MCALLEN, Texas – Women working in the construction industry will be honored at an awards ceremony Oct. 23 at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport.
The Luna Awards Luncheon is co-hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas-based Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA). Award winners receive a pink diamond.
The Chamber held a press conference on August 23 to promote the upcoming luncheon. John Martinez, President and CEO of the RHCA, spoke at the press conference.
“Today was a meaningful celebration where people came together for women in construction, architecture and engineering. I am amazed that the women come from so many different areas of the industry, but also from so many different groups,” Martinez told the Rio Grande Guardian at the press conference.
“The synergy here is magical as we work together to recognize and advance women in architecture, engineering and construction.”
Martinez noted that the October event will be the first of its kind in the valley.
“We’ve had these awards in Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso and now in the Valley, recognizing women and their power in the industry. Cynthia Sakulenzki of the RGV Hispanic Chamber has been adamant about getting us here and we’re proud,” Martinez said.
When asked why it is important to recognize Hispanic women in architecture, engineering and construction, Martinez said:
“This is important because so many construction workers are reaching retirement age. Construction has also become more demanding. So it is very important to attract a whole new generation of new people, including women, to the industry and expose them to all facets of construction, whether working on site or in the office.”
Martinez pointed out that more and more women are entering the construction industry.
“The number of women working in construction is growing rapidly. Just a few years ago, it was about five percent women. Now it’s about 12 to 15 percent. There are areas in Texas where the proportion of women is even higher.”
RGVHCC President Sakulenzki agreed with Martinez.
“The number of women working in construction, architecture and engineering has continued to grow. They need to be recognized. And it’s just a great industry to work in,” Sakulenzki said.
“We encourage women who don’t want to go to college to learn about plumbing, air conditioning, etc. There’s a huge need in all of those areas, especially here in the Rio Grande Valley where this field is experiencing tremendous growth right now.”
When asked why the RGVHCC decided to partner with RHCA, Sakulenzki said:
“Because we know that there are so many women here in the Rio Grande Valley who are in construction and yet are not recognized. We want to open more doors and encourage the younger generation to learn more about construction, get more involved and learn a trade. Hopefully they will become owners of construction companies themselves.”
Karla Garza is chairman and CEO of MK Materials and vice president of VMK Concrete, both based in Mission, Texas. Garza drew applause at the press conference when she announced that she was recently appointed as the first Hispanic, first female owner and first truck mixer (male or female) from the Valley to serve on the board of the Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association.
“Every day we break down barriers, destroy stereotypes and make a difference in our industry. We also build our communities and influence younger generations,” Garza said, referring to women in the construction industry.
“And I think many of us go through our daily lives without really knowing the impact we have on our communities, on our daughters and our daughters’ daughters.”
