PICO Y PALA

Insights, Innovation & Advocacy for Hispanic Construction

Step into Pico y Pala, the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA) blog where we break ground on critical conversations and innovative ideas shaping the construction industry. Named after the pick and shovel that start every project, our blog is dedicated to cultivating a space for growth, empowerment, and advocacy. Here, we share unique perspectives, practical insights, and connect our diverse community – from every laborer to every engineer – committed to advancing Hispanic representation and success in construction.

From Shadows to Structures

Why We Must Keep Building Over the past few weeks, it seems the attacks on Hispanics have intensified. People are being harassed in public spaces—at schools, places of worship, worksites, and businesses. They are being handcuffed and dragged away, with the sweat of a hard day’s work still fresh on their brows. Let me be […]

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Mid-Year Reality Check

Construction Costs and Labor Pressures in 2025 We’re halfway through 2025, and for those of us in the construction industry, the reality is clear: building costs are not easing up. From raw materials to reliable labor, the price of doing business has continued to climb—pushing contractors, subcontractors, and small firms to the edge. Let’s begin […]

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Building Forward

A National Milestone and a Bold New Chapter for NHCA Last week marked a powerful milestone in the journey of the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA)—the formal installation of our inaugural national board of directors in Washington, D.C. It was more than a ceremonial moment; it was a declaration that the Hispanic construction community is […]

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A Time for Celebration and Preparation

This week, I’ll be traveling to Washington, D.C., for a truly momentous occasion: the installation of NHCA’s inaugural national board on June 12. This event is not only a major milestone in our growth and engagement within the construction industry—it’s also a powerful signal of the momentum we are building as a community. As we […]

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Built on GRIT

The Foundation of Hispanic Excellence in Construction Last week was both rewarding and incredibly busy for NHCA. We hit some important milestones, hosted successful events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and continued the hard work of creating and strengthening alliances that align with our mission and vision. The path forward hasn’t always been clear—or […]

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Change is Inevitable

For generations, the American Dream has represented something profoundly simple: that anyone—no matter their birthplace—can build a better life in this country through hard work and determination. For millions of immigrants, especially within the Hispanic community, that dream wasn’t just an aspiration—it was a mission. They came to the United States not to take, but […]

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