About NHCA
The National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA) is a leading organization dedicated to empowering and advancing the Hispanic construction industry. Our mission is to provide capacity-building, access to capital, and business opportunities for our members, fostering growth and success at every level of the construction sector.
National Board of Directors
GUIDING NHCA'S NATIONAL MISSION
Gary Acosta
Co-Founder & CEO, NAHREP
Gary Acosta is the Co-Founder & CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals® (NAHREP®). NAHREP is the nation's largest Hispanic business organization with over 40,000 real estate professionals and 100 local chapters. In his capacity as CEO of NAHREP, he created the Hispanic Wealth Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a strategic plan to triple Hispanic household wealth by 2024. In 2018, Mr. Acosta co-founded L'ATTITUDE, a mega-event that celebrates the achievements of the Latino community in business, entertainment, technology, and politics.
David Adame
President, Adame LLC
David Adame, President of Adame LLC, resigned as President of Chicanos Por La Causa to launch Grupo Adame, LLC, leveraging 40 years of experience in business, real estate, and politics. Under his leadership, CPLC expanded across multiple states and Mexico, growing net assets from $40M to $400M. Previously, he held leadership roles at McCormack Baron & Salazar, Fannie Mae, LISC, and JPMorgan Chase. A Phoenix native, he holds a B.S. and MBA from ASU, two honorary doctorates, and serves on numerous boards, including GPEC and AARP Foundation.
Mark L. Madrid
CEO, Breakthrough Mavens LLC & Entrepreneur In Residence, National Minority Supplier Development Council
Mark L. Madrid, CEO and founder of Breakthrough Mavens, LLC, serves corporate America, small business owners, senior executives, boards, and nonprofits in a collaborative and energizing setting. As an in-demand, dynamic keynote speaker and new author, he also appeals to large audiences at the corporate level. Driven by his signature energy, discipline, and grit, Mr. Madrid grew up as part of a humble Texas Panhandle farming community, and his journey exemplifies the power of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
Rodrigo d’Escoto
President, Reflection Window + Wall
Rodrigo d’Escoto Jr. is Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Chicago-based Reflection Window + Wall (RWW). RWW is the largest minority-owned designer and manufacturer of high-performance exterior wall systems in the United States with design offices in Chicago and internationally in Spain, India, and the Philippines. RWW’s reach and breadth assist Rodrigo in master planning and programmatic development through construction in key domestic markets including Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Nashville, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and others.
Phil Bracken
Vice Chairman, Falcon Capital Advisors
Phil Bracken is Co-Chairman of the Consumer / Lender Roundtable in Washington, D.C., and a senior advisor to VantageScore Solutions. A 40-year veteran of the financial services industry, he has led major institutions and advanced key government and industry relations initiatives. He is a recipient of several lifetime achievement awards, including those from the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP®), and the Mortgage Bankers Association of America. In 2006, he co-founded the Consumer / Lender Roundtable to promote ongoing collaboration between top consumer groups and leading U.S. lenders, a role he continues to champion today.
Gerardo "Jerry" Ascencio
Broker/Owner, San Fernando Realty
Gerardo "Jerry" Ascencio is the former chairman of the NAHREP Foundation, dba Hispanic Wealth Project, and broker-owner of San Fernando Realty. A 30-year veteran of real estate, he is also the 2012 President of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals® (NAHREP®). A sought-out public speaker, motivator and trainer, Mr. Ascencio is widely recognized as one of the most charismatic speakers in the real estate industry today. A native of Michoacán, Mexico, Mr. Ascencio's own immigrant experience has made him an impassioned advocate for homeownership and economic empowerment for all Americans.
Sergio Barajas
Executive Director, National Hispanic Construction Alliance
Sergio Barajas is the Executive Director of the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA). Over his 30-year career in housing development, construction and financing, Mr. Barajas has gained a substantial knowledge base to leverage and apply to his efforts at NHCA. Sergio is part of a new team at NHCA, dedicated to building an ecosystem and chapter network, to help Hispanic contractors grow, build and thrive.
Manuel (Manny) Perez
Senior Vice President at Cabrera Capital
Manuel (Manny) Perez has built a distinguished career in government, politics, and finance, currently leading real estate, public finance, and advisory services at Cabrera Capital, a prominent Latino-owned investment firm. He served as Deputy Mayor of Chicago, advancing key legislation including the city’s first casino and $16B budgets. Perez managed Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s campaign and Congressman “Chuy” García’s congressional and mayoral bids. In Cook County, he held senior roles with the County Board, Clerk’s Office, and Commissioner García. A Princeton graduate, he resides in Chicago and is pursuing his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
NHCA Leadership
SUPPORTING THE MISSION
At the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA), we are proud to have a strong, dedicated leadership committed to empowering the Hispanic workforce within the construction industry. Through strategic initiatives, advocacy, and collaboration, we create sustainable professional growth opportunities that support our members’ success.
Our team is here to support, advocate, and drive meaningful change for our members and the industry.
Sergio Barajas
Executive Director
Leading NHCA with a vision for a more inclusive and equitable construction industry.
Henry Galeas
Operations Director
Leading NHCA’s operations and supporting strategic growth and planning.
Leonardo Rodriguez
Events Logistics Manager, ELM
Expanding NHCA’s reach and fostering strong local chapters.
NHCA Ambassadors
REPRESENTING NHCA NATIONWIDE
The NHCA Ambassadors are industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals committed to empowering the Hispanic workforce in construction. As advocates for NHCA’s mission, they amplify our impact, foster industry connections, and help drive initiatives that create opportunities for growth and success.
Darlene Martinez
NHCA Los Angeles
Board Member
The founder of GirlFlipper LLC and Su Casa Development, dedicated to building wealth together through construction and real estate. Born in East Los Angeles, she creates opportunities for others to learn about house flipping, ADUs, and development. As a Latina entrepreneur, she is passionate about empowering others to think bigger, trust the process, and thrive in the industry.
Nohemi Chavez
NHCA San Diego
President
A San Diego native, began her real estate career in 2004, later gaining expertise in distressed properties while working in bankruptcy and estate planning. In 2014, she returned to real estate full-time, managing hundreds of fix-and-flips. Now, she runs her own company, overseeing home renovations and construction across San Diego.
Tina Hernandez
NHCA
Ambassador
Leads OMNI Construction Services, where she successfully spearheaded the company’s transition to commercial construction in 2023, expanding its impact across affordable housing and federally funded early childhood education projects. A seasoned real estate veteran, she is passionate about building wealth through real estate and empowering others to do the same. She is a best-selling author of Latinas in Construction, SUCCESS coach, and a proud grandmother.
Five Key Pillars
NHCA is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering the Hispanic community within the construction industry. Leveraging a wealth of experience from both NAHREP and NHCA leadership, the organization is well-positioned to foster significant change for Hispanic workers and entrepreneurs. Through established collaborations with esteemed organizations such as AVANCE Global and the Hispanic Wealth Project, NHCA develops culturally sensitive programs and strategies specifically designed to meet the unique needs and aspirations of its community.
Capacity Building
By empowering Hispanic developers, contractors and trade workers for long-term success by providing them with targeted educational programs, workshops, and resources.
Access to Capital
Facilitate access to lending institutions, grants, and financial literacy programs to help our members overcome financial challenges and achieve growth and success.
Community Empowerment
Is member-driven platforms incubating leadership, actively engaging in organizational activities, and nurturing potential leaders.
Advocacy
Advocating for fair government practices and representing the interests of Hispanic construction community.
Networking
Our platform facilitates networking and collaboration with industry leaders, potential clients, and strategic partners to create business opportunities and mutually beneficial relationships.