece with a base of artificial grass or a narrow piece of fabric.

Start with a beautiful floral arrangement at the center, then add decorated containers for forks, spoons, knives, and straws on either side.

Continue working your way down the middle of Start with a pastelthe table, adding more colored tablecloth to match your dĂŠcor. Place smaller florals, easter a runner down the center eggs, or bunny rabbits to the runner. of the table that curves toward the corners.

My family typically has potlucks. But everyone brings their own dish, and no one else shares my obsession with color coordinating. This makes it very difficult to create a nice colorful display of food. So I decided to design an Easter-themed utensil station as the centerpiece for dining.

Light up the night as guests leave with these multi-colored LED Easter eggs!

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MARKITA PICKETT

Markita Pickett

Laborer Local 76

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FACE OF

B/ACE In honor of Women’s History Month we chose Markita Pickett to shine this quarter’s spotlight! Not only does she love her career but she loves the Lord!

Leaning on her faith as she navigates the world of construction and claims her place in it.

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B

orn and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Markita Pickett got her start as a laborer in 2006, at the advice of her father. Although she admits she’s faced her share of challenges along the way, the journeywoman says she wouldn’t change a thing.

Pickett told us how she found her way into a career she loves, and why one of her first jobs is the one that she’s most proud of.

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How did you get into construction in the first place?

My father turned me on to it. He was a construction worker, and I’ve almost always followed in his footsteps. I didn’t like it in the beginning.

For the first 90 days, I had my mouth poked out. I said, “This ain’t me.” But construction is my passion. I love it.

I wouldn’t do anything else.

Interestingly, your dad suggested that you get involved in an industry that isn’t traditionally friendly to women. Did he give you any advice before you started?

He said, “this is a tough business, but you’re a tough girl.” I’m the only child my mother ever had, and even though my father didn’t raise me, he was still a part of my life. I was raised by a wonderful man,

but I always followed in my dad’s footsteps.

He retired from construction, and I’m going to retire from it.

number one in my book.

Have things gotten better for women since you started?

B

What was your experience like in the beginning?

I definitely had to prove myself. I had to show that a woman can do this job as well, if not better than a man. I got some backlash here and there, but I stood my ground, and I’m still standing it. I’m here, and they’re not going to push me out.

What were some of the biggest challenges you had to face?

The toughest thing was having to prove myself.

If I had to go to a different company, I had to reestablish myself and let people know that I was capable of doing the work. But I’ve been working for R. Olson Construction Company off and on since 2016, and I would never want to go anywhere else.

They are one of the best companies I’ve ever worked for. They’re very organized, flexible, and considerate. They’re

Yes, they have. Women are treated more fairly.

There still is a way to go, but we’ve been able to break down some barriers.

Can you tell me about a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

I helped build Rush Hospital. That was actually my first job.

I met a lot of friends there, including one of my best friends, who I lost. And my grandson was born there. I visited someone there who was sick. And when I walked into that hospital knowing that I was directly involved in building a place that saves lives, it really touched my soul. It’s one of my proudest projects.

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6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

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Have any women helped you along the way in your career?

When I was going to walk away [from construction], one of my good friends, Tamika Holt, encouraged me to stick with it. She was one of my mentors. When the going got tough, she wouldn’t let me give up.

What’s next for your career?

I would like to be out in the field, and still have my hands in the construction industry. But when I walk away from construction for good, I would like to take my retirement money and buy a laundromat...or laundromats [laughs].

What advice would you give young women who are interested in a career in construction?

Do it. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. The good outweighs the bad, but you have to be strong.

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Elle’s Quest For Love Continues...

Elle Noir

Love Quest

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So, I’m still on my quest for love, and a lot has happened since I last checked in. I met a great guy.

Let’s call him John. John and I hit it off and had an amazing chat conversation. And when we took things offline, we spent about three hours talking on the phone. We learned that we had a lot of common interests, and made plans for the weekend after Christmas to go on our first date. But guess what? There was no date! John went MIA on me,

only to pop up a month later with a new number. He explained his disappearance, and now, he only sends “good morning” texts.

Needless to say, I was pissed. I couldn’t believe this guy ghosted me! When someone disappears on you with no real explanation, it can make you feel some type of way about yourself. Did I come on too strong? Did I say the wrong thing?

But I reminded myself that it was his

loss. Someone better is coming.

I’ve been so open to this dating thing, that I’m even looking at other races and cultures. I met a guy from Sudan who asked me out for coffee.

I agreed, but we never met. He kept asking me about my sex drive, and he was BLOCKED! I’ve been meeting a lot of guys of all races, but I’ve also had to beware of random DMs from guys who confess their love after a day of chatting. These are especially scary since we aren’t friends on social media. Creepy!

Guys, is it really hard to plan an actual date and follow through with it? Saying, “Let’s get together and see what happens,” is not a date.

You coming over to chill is not a date. We all have different ideas of what a first date should look like.

But for me, TGI Fridays, Chili’s, and Applebee’s are not the best places for a first date. I’m just saying.

‘‘If someone ghosted you or went MIA on you, don’t feel bad.

It’s their loss.’’

There are times I want to throw in the towel. But every time I get ready to deactivate my dating profiles, something tells me to be patient.

Through this process, I’m learning that you have to kiss some frogs to get to your prince. And you need a lot of patience! Over the past six months, I’ve gained four new text buddies, and I’m no closer to love than I was before. But I will remain hopeful as I navigate this dating jungle.

Catch up with Elle’s Quest for Love in our Summer issue, If you have a love quest journey and are willing to share, please email us at contact@bacemagazine.com with the subject “Love Quest.”

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Diversity

Divas

A

s we celebrate Women’s History Month, I thought it would only be fitting to highlight those women who are fighting alongside me in the struggle for more diversity and inclusion. Like me, Alicia GarciaAbner and Ta Jauna Tang leaped faith and launched their own businesses, bringing their style, expertise, and temperament to a historically maledominated industry. While many see us as competitors, we see each other as allies in the fight for inclusion. You already know me and Communities Empowered Through Construction.

Now I want to introduce you to my sister girls who are also doing their thang!

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Alicia Garcia-Abner

Rachel Ivy

TaJuana Tang 53 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

A

licia Garcia-Abner has always believed in the importance of diversity in the workplace.

Among the positions on her impressive resume, was a tenure as the Director of Certification for the City of Chicago’s Department of Procurement, where she was responsible for the city’s MBE, WBE, DBE program. But as she continued to grow frustrated that many of her recommendations 54 BACEMAGAZINE.COM

were falling on deaf ears, she decided to use her passion and experience to start a firm of her own.

“While I had a little energy left, I decided that if I could work this hard for other folks, I could work this hard for myself,” she said. So Garcia-Aber launched Trinal, a diversity and inclusion consulting company, to ensure long-term employment opportunities for minorities and women. Trinal works to develop hiring policies and procedures designed to ensure a diverse workplace, in addition to their suite of

services. Trinal’s clients come from both the public and private sectors and have included municipalities, hospitals, and general contractors. She also works with third parties, including CEC, to develop workforce hiring, job training, and mentorship programs that she can present to the contractors and vendors she consults.

While working on policies to level the playing field for minorities, Garcia-Abner knew she’d need to be able to track and report the results of her efforts. So she

began developing a global project tracking system. What started as an Access program, was rolled out as a web-based tracking tool in 2011. Today, Garcia-Abner is the only black female in Chicago to own the codes to such a program.

When it comes to self-care, Garcia-Abner admits that she could do a better job. Her work keeps her busy, even when she’s home, leaving little time for her to relax. She says that women, in particular, need to make their health a priority, and take time to connect with their families.

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T

aJuana Tang has worked to improve diversity in the construction industry since she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Management at Lewis University. She eventually landed at the renowned general contracting form, Skender Construction, where she spent nearly seven years as Director of Diversity. Tang lost her job at Skender in the wake of the 2008 economic recession. But rather than looking for work at another firm, she decided to launch her own. Today, she is President of Tandem Ventures, a boutique economic development consulting firm. Tang works with her clients to manage and implement regulatory compliance strategies, as well as foster community engagement for development projects.

Despite the disparity between the sexes in the industry, Tang says she is blessed to have the support of men, who she calls her industry brothers, who have looked out for her, and helped connect her with opportunities. However she says she’d like to see more women-owned firms pool their resources and talents to accomplish their goals, which are often aligned.

TaJuana Tang “I was one of those people who was taught that there is room for everyone at the table. I don’t have to pull a chair away from the table to take away from you being there. So for me, it’s easier to pull a chair up and invite you to the table so we all eat together,” she says.

Tang admits that there needs to be a culture shift before women in the trades are treated equally. She sees it as her personal responsibility to speak up for other women who are afraid to call out negative experiences because they can’t afford to put their jobs on the line. “I always say that there is so much beauty in vulnerability.

So, if I can inspire another girl or woman after hearing my story of speaking up, maybe she will speak up too,” she says.

When she’s not working, Tang makes selfcare a priority and says the spa is one of her favorite places to unwind. She includes a trip to Allyu (600 W. Chicago Ave.) for a massage and facial in her monthly budget. She also enjoys a nice glass of wine when she can. But saying “no,” when necessary, is one of the most important things she does to keep herself balanced and stress-free. “Self-care for me is not overextending yourself,” she says

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Style Station

W

hat do Easter, The Kentucky Derby, and Mother’s Day all have in common? For starters, they all take place in the spring.

And they all call for you to top off your best look with an extravagant hat.

I always admire the mothers at my church, as they strut in on Sundays in their decorative hats.

And although I can’t officially submit my application for the Church Mother’s board, I do enjoy any occasion that allows me to channel their sense of beautifully ornate style.

Hats are a work of art, which is probably why I love them.

And because they are art, it’s important to remember to keep the rest of your outfit simple.

Maintain clean lines and styles so that your hat pulls all of the focus when you step into the room.

Whether you are wearing them for style or protection, hats are all about attitude. Here are a few hot hats and matching outfits that are perfect for spring!

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“

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.

“

Rachel Zoe

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Fun Fact: The Panama hat isn’t made in Panama. It’s actually made in Ecuador.

Did you know?

The fedora was introduced in the late 1800s as a woman’s hat and became a symbol of the women’s rights movement.

Sty Sta

Sources: http://www.historyofhats.net/hat-facts/interesting-facts-about-hats/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/03/03/celebrity-auction-pharrell-williams-hat/5967493/

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Did you know?

yle ation

Pharrell Williams’ infamous oversized Vivienne Westwood hat that he wore to the 2014 Grammy Awards was auctioned to fast-food chain Arby’s for $44,100.

The proceeds went to a children’s educational charity.

Fun Fact:

A Wyoming law makes it illegal to wear a hat that obstructs another person’s view in a theater or other public venue.

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Hairstyles Then and Now

Rinse.

Wash.

Repeat.

When it comes to beauty trends, what’s old is often new again. Popular hair and makeup styles change with the seasons, but some of them manage to find their way back into the spotlight years later. This spring, you may be surprised to see that some of your favorite hairstyles from the past have made a comeback.

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Braids with Beads

French Roll

French Roll is a classically chic updo that is perfect for just about any occasion. You can dress it up with glittery hairpins for a night out on the town, or make it messy for a day of errands.

High Ponytail

Prince Akeem may not have chosen Princess Imani to be his wife, but Coming to America fans will never forget her voluminous high ponytail.

This simple style lets your long locks flow while keeping hair out of your face.

In the 70s and 80s, R&B singer and songwriter Patrice Rushen was known as much for her iconic beaded braids as her hit songs. Who could forget her 1982 Straight from the Heart album cover?

Talk about serving some serious Black Girl Magic!

Beaded braids have never gone out of style.

Finger Waves Finger waves gained popularity in the 1920s as the style commonly worn by the flappers of the Jazz Age. The waves made a comeback in the 90s when everyone from Missy Elliot to Madonna was rocking the sleek and sexy look. Now the style has found new life in 2020 on designer runways everywhere.

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FINDING

LIGHT AFTER DARK Losing a loved one is never easy, yet grief is a natural part of human existence. The grieving process is personal.

It has no set length of time, and no two people experience it in the same way. This fact often makes it difficult for others to know exactly how to support someone through the grieving process. Women often have the added task of keeping their families together while managing their grief, making the process even more difficult.

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We spoke with two women who recently experienced the deaths of close loved ones. In our candid conversations, they shared the stories of their grieving process, and how they have managed to find the strength to keep going after experiencing such personal loss. *** In 2019, Kenyatta Fletcher was dealt with a double dose of grief. In a matter of months, she lost two very important people in her life. She lost one of her best friends of over 25 years after a two-year battle with an aggressive

form of breast cancer. Six months later, Fletcher’s husband died unexpectedly of a heart attack, less than a week after his 40th birthday.

Fletcher, who is a therapist, was familiar with all of the stages of grief. But despite dealing with two tragic losses so close together, she says she never felt angry. Instead, she credits her mother and her faith in God with helping her make sense of it all and find peace. “The loss of my best friend gave me more insight into my mortality and life in general. The death

“The loss of my best friend gave me more insight into my mortality and life in general. The death of my husband gave me more confirmation of why I chose to live a life that has the least amount of stress in it,” of my husband gave me more confirmation of why I chose to live a life that has the least amount of stress in it,” she says.

Fletcher says she and the surviving members of her friend group

choose to remember the good times they had together, rather than dwell on the sadness of the loss. They also spend as much time as they can with the two children she left behind.

The connection they share with the children helps them hold on to a little piece of the friend they lost.

“I tell her that her dad is with her in spirit. I try to focus on their relationship, and let her know that his presence is always felt.”

As she looks ahead, Fletcher says the experience has reminded her to value genuine connections with others. Knowing that she is not alone In addition to managing her own grief, has helped her move towards a new Fletcher does what she can to be a normal. support system for her stepdaughter, who has had to learn to adjust to life without her father.

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“It’s hard to lose someone you’ve fought for your whole life”.

C

ornicki Bornds lost her only son in April of 2017 when he was only 19-years-old.

After playing basketball with friends at a neighborhood park, he was killed when a shooter opened fire in the park. Less than a week before his birthday, Bornds went from planning her son’s first flight to planning his funeral.

Although Bornds had lots of support through the grieving process, including family members and her church community, it wasn’t enough to help the grief-stricken mother deal with the overwhelming pain that came with losing her son just months before his college graduation.

“It’s hard to lose someone you’ve fought for your whole life. You fight to get your child through grade school, high school, and the first year of college safely. And when you lose them after all of that fight, it hits you in a place where you really can’t regain your breath,” she said.

Three years after her son’s tragic death, Bornds is using her experience to help other moms who have lost

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their children to gun violence or reckless homicide. After attending sessions at a grief support group on the North Side, she started HUG (Help Understanding Grief), as a safe space for mothers in her West Side community to share their feelings.

“Our community was hurting, but no one was coming to help us deal with it. Families were losing loved ones, and all we could do was show up at their house with food,” she said.

Bornds has also found a special way to honor her son’s memory in April since his birthday was so close to the day he died. For the past two years, she’s hosted a basketball game where she gives away small scholarships to two deserving high school basketball players.

“The money I would normally give [my son] for his birthday, I give to high school students who play basketball,” she says.

Bornds says she is still grieving the loss of her son, but she hopes to be able to get back to taking care of herself soon. She says one of the best things people can do to help someone who is grieving is to ask the person what they need, whether it’s time alone with their thoughts or a shoulder to cry on.

And if you see danger signs such as excessive drinking or drug use, be sure to point it out and help that person get the support they need to deal with their issues.

“It’s always good to have a person around who can see the signs and say something to you about it, even if you don’t want to hear it,” she says.

“

One of the best things people can do to help someone who is grieving is to ask the person what they need, whether it’s time alone with their thoughts or a shoulder to cry on.

“

UNDERSTANDING GRIEF AND LOSS A CONVERSATION WITH DONNA BAPTISTE, ED.D, LCP, LMFT The death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others shocked us all.

The news of the tragic helicopter crash left so many to question why bad things happen to good people, and how people who have so much to offer the world can be taken from us so suddenly. Most of us never met any of the victims, but the loss still felt extremely personal to millions of fans around the world. We wanted to make sense of it all, so we spoke with Donna Baptiste, Ed.D, LCP, LMFT, Department Chair and Clinical Professor in the Graduate Program in Counseling at The Family Institute at Northwestern University about ways to deal with loss and how to support others through the grieving process.

Why do you think there was such an outpouring of emotion for someone most of us barely knew?

There was a shocking sense of loss for someone who was loved and respected. He was doing good in the world, which makes us wonder why something so terrible would happen to someone like that. It makes us feel helpless, and it leads us to think about our lives and our mortality.

The death of a loved one can bring on lots of emotions, including sadness, grief, and anger. How can people manage those emotions as they go through the grieving process?

Every experience of loss doesn’t have the same effect. The context of death matters to how we experience it. When you have a chance to prepare for a loss, you have time for anticipatory grieving. The loss will still be hard, but you can prepare for it.

One of the most tragic parts of the loss of Kobe and his daughter is that his wife Vanessa has to grieve while still being a mother to her surviving children.

How would a therapist help her process that?

Other kinds of losses leave you with no capacity to prepare, and those are the hardest. A violent or sudden loss involves a complex grieving process.

In those circumstances, most people need the assistance of a counselor.

It’s tough for parents to manage their grief along with the grief of their children. Vanessa needs to know that her therapist is a compassionate witness to her suffering. Some people want to look away in the face of suffering, but I believe that we should stay in the presence of this horrific When clients come to me, I event. I do this with a variety of first try to understand the loss techniques. We don’t do a lot of narrative, so I know what I’m talking. Sometimes, I use silence. dealing with. Then I can identify There are other times that I cry the strategy I need to use to help with my clients. During this time, them cope. it’s more about the compassion of presence.

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Is there anything wrong with not expressing emotion right away?

Feeling emotion and expressing emotion are two different things. Not everyone cries.

Some people have a quieter experience. I’m more concerned with giving people space to understand their emotions so they can take care of themselves and their dependents in the middle of it. My goal is to help my clients find the closure they need to reconnect with their normal routines. Then, we can work on an identity shift, when you say, “I’m a widow” or “I’m the mother of a child who died.”

That is significant because it has implications on how people see you and how you see yourself. And when you can come to a place of acceptance, there is a transition into a new normal.

Grief is a very ordinary life experience. It was meant to be experienced at the death of a person or when something major is taken away. It is survivable. It is meant to be temporary. Time is the friend that holds the hand of the person in grief.

What is the best way to support someone who is grieving?

It’s intrusive when people become voyeurs to loss and want to tell you about their parallel experiences. They ask questions like, “Were you there when they died?” or “Did they give signs?” During this time, it’s not about you. It’s about the person who is grieving. Our grief about Kobe should not weigh down his family’s grief.

What should you do if you don’t have the resources to seek mental health support after a loss?

It’s my honest opinion that the majority of losses don’t need mental health support.

Most people have friends and loved ones to help them get through the grieving process.

Religious communities and books can also help. However, people who suffer complex loss, such as Kobe Bryant’s family can almost always benefit from mental health support.

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“The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it.

You will heal, and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same.

Nor should you be the same Nor would you want to.”

— Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

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Evolution

or Not ?

THE EVOLUTION OF WOMEN

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For centuries, women have been considered the primary caretakers and nurturers of their families, while men have held on to positions of power in government and business.

Women have had to fight for opportunities in practically every industry.

But as time passes, our culture continues to evolve. And despite some long-standing ideas of traditional gender roles, people are moving away from the belief that women should be seen and not heard. We wanted to know for ourselves just how far we’ve come. So we surveyed a group to understand how they view women’s roles today.

Our panel was split on the idea of traditional gender roles. Only 43 percent think it’s okay for a woman to be the sole provider for their household. But they do believe that a woman is more than ready to take on the highest office in the land, with 98 percent responding that they have no problem with having a woman for president.

When it comes to dating, our survey respondents told us that the days of waiting for a man to make the first move are in the past. 83 percent think it’s okay for a woman to ask a man out on a date. And if he accepts her offer, 72 percent believe that the woman should pick up the check. But when it’s time to pop the question, 70 percent of respondents still feel that a man should be the one getting down on bended knee.

YES: 67%

NO: 33%

YES: 75%

NO: 25%

YES: 71%

Is it okay for women to be the sole provider for their household?

Should you take a man with you to a car dealership?

Is it okay for a woman to date more than one man at a time?

Is it okay for your significant other to have a best friend of the opposite sex?

Here are the results Survey Respondents WOMEN: 83%, MEN: 17%

NO: 29%

YES: 43%

NO: 57%

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COMMUNITIES EMPOWERED THROUGH CONSTRUCTION The CEC is committed to community. We believe that every community has qualified candidates who would love to be a part of the ongoing developments in their communities. We are constantly looking for potential candidates who are currently in the construction industry or who have a desire to be in the industry. If you are looking to join our network, please complete the Online Application. www.communities4construction.com

Website: communities4construction.com Phone: 312-989-3903 Fax: 312-989-3910 Address: 2532 W. Warren Blvd Chicago, IL 60612

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