Danny got his official introduction to masonry in a Job Corps building trades program 20 years ago. Today, he’s a marble mason for Cleveland Marble, the subcontractor installing granite panels on the facade of the Obama Presidential Center. In this role, he is responsible for setting stones from the mast climbers and leading one of the setting crews — a job that requires not not only skill, but nerve. While working on the Center, Danny traverses heights of up to 225 feet.

Moises Rocha has been a union laborer for 24 years, but the Obama Presidential Center project still represents a number of firsts in his career — including his first-ever project from the “ground up.” He is one of only a few team members who has been on the job since day one.

For AANHPI Heritage Month, Lakeside Alliance caught up with three team members to discuss their journey in construction, how their identity informs their work and why it’s important to create more inclusive spaces in the industry.

Originally born in Chicago, Candace “CJ” Brogdon returned to the city in 2021 looking for her next opportunity. That’s when she got involved with Chicago Women in Trades and got on track to a career in carpentry. Now, she’s a part of Lakeside Alliance principal firm Powers & Sons Construction and working on the Obama Presidential Center project.

Born and raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Marquis was first introduced to the building trades through St. Paul Community Development Ministries’ twelve-week pre-apprenticeship training program. After completing his carpentry apprenticeship, he joined the team at W.E. O’Neil as part of Concrete Collective and began working on the Obama Presidential Center project.

October is Careers in Construction Month, an opportunity to shine a light on the more than 180 roles one might find within a construction project. Every role is essential to getting to the finish line, some of which have nothing to do with fabricating steel, pouring concrete, or architecture and design. Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center, checked in with members of our team who occupy roles that may not always be the first to come to mind, but cover a range of responsibilities that are essential to the project.

Maliq and his grandfather are not the only ones making a multi-generational impact at Powers & Sons. Mamon Powers, Jr., CEO and Chairman of the Board of Powers & Sons, is following in the footsteps of his father, Mamon Powers, Sr., who founded the firm in 1967. Today, third generation leadership — including Lakeside Alliance’s very own Kelly Powers Baria, daughter of Mamon Powers Jr. — is stepping in to lead the firm’s next chapter.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Jasmine Scott moved to Chicago in 2020. While looking for a new career path, she connected with Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) to learn more about the construction industry and its various professional opportunities. Lakeside Alliance spoke with Jasmine about her role on the Obama Presidential Center project, career advice and what it means to her to be a part of the Center.