Phone: 312-989-3903
Fax: 312-989-3910
Address: 2532 W. Warren Blvd Chicago, IL 60612
The CEC is committed to the community. We believe that every community has qualified candidates who would love to be a part of the ongoing developments around them. We are constantly looking for potential candidates who are currently working in construction or have a desire to be in the industry.
If you are looking to join our network, please complete our Online Application at www.communities4construction.com.
In my Toni! Tony! Tone! Voice, “It’s our Anniversary!” My, my does time fly. It has been 5 years of project spotlights, Subcontractors You Should Know and cover pages of Chicago’s finest construction faces. A big thank you to my wonderful team over the years and all the companies that continually support our efforts. We are successful because the construction community is committed to seeing us shine and for that we are eternally grateful. So here’s to 5 years in the books and another 5 years to come!
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My chiropractor says I need to retire my big tote bag because it was damaging my shoulder and a clear source of my back pain.
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I love the holidays. Not only is it a time to spruce up interiors, but it’s also a moment to create a welcoming space for family and friends.
14 - COMPLETED PROJECT
The new University of Illinois Outpatient Surgery Center & Specialty Clinics
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Studies show that consumer debt grew by $800 billion in the past year, making now the right time to evaluate your financial literacy.
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360 North Green is a premier mixeduse development located in the heart of Fulton Market, one of Chicago’s fastest growing neighborhoods.
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This dating thing is not for the faint of heart
22 - SUBCONTRACTOR YOU SHOULD KNOW
26 - FACE OF B/ACE
Levontae is beating all odds.
32 - RED AFFAIR
Brenita’s picks are coming in red hot this season. Somebody grab a water hose because the lipstick colors are on FIRE!!!!
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40 - HOLIDAY COCKTAIL
This holiday season impress your guest with a simply complexed mimosa called “The Mi-Mistletoe”.
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An interview with Bryant Salmeron.
Oh my, where did the time go? It doesn’t seem like it has been five years since we launched our first issue of B/ACE Magazine as something that would engage and bring more awareness to our construction community. As I reflect on these past five years, my heart is full. We have promoted over 30 projects, styled and featured 30 Faces of B/ACE, and built relationships with community residents, city officials, community organizations, and major players in the construction industry. We have had amazing conversations with some people, countless interviews, early morning photo shoots, editorial delays, and late nights in hopes of creating something our community would be proud of. And this month’s issue is no different!
Finding writers and editors is still challenging, but we are committed to showcasing and highlighting our community. These challenges are just forcing us to get comfortable with our gifts and think creatively. Sometimes I question if it is even worth it. But once I see our finished product, I can confidently answer yes!
None of this would be possible without my team! I am eternally grateful for their commitment, willingness to wear multiple hats, and constant encouragement when things get rocky. I thank the amazing
General Contractors like Power Construction and the Onni Group, who support us by connecting us to resources and sharing their team and knowledge. And a special thank you goes to all of the subcontractors and Faces of B/ACE who give their time and are more than willing to go along with my shenanigans.
As 2022 draws to a close, this issue is dedicated to helping you reflect on a wonderful year, enjoy the holiday season, and of course, prep for the New Year! We have some amazing cocktail recipes to help you usher in the holiday spirit. And you have to say a little prayer for Elle’s Love Life. After reading about her experience, I was cussing – and I don’t curse! And be sure to check out Remembering 2022 and get your homework done before the New Year.
Speaking of the New Year, we are excited to share our Motivating Mission Statement for the upcoming year. “We are looking to ELEVATE the level of ENGAGEMENT and ENCOURAGE our readers to aim for EXPONENTIAL personal and professional growth.” Here at B/ACE, we truly believe in following that thing that drives you and sets your soul on fire. This quote by Mac Anderson says it best, “Your dreams are
the blueprints of your soul. They should take you by the hands and lead you toward your life’s purpose and passion. They are one of, if not the greatest, source of self-motivation that you have. So nurture them and feed them inspiration whenever you can.” Let’s get ready to elevate!
In closing, our team would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and send prayers for a very prosperous New Year!
“Your dreams are the blueprints of your soul. They should take you by the hands and lead you toward your life’s purpose and passion. They are one of, if not the greatest, source of self-motivation that you have. So nurture them and feed them inspiration whenever you can.”
I was on a road trip and we stopped in the infamous Boom Land. It’s the truck stop Iocated near the Kentucky-IllinoisTennessee Border. These were the best pecans I have had in a long time.
This is the answer to all my hydration problems! All I need is a gentle reminder to drink my water. Makes a perfect gift for an outdoor construction tradesman/woman.
The perfect gift for the powder room and guest bedroom. One of my good friends just purchased a beautiful lake house and she will definetly be getting some of these.
My chiropractor says I need to retire my big tote bag because it was damaging my shoulder and a clear source of my back pain. As a result, I love a cute small handbag that can double as a purse or a cute clutch.
OOH!!! I LOVE Taffy APPLES!
Black-Owned Brand
These handcrafted leather goods is perfect for the construction professional. They are durable but very fashionable.
The worn leather look on this laptop bag is stunning MADE LEATHER CO https://madeleathercompany.com/
I love the holidays. Not only is it a time to spruce up interiors, but it’s also a moment to create a welcoming space for family and friends. A few small tips can make a holiday shift easy. No matter what holiday you celebrate from Christmas to Kwanzaa, these tips will get you started.
Certain smells attach to lasting memories. I love a bowl or basket of real pine cones or a scented candle/diffuser to allow guests to breathe in the season.
Decorative bowls with holiday-shaped treats (especially candy canes) always feels like a celebration.
Watching movies, relaxing by the fire, and enjoying extra days off at holiday time requires a fluffy throw blanket. It is perfectly ok for adults to have a “blanky” too.
A neutral wreath can be dressed up for every holiday. This saves money and storage space. And it’s fun to be creative with adding ornaments, bows, and other plantings.
The best thing about holiday decor is color! You can choose any colors you like and find ornaments and festive decor that will work. The holiday is no longer just about red and green. A tree or wreath with warm lights and personal touches makes the holiday your own.
The new University of Illinois Outpatient Surgery Center & Specialty Clinics consists of 205,000 sf Outpatient Surgery Center and Specialty Clinic, which holds six floors of patient care plus basement and penthouse mechanical spaces. Departments in the building include Outpatient Pharmacy, Imaging with MRI and Pet CT, Transplant Clinic, Urology Clinic, Sterile Processing, Perioperative Services with 8 ORs, and clinics for Gastroenterology (8 procedure rooms), Transplant, Ophthalmology, and Otolaryngology. A two-story bridge over Taylor Street connects this facility to the existing hospital. Building construction is a structural steel frame with an exterior of architectural precast panels and curtainwall. The joint venture team of Pepper/Brown&Momen built this project for Ankura, a private developer who is in a Public-Private-Partnership agreement with UI Health.
A FEW OF THE COMMUNITY CANDIDATES WHO WORKED ON THIS PROJECT.
Studies show that consumer debt grew by $800 billion in the past year, making now the right time to evaluate your financial literacy. Financial literacy analyzes your ability to effectively manage different areas of your finances, from credit cards and taxes to investments and savings. Building a strong foundation with money management allows you to avoid becoming a part of the growing debt statistic.
One of the main areas individuals struggle with is credit card management. Credit cards can be a great tool when properly used. But most Americans charge more than they are able to pay. Every month you have an outstanding balance, you accumulate interest charges which can range up to 30 percent. This means you are being charged $30 in interest for a $100 purchase you don’t pay off right away. Avoiding interest is fundamental to financial literacy and allows you to spend your hard-earned money elsewhere.
As the old saying goes, “there are only two things in life that are certain: death and taxes.” Taxes are inevitable, but there are ways you can minimize your burden legally. The first type of tax you will see is payroll taxes. These are the amounts your employer withholds from your paycheck. Choosing the right withholding rate can help you avoid underpaying when you file your income tax return. Take a look at your last paycheck to
see the amounts you are currently withholding and if adjustments are needed.
Once you get a grasp on the money you are currently spending, you can make changes to generate excess income for investments. Investments can be confusing, as there are many different types, including stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, real estate, and mortgages. You don’t need thousands of dollars to begin investing. Skipping one Starbucks run a week or buying one less piece of clothing can free up cash for investments.
Building up a savings account is not only helpful for unexpected
expenses, but it can also help you reach your financial goals faster. Every individual should have an emergency fund that covers at least six months of expenses in the event of a job loss or unexpected cost. It may take time to build up this cash reserve, but you will have peace of mind once it’s there. Additionally, putting the money in a high-yield savings account can help you generate extra income to reach your goals.
Credit cards, taxes, investments and savings are four financial literacy basics you need to know. For more information on financial literacy reach out to B/ ACE Magazines financial expert, Tamara Dervin. You can follow her @iammoneybasics for more professional advice.
360 North Green is a premier mixed-use development located in the heart of Fulton Market, one of Chicago’s fastest growing neighborhoods. Designed by Gensler, the approximately 500,000 square-foot building features creative amenity, retail and office spaces that exceed today’s standards for Class A development. Inside, large, flexible floor plates and soaring ceiling heights allow for a customized build-to-suit experience, and full-service amenities such as an expansive fitness deck and indoor/outdoor lounges create a next-level tenant experience.
Hey, guys. I know it’s been a while, but your girl had to take a break and regroup. This dating thing is not for the faint of heart. Make sure you know yourself and your worth.
I met Jacob about four years ago through my job. We mingled in some of the same circles. He was a tall, muscular, older guy. And his skin looked like it had been preserved by the gods! We always had wonderful conversations whenever we ran into each other at events. He even dropped me off at home a few times. Jacob never talked about having a significant other, only about his kids.
This year, Jacob offered to take me out for dinner for my birthday. I could pick any place I wanted to go. I can honestly
say we both were a bit nervous, but the conversation flowed. We talked about our childhoods and what we looked for in a mate. Jacob listened, asked questions, and was attentive and affectionate.
“This dating thing is not for the faint of heart”.
A few days later, Jacob called and asked when we were going out again. Now y’all, this was music to your girl’s ears. We planned to go out that upcoming Sunday. Our chemistry was amazing, and he told me he’s had a crush on me for the past four years. He was just as shocked to learn that I felt the same way about him. Neither of us said anything to the other because we didn’t know the other’s status and didn’t want to get others involved to find out. LOL.
Our first kiss was magical. Bells and doves were flying above us, just like in the movies. But I should have known this shit was too good to be true. I couldn’t believe that this perfect catch was single. I told him I couldn’t believe no one had snatched him up. He would laugh or start talking about something else. My gut wouldn’t let
me drop it, especially since we were getting closer and making real plans. We were talking about having a future. But on this particular day, when I commented, Jacob said something that stopped me in my tracks. He said, “I always said I would be honest and upfront with you,” he started. “I’m not married, but I do have someone in my life.” Baby, I saw RED!! Why would you attempt to awaken my heart when you have no intentions of caring for it!?
Jacob claimed he did not know things would progress the way they did. But if he was in a relationship, we should never have gone on a date. Jacob basically wants me to be his side chick until he decides he is ready to leave the current chick. Dude, you got me all the way f*cked up!!!
So your girl is putting her dating shoes on the shelf. I’m gonna continue to focus on myself and 15 side hustles. I’ll let God set me up in the right place at the right time to meet my Forever Mate.
This is the mission statement spoken by Julian Vertison and Karl Ferell, the co-owners of Vertison Velocity, a drywall and painting subcontracting business formed in 2017.
Julian is a 2017 graduate of Dawson Technical School apprenticeship program. After graduation, he worked multiple small projects until becoming a signatory union contractor in 2021. “For four years, I learned painting, drywalling and finishing and then once I was done with the program, my skillset began to evolve.”
Karl started in the trades in 2000 through Job Corps. “I got into the Carpenter’s Union in 2002. After that, I became licensed, bonded
and insured, then worked for myself for a while.”
Julian and Karl were introduced to each other by a carpentry instructor that they both knew. Julian approached Karl about joining him in a partnership. “We both are go-getters and when we realized that we had similar backgrounds, it felt normal for us to begin working together,’’ says Karl. “Risk and confidence go together. We were both confident that we would succeed,” Julian also stated.
After Vertison Velocity became union certified, their first project began in 2022 with Project and Construction (PAC) Leaders. The company has subsequently worked on a total of 4 union projects since then. “Once we were referred by LaFrancis Ivy of Communities Empowered Through Construction, our business just took off.”
Today, Vertison Velocity is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), (BBE),(CMS) and a Section 3 Company. When asked how competitive the field of construction was when you are a new start up, both Julian and Karl began to give their take on what Vertison Velocity does differently than other companies to make them stand out.
“It’s our ability to deliver good quality work, with a good attitude, that keeps us competitive and in demand” Julian says. He adds that there are also other challenges that occur when running a business, primarily the administrative and budgeting aspects. “We love the physicality of the projects that we work on, but I have to tell you that it is the office work that can become very hectic at times!” Julian goes on to say, “It’s the language of the paperwork and filing the forms that can sometimes be challenging, but it’s all worth it. Of course, there are budgeting challenges, but we always make sure that we budget accordingly when we take on a new project.”
Finally, when asked how both of their lives have changed since the formation of their successful partnership, Karl says, “It has improved both of our lives drastically by giving us more time to be with our families and to be present in our children’s lives.”
If their name is any indication of their rising progress in the construction world, it looks like Vertison Velocity, is headed in high speed down the road of success.
“Our goal is to win in the competitive construction field by providing quality work and then using this momentum to reach back and help our community. We aim to provide jobs and opportunities to others!”
This year I am doing something a bit different. Normally I would jump right in and start writing down my accomplishments from the current year and immediately start my New Year’s resolutions. But 2022 was an amazing year for me, and I want to hold on to those memories – traveling with my little ones, dancing to a New Orleans second line, latenight chats at Café Du Monde, and Fridays at the House. These are just a few of the memories I want to treasure.
I read some great inspirational books and was blessed with some quotes that have really encouraged my heart. I also want to remember when I was in the valley of life this year because in remembering the valleys, there was personal growth. It reminds me of my strength, courage, and those who loved me right on up to the mountaintop. I want to remember, as my grandmother would say, “How I got over.”
So grab a pencil and answer a few of the questions to help you capture some of the best and worst that 2022 had to offer.
1) Describe a time when you laughed until you cried.
What was your favorite quote of 2022?
Who was that 1 person that you called all year long?
What broke your heart and brought you to tears?
What was by far your best day of the year? Who was there?
What show did you binge-watch?
Fill in the Blank: “Experiencing _____ almost took me out, But ___ loved me through it.
did you find the most inspirational this year and why?
What did you learn new this year?
The Most Courageous Person of the Year Award goes to___________?
of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.
As he goes into his third year as a carpentry apprentice, Lavonte Solid reflects on how he has beaten the odds. Making the transition from the streets of Chicago’s west side was difficult. But Lavonte found a way out. A graduate of Prosser High School, he once majored in auto mechanics.
“I have always entertained the thought of being a carpentwer. But at times it seems like it was something that was not meant to be,” he said. “I have always been good with my hands! My Grandmother used to always ask me to fix things around the house so it came naturally to me.”
After high school, Lavonte went to work for a couple of manufacturing companies where he learned how to repair the machines without the mechanic if they broke down. “You learn a lot of things working on the manufacturing line, especially how to be selfsufficient,” he said.
During his time in manufacturing, Solid enrolled in college. He attended Triton College in Melrose Park IL, where he obtained an Associate’s Degree
in Criminal Justice. “I was making minimum wage while in manufacturing, so I figured my chances of getting a higher paying opportunity would be better once I graduated,” he said. But a job did not manifest as quickly as he thought it would, and Lavontae began to take up other activities.
Not being able to procure employment the way he thought he would, Lavontae began to make very risky decisions to make money. Many of them were so risky that they eventually cost him his freedom and time away from his loved ones and friends.
Lavonte spent a year incarcerated. And while he was there, he thought about the decisions that led him to this point. “I have to admit that I was involved in some very nefarious things while in the street. I really regret that now,” he said, “I let a lot of people I love down, especially my child who I could not be there for.”
Incarceration was the turning point in Lavonte’s life. Upon his release, he was able to once again feel the warm embrace of his family. From there he made a vow to never again go back to prison, and he began rebuilding his life.
Lavonte enrolled in a special program for road construction called the T-Cart Initiative. This initiative was ran by the Illinois Department of Transportation. However, the program’s funding was cut by then-Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration, and Solid never obtained his certificate.
He returned to the manufacturing field where he worked for a box company and was an order selector for Coca-Cola. But after
forging a friendship with the landlord of an apartment he was renting, Solid remembered that he always had an interest in remodeling homes.
“I was talking to him about how I always had the desire to do what he did, which was carpentry and remodeling homes. He then told me about Lafrancis Ivy of Communities Empowered through Construction (CEC).
“I called her up and made an appointment to come in and see her. Ms. Ivy was listening to me, but a lot of times they have to make sure you are the right fit for this opportunity. She crossed all of the T’s and dotted all of the I’s,” he added. “The real question she was asking was if I was ready! After the interview, she drug-tested me right away. I passed, and everything
began to fall into place.” That was over two years ago.
These days, Lavonte often reflects on his challenges and how far he has come. A childhood friend who went through a similar experience and is now a computer technician feels the same way. “Man, we made it!” he said. “We came from standing on the corner together to now both having our separate careers with very bright futures ahead of us!”
When asked about how he thinks his mother and grandmother would react to his success and being on the cover of a industry magazine, a comforting smile appears on Lavonte’s face.
“My grandmother is no longer alive, but along with my mother who still is, they both would be super excited. She is going to show all of her friends, everyone!” he said. “My father is going to be proud of me too! He always tells me whenever I see him, how proud he is of me.”
Now married with three children, Lavonte plans to use construction to build generational wealth for himself and his family by buying and rehabbing buildings. When asked what advice can he’d give to those who have similar backgrounds and are interested in a career in construction, he says, “The key is to never give up! If this is what you really want, put your all into it!”
Congratulations Levonte Solid! You are this issue’s FACE of B/ACE.
Sound the Alarm! These red hot lipstick colors are recommendations from two of the most amazing professional makeup artists we have had the pleasure of working with over the past five years. And when you see these colors, you will agree
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The world is finally beginning to appreciate women and the wonderful talent that they bring to organizations. While the road to true gender equality remains an uphill battle, more and more women are becoming key influencers in the construction industry. With this year’s 2022 Most Influential Women in Construction, B/ACE Magazine is shining a spotlight on some of these amazing women who never take no for an answer. The women featured are at the helm of key organizations that are utilizing their position to leverage opportunities for underrepresented communities and to open doors that were once locked for persons of color. They are influencers who are leading with grace, strength, and most importantly resiliency!
“There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.”
― Rihanna
Communities Empowered Through Construction (CEC) is no stranger to the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), so imagine the delight when I found out that Jacqueline (Jackie) Gomez was the new Executive Director. HACIA is a construction advocacy, membership and training organization that works to ensure equitable participation of construction industry professionals. In her role, Jackie and her team advocate tirelessly for transformative and impactful policy and legislation that breaks down barriers of entry into the construction industry. Their work also helps to promote the growth of the organizations members and provides free small business and workforce development training to diversify the future of the construction industry.
Jackie is a thought leader on diversity and inclusion in the trades. She has decades of experience, including serving as the Director of Supplier and Workforce Diversity for the Obama Foundation where she was responsible for managing diversity, equity and inclusion programming. In addition, she was responsible for ensuring that the Foundation achieved transformative initiatives related to the construction of the Obama Presidential Center.
Before joining the Obama Foundation, Jackie served as the Director of Cook County’s Office of Contract Compliance, where she was responsible for the administration, implementation and development of the County’s Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program. She oversaw the certification process and ensured equitable participation within County contracts.
Jackie currently serves as a board member for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and a Commissioner for the City of Chicago’s Department of Community Development. She has served on several volunteer boards and committees including UCAN, El Valor (finance committee member), and the Women’s Business Development Center (certification committee member).
Shoshiwa Mabina Shields is the Manager of Construction Initiatives at The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. In this role, she leads the systemwide development and deployment of scalable apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs to move residents into high potential careers in the construction industry. Shoshiwa has been appointed to numerous board and committees, including the Illinois State Freight Advisory Council, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board’s Apprenticeship Committee, Illinois State Highway Toll Authority ECP Advisory Committee, and CTA Red Line Restoration Advisory Committee. She also participated on the Illinois State Apprenticeship Steering Committee where she helped to implement and execute strategies to transition adult, youth, dislocated and incumbent workers into the high demand construction industry.
https://chicookworks.org/
We love Shoshiwa because she has literally taken the 360 approach to a career in construction. She started as a carpenter and utilized her trade experience to launch her career on the professional side of construction. Her wealth of experience and key influence in the industry, will have a lasting impact for both women and minorities in construction.
“My favorite holiday tradition is exchanging “together experience” gifts instead of material gifts. For example, concert tickets, sip & paint classes, a vacation at a Bed & Breakfast. Have fun and create memories with those who are closest to you.”
Toni Morrison’s book “The Bluest Eye.” She uses two different narrators to tell the story with multiple perspectives and her use of conscious fragmentation. These different narrative styles – alternating between first and third-person omniscient – gave me the freedom to write alongside the works of Henry David Thoreau.
Sandya Dandamudi is President of GI Stone, located in Chicago. Founded 28 years ago by her mother Rani Dandamudi, GI Stone is WBE/MBE certified, a signatory to Union Local 21, and a vital employer. With an impressive resume that includes buildings such as 9 Walton, One Bennet Place, The Ritz Carlton, The Four Seasons Hotel, Wolf Pointe, The Tribune Tower, and Northwestern Outpatient Hospital, there is no wonder GI Stone is the leading stone company in Chicago.
Sandya was selected not only because of her ability to influence hiring opportunities for the Marble Setters Union-Local 21, but because of her personal commitment to utilize her platform to encourage more access for people of color in the construction industry.
As a child of immigrants, Sandya understands what the American Dream is about – her parents realized it and she, along with her two siblings, have greatly benefited from their years of hard work. This family drive has led to her conviction that everyone deserves to participate in that dream. Thus, she contributes her time to several board memberships.
A few of her board highlights include:
• The DuSable Museum of African History Museum
• National Indo American History Museum – Advisory Board
• Greater River North Business Association – Board Member –2020-present
• River North Resident’s Association – Development and Land Use Committee
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”
When we began thinking about some of the amazing As we began to think about some of the amazing women pushing the envelope of diversity in the construction industry, Jackie Gallo was one that came top of mind. From our first meeting with Revolution Works, Jackie has been open to partnering with us, and as a result, we have been able to transform many lives.
Jackie has been with Revolution Works (RW) since its first cohort of construction trainees in October 2018. Since starting with the company, she’s been fortunate to work with hundreds of construction company partners, nonprofit collaborators, a fastgrowing, passionate team of coworkers, and – most importantly – an amazing group of alumni. Her best days at work are when a graduate surprise stops by for a visit to check in, show off photos of their work, or motivate the next cohort of trainees. She really can’t wait for the first group of RW Alumni to collaborate and open their own construction company. Prior to Revolution Workshop, Jackie worked at nonprofits in Chicago and Austin, TX. She received her BA from Northwestern University.
Having all my friends and family sitting at one long table for holiday dinner.
“Don’t be afraid to start the dance floor” - my little sister. “Obviously, it’s about something small, but I think it’s a good way to think about initiating change. Whether it’s the dance floor, a new idea, a social revolution... someone needs to look a little crazy if anything is going to happen.”
When you think about divine connections, meeting Bilqis Jacobs was just that. I was introduced to Bilqis by my good friend in the industry, Jessica Caffrey. When I see someone amazing, you know that I must share them with the construction community. She is a hidden gem and hails as a woman of influence.
Bilqis is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Engineering. She is currently responsible for maintaining approximately 14,000,000 sq. ft. of property, 20 different unions, and approximately 500 employees in facilities management. She is accountable for the energyefficient and cost-effective operation of county facilities to provide a safe, reliable, and clean environment for staff and the general public.
Previously, she was an engineering and project management consultant for a private company and lead Regional Manager for the Chicago Board of Education, accumulating more than 20 years of experience in building operations and management. In conjunction with many stakeholders, Bilqis worked to establish the first pre-apprentice trade program for youth detained at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. This program received a (NACO) award in 2016.
In 2023, under Bilqis’ leadership, the Cook County Department of Facilities Management will use American Rescue Plan Act funding (ARPA) to implement a county apprenticeship program in Engineering.
Our team fell in love with Sharla Roberts when we worked together on the UIH Occupational Surgical Center.
Sharla is nationally recognized for her work in procurement and supplier diversity. She currently serves as the Director of the Office of Procurement Diversity at the University of Illinois, the first and only dedicated supplier diversity program at an Illinois public institution of higher education. She is responsible for ensuring that disadvantaged businesses are afforded every opportunity to participate on contracts throughout the University of Illinois system.
Based on her extensive knowledge and experience in diversity programs, Sharla was appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois, to serve on the Business Enterprise Council which oversees the state’s supplier diversity program. She was selected by her peers as Chairperson of both the Certification and Compliance Committees. Additionally, Sharla served on the Fair Practice in Contracting Task Force to research and create solutions to resolve racial disparity in government contracting.
Sharla Roberts has worked diligently to ensure the growth of small and diverse businesses, which is the backbone of our economy. She is a problem solver, a champion for economic sustainability, a resultsdriven leader, and one of B/ACE magazines women of influence!
SHARLA D. ROBERTS Director of the Office of Procurement Diversity at the University of IllinoisThis holiday season, impress your guests with a simple yet complex mimosa called “The Mi-Mistletoe.” This cocktail is easy to create, but the flavors are more than sophisticated. We asked Donnita of “Nita Bartender” to create a stunning and delicious holiday cocktail, and she did not disappoint. She’s known to create art in a glass on her social media platforms. Now, she is here to teach us how simple it can be to present a cocktail as a fun conversation starter at your holiday gathering.
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Let it cook for 10 minutes. Then, add orgeat syrup, an almond-infused syrup with hints of rose and orange water. This will give a fruity yet earthy taste to the mimosa. Let it continue to cook for about another five minutes. Expect the liquid to be looser while hot. Strain the blackberries and chill the syrup in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Once you take it out, it should have the consistency of maple syrup. Next, add one ounce of the pomegranate juice to the syrup and stir.
Now, you are ready to build your cocktail. Usually, in a traditional mimosa, you’d add your champagne and top it off with juice. But we want to do the opposite to achieve a beautifully layered cocktail. Use a little of the syrup on the rim of the glass to create
an adhesive layer for the raw sugar cane. Coat the rim in the sugar cane. Then carefully pour the blackberry syrup into the bottom of the flute. Using the back of a spoon, carefully pour the champagne or sparkling wine over the spoon in the glass. The spoon will help layer the wine on top of the syrup so it doesn’t mix. Lastly, add the leftover blackberries and pomegranate seeds to each glass and one longstemmed rosemary stick. This cocktail can also be made non-alcoholic by using sparkling juice or cider. Enjoy and happy holidays.
Ingredients: makes 8 Mi-Mistletoes
1 Almond-flavored champagne or sparkling wine
1 Pomegranate
1/2 cup of blackberries
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1/4 cup raw sugar cane
1/4 cup Orgeat
Blackberries for garnish Pomegranate seeds for garnish Rosemary sticks for garnish
Tiktok: Nitabartender
Instagram: Nitabartender
At 33 years old, Bryant Salmeron has learned many lessons about life. One of them is having the courage to walk a positive path when old acquaintances try to get you to walk a negative one. “After I made a decision to turn my life around, I had a few friends who repeatedly tried to persuade me to go back to a negative lifestyle,” Salmeron said. “I refused.”
Bryant attended Morton West High School but dropped out after he decided that street life would better suit him. “I ran the streets, getting in trouble, fighting, and hustling. My father and my uncle would often try to talk to me about my actions, but I didn’t listen,” he said.
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Safety is important because you will find yourself working in some challenging spaces such as rooftops, balconies, and narrow corridors.
This defiance would cost Bryant time away from his loved ones, especially the children he thought about daily while under the seclusion of imprisonment. “The time I spent away really made me feel guilty. I kept seeing my kids growing up without a father, and I did not want that for them. I had to do better. We should all want to do better for our kids.”
Upon his release, Bryant decided to finish his high school education and received his GED from Malcolm X College. While doing so, he also decided to join his father and uncle in the family trade, architectural sheet metal fabrication. “This was not something I always wanted to do, but it’s part of what makes me, me. My grandfather started in this trade, so it just came naturally,” he said.
Architectural sheet metal fabrication is the process of forming parts from a metal sheet by punching, cutting, stamping, and bending. 3D CAD files can also be created via imaging and converted into machine code. This controls a machine to precisely cut and form the sheets into the final part. This can be performed from artistic sculptures to the siding on homes and other buildings.
When asked about a recent structure he admires, Bryant mentions Malcolm X College. “What I like about working with sheet metal is the ability to shape and mold designs. Afterward, I generally tend to admire the work once it’s been completed. I helped do the molding at Malcolm X College while I was attending,” he said. “It’s good to see the fruits of your labor and know that you did that and can tell others.”
Although Bryant loves the physicality of the job, he admits that it has challenges as well. “It’s important that you figure out the angles when cutting metal. That’s where the math comes in. You have to know some algebra and be able to perform multiplication, subtraction, and division regularly.”
“Most importantly, you must practice safety,” he said. “Safety is important because you will find yourself working in some challenging spaces such as rooftops, balconies, and narrow corridors. So, make sure that you are always aware and cautious of your surroundings and your tools.”
Overall, Bryant’s profession has been good to him. Now that he has gotten away from the many obstacles that once complicated his life, he is now able to spend more time with his three children and be the father they need him to be. “I’m very happy that I can do better for my kids. The advice I would give to anyone who is trying to better themselves is to keep your head up and keep pushing forward. Just don’t give up.”
When I met you, I was lost, Searching for a lane Searching for a purpose, in a life full of pain Cuz where I come from, it’s the block with the crooks Or sitting in the county needing funds on the books
But you’ve shown me different I have seen the vision We bonded a union, I joined your mission No longer a product of gangs and prison
It taught me to eat like a man, I loved you dearly But as we all know for every yin there’s a yang Unfortunately for you, it forever remains the same
For every up, you put me down three times For every smile. there were also two frowns No friends, it’s just me, only me now
The love I have for you kept me going The future of my seeds keeps me growing Never treating me equally, keep me humble I’m never scared or backing down, I ain’t going
For each ounce of love, there was a pound of hate For every inch of progress, I had to walk miles and miles But still, I SMILE And yet still, I RISE
Ambitious & motivated Here’s to construction Because thru it all I’m forever Grateful
