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In many ways, construction workers are the backbone of modern society. Think about it — without construction workers, we wouldn’t have our homes, grocery stores, banks, or parks, to name a few. And within the industry there has been a noticeable trend: The number of Hispanics joining the industry continues to increase.
There are numerous contributing factors to Hispanics comprising larger shares of Arizona’s construction industry. These factors can be traced back to the Mexican-American war, immigration, and proximity to the Mexican border, among others.
When we understand the Hispanic community’s history, it becomes clear what they’ve provided — and continue to provide — to Arizona’s many communities. By taking the time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we acknowledge those achievements and contributions. Oftentimes, these go unrecognized and underappreciated, but the simple truth is Arizona wouldn’t be what it is today without their contributions.
Despite the roadblocks this community has faced throughout the years, they’ve truly persevered. Here are a few noteworthy stats:
Arizona’s Hispanic community doesn’t just comprise the everyday construction workforce — they also guide construction efforts on the executive level.
Take DP Electric, one of Arizona’s most prominent construction companies. Dan Puente founded DP Electric in 1990, and it has become one of Arizona’s largest Hispanic-owned companies. In 2023, Puente’s daughter Danielle Puente became DP Electric’s president, and AZ Big Media also named Danielle Puente one of Arizona’s most influential women.
So why is Hispanic Heritage month so important to Build Your Future Arizona? For one, it’s our responsibility (and privilege) to acknowledge those who contribute to the work we do. We wouldn’t exist without aspiring and current construction workers — and we don’t take that for granted.
As we acknowledge and celebrate their contributions, we’re reminded of a quote by Antonio Tijerino, president & CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation: “You are not lucky to be here. The world needs your perspective. They are lucky to have you.”
During Hispanic Heritage month, we want to give a special thanks to this group of diverse people who make up our coworkers, neighbors, friends, and community leaders. They have helped create thousands of buildings, and developed numerous communities. With Hispanic culture being such a prevalent part of day-to-day life in Arizona. We’re so grateful to work with and learn about such an amazing community.
As our industry keeps growing, we know how important it is for people to have the right resources when looking to join. If you’re considering a career in the construction industry, we encourage you to check out these helpful resources for next steps:
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation‘s Construction Workforce Initiative, Build Your Future Arizona’s mission is to create a sustainable and skilled craft workforce by creating awareness about high-paying construction careers, training opportunities and mapping career paths to employment in these high-demand occupations.
