The AIA selected the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) as the 2003 recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. The award honors the late civil rights and urban leader Whitney M. Young Jr., who, in 1968, challenged America’s architects to assume their professional responsibility toward social issues.

HACIA is a 23-year-old business membership organization whose mission is to promote the participation of its members in public and private construction projects throughout the Chicago area. It is considered a role model for local organizations that strive to assume professional responsibility toward current social issues. HACIA achieves this objective through its work to revitalize Chicago’s neighborhoods.

In nominating HACIA for this award, AIA Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Stanford R. Britt, FAIA, said, “HACIA’s long-term success serves as an effective case study that should be utilized by other metropolitan areas where success of emerging women and minorities in the field of architecture is key to the continued excellence of the architectural profession.”

HACIA originally was founded to prevent discriminatory practices, but has since embraced a wide range of issues promoting all aspects of the construction industry. HACIA’s Professional Services Committee is a recognized leader in providing exposure and rapport for Hispanic-American professionals with the greater Chicago community leadership. Veronica Alanis of the Chicago Housing Authority writes in her letter supporting HACIA’s nomination, “No other organization has exhibited the long-term commitment to diversity in architecture like the HACIA.”

To address the future needs of its community, HACIA has promoted professional careers in architecture and construction through its scholarship foundation. In 2002, the group awarded approximately $60,000 to minority students intending to study architecture, engineering, and construction management. Each year, HACIA allocates 75 percent of its scholarships to architecture studies. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, speaking on behalf of the City of Chicago said, “I commend HACIA for its continuing efforts to further the education of our future professionals in the architecture and construction industries.”

HACIA has also grown to be an effective leader in promoting and supporting women- and minority-owned architecture firms through its Professional Services Committee. It currently represents more than 40 firms. Through its partnership with the AIA, HACIA works to support and expand upon local AIA efforts to promote locally based and diverse role models. Through meetings and seminars, they provide invaluable networking opportunities and create an open dialogue with leaders in the community.

HACIA has also worked to become a knowledgeable source of information on construction practices, affirmative action procedures, and minority workforce requirements. Private and public developers regularly retain HACIA as a consultant on major projects for a variety of services, from Equal Employment Opportunity Commission compliance to conflict resolution.

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.