LA Stories
Meet Sharonda Williams of B.B.D. Trucking
Sharonda Williams grew up around trucks. She has fond memories of riding alongside her dad in his hauler as a little girl. He founded B.B.D. Trucking in 1978, and it has been a part of her family’s culture ever since. One of her brothers is trained to do mechanic work, another brother holds a CDL, her mother is president of the company and her father serves as vice president. B.B.D. Trucking Co., Inc. is certified in trucking, excavation and grading. As assistant vice president, Williams is the conductor who drives the business and works with various subcontractors.
Jimmy Akintonde Shines a Light on Black History in the Making
For Black History Month, Jimmy Akintonde — Lakeside Alliance Principal and Founder of UJAMAA Construction — shines a light on Lakeside Alliance’s success story, what he’s learned working alongside fellow Black-owned contractors and how joint ventures bring diversity to the table.
Mamon Powers Jr. Reflects on the Journey to Lakeside Alliance
For Black History Month, Mamon Powers Jr. — Lakeside Alliance Principal and CEO and Chairman of Powers & Sons Construction — reflects on his journey from his first encounter with engineering, to becoming a second-generation business owner, to the creation of Lakeside Alliance.
Workforce Spotlight: Candace “CJ” Brogdon
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.
Subcontractor Spotlight: John Keno and Company, Inc.
Lakeside Alliance is proud to spotlight John Keno and Company (JKC), a third-generation, family- and veteran-owned small business that has performed construction and excavation work on some of Chicago’s most iconic sites.
Workforce Spotlight: Marquis Ruffin
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.
The Top 4 Things to Know About Apprenticeships
From November 13-17, employers, industry associations, educators, unions and community-based organizations come together to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and raise awareness of careers requiring skilled labor. As we enter National Apprenticeship Week, here are the top four things to know about apprenticeships.
Careers in Construction: Every Role Is a Piece of the Puzzle
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.
Subcontractor Spotlight: BrightView
Lakeside Alliance is proud to spotlight BrightView, one of the nation’s leading commercial landscape companies.
Maliq Cherry Continues His Grandfather’s Legacy at Lakeside Alliance Principal Firm Powers & Sons
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.
Rising Stars in Construction Look Back At Their Summer on Team OPC
In their own words, Kelli Caruvana, Hakeem Ahmad, Marshall Ellis, Julian Mejia, and Raphael Cardamone explain why they are pursuing careers in construction, what they’ve learned during their internship, and what being a part of this historic project has meant to them.
Workforce Spotlight: Jasmine Scott
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.
Supporting Local Food Truck Vendors
On June 20, we invited diverse food truck vendors from around the city to attend an informational session at the Lakeside Alliance Resource Center. Attendees gained access to educational and financial resources to help them grow and learned how they can get involved in the OPC project in a meaningful way – by providing delicious and diverse cuisine to the people working on site.
Respect, Dignity and Active Caring: Promoting Mental Health Conversations in Construction
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral issues and make room for critical conversations about reducing the stigma that many people experience when they’re struggling, including at work.
Subcontractor Spotlight: Spotlight Cleaning Service Inc.
Lakeside Alliance is proud to spotlight Spotlight Cleaning Service Inc, the very first vendor to begin work on the historic Obama Presidential Center project.