"Moving the region forward": Recap of the Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association VIII Gala
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- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
On March 26, 2025, an extraordinary event took place at the National Portrait Gallery — the GALA 25, hosted by the Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association. This was not merely an evening of celebration; it demonstrated the power of community, teamwork, and a shared commitment to progress. Under the theme "Community Builders Moving the Region Forward," guests gathered to honor achievements, recognize outstanding individuals, and express gratitude for the important role of collaboration within the construction industry.
The atmosphere was electric as attendees from various backgrounds united to support our mission of building a better community through construction. Everyone contributed to making this event a remarkable success, from our sponsors and table purchasers to individual participants.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
The GALA 25 event would not have been possible without our generous sponsors. We are especially grateful to PEPCO, our title sponsor, for their ongoing commitment to the community. Legacy sponsors like Gilbane and SPD-Con have also played a significant role, demonstrating their dedicated efforts toward progress in the construction sector.
In total, we had over 30 sponsors, with gold and silver sponsors providing essential support. Their enthusiasm and commitment turned this gala into an unforgettable evening, further solidifying bonds within our community. For instance, Gilbane alone has contributed over $1 million in local projects this past year, showcasing the wide-reaching impact of our partners.
Honoring Exceptional Individuals
At the heart of GALA 25 were the honorees who were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the industry. We are grateful to David Amaya, Wayne Frazier, Sandi Rosario, and Evelyn Ross for their outstanding work. Their efforts have genuinely changed the landscape of the construction sector. For example, David Amaya has led initiatives that increased workforce diversity by 25% in his organization.
Adding to the significance of our gathering, Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development, Nina Albert, represented Mayor Bowser. Her remarks underscored the importance of working together to move our region forward, stating that collaboration is crucial for the success of construction projects in DC. This sentiment echoes a recent survey that revealed 80% of construction companies believe collaborative efforts lead to better project outcomes.
Furthermore, we were honored to have Greg Akerman, President of the Building Trades Unions, and the remarkable Luis Gilberto Murillo among us. We firmly believe he is a future leader for Colombia, capable of driving progress and development there.
A Special Note of Thanks to Our Support Team
While the accolades rightly go to our honorees and sponsors, we must also recognize the incredible team that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success. Our heartfelt thanks extend to Cely Argueta. She was the glue that kept everything together with her unwavering support and leadership. Elaine Arias, our Membership & Marketing Director, played a key role in identifying the venue and ensuring the smooth execution of the event. Thanks to her efforts, we seamlessly organized GALA 25 with minimal hiccups.
We must also commend our Board Treasurer and GALA 25 Chair, Elisa Arguello, along with all the dedicated volunteers and colleagues who contributed their time and energy. Their meticulous planning truly brought our vision to life. Finally, we want to give a big shout-out to our dynamic Board of Directors. Their guidance helped fuel our mission and propel us forward each day.
Capturing the Memories: Event Photos
As we look back on this special night, we are eager to share visual highlights from GALA 25. In the coming weeks, we will be posting photos that capture the essence of the event for our network of friends and colleagues. We invite everyone to enjoy these memories and share them within their circles, as each moment encapsulates the spirit of our efforts.
This event was not just a night of celebration; it showcased the unified strength of our collective efforts. We stand by our statement, "We Build America." On March 26, 2025, we proved this through our commitment to community, respect for our honorees, and the staunch support of everyone involved in the evening.
Reflecting on Our Journey
In summary, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended GALA 25. The success of that evening was characterized by the connections we share as a community, the recognition of our peers, and our hopeful visions for the future of construction in our region.
Continued collaboration among construction company owners, industry stakeholders, and community members is vital for fostering growth and innovation. As we reflect on this remarkable evening, we look forward to building on the relationships established and nurturing our shared goal of moving the region forward.
Thank you all once again for being part of this incredible journey! Your support inspires us to keep striving for excellence.
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