Alejandra “Ale” Spray, President & CEO of the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC), sat down to talk about her career journey from engineer to industry leader, the importance of expanding pathways into construction careers, and how organizations like HCC and the Construction Education Foundation (CEF) are working together to strengthen Colorado’s future workforce. Ale also reflected on the leadership experiences that led her to be featured in the book Lioness: Stories That Will Awaken Your Roar Within.
Q: Tell us about your career journey. What inspired you to become an engineer, and how did your experience at Mortenson lead you to your current role as president and CEO of the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC)?
A: My journey began in Guadalajara, Mexico, where my father was a civil engineer. I loved looking at his blueprints and knew from an early age that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. At a time when engineering wasn’t often considered a career for women, I became the only woman in a class of 23 engineering students. Those experiences taught me resilience and determination that have guided me throughout my career.
After moving to Colorado in 1999, I discovered my engineering degree didn’t transfer the way I expected, so I found another path into construction. I worked for a mechanical contractor for 17 years in estimating, marketing, and business development before joining Mortenson where I focused on subcontractor outreach and building relationships with small businesses.
Along the way, I became involved with HCC as a volunteer, committee member, board member and board chair. When the opportunity to lead the organization presented itself, I realized every step of my career had prepared me for this role. Today, I’m fortunate to combine my passion for construction with advocating for small businesses, women and underrepresented communities while working alongside partners like CEF to help inspire and prepare the next generation of construction professionals.
Q: Why is workforce development such an important part of HCC’s mission, and how is the organization helping build Colorado’s future construction workforce?
A: HCC has supported Colorado’s construction industry for more than 30 years, representing many small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Our mission is to strengthen those businesses through education, resources and industry connections while also helping build the next generation of construction professionals.
We serve as a bridge between education and industry by connecting students with internships, job shadows and career opportunities. Organizations like CEF play an invaluable role by introducing students to construction careers early through hands-on learning, industry connections and classroom engagement.
Reaching students early is essential because many have already formed opinions about construction before they graduate. Unfortunately, our industry has earned a reputation that no longer reflects reality. People often think of construction as dirty work, a male-dominated profession or a career with limited opportunities for advancement. Today’s construction industry offers well-paying careers, limitless opportunities for growth and leadership, pathways to business ownership, and a workforce that is becoming more diverse every day.
That’s why partnerships between HCC, CEF, schools and industry employers are so important. CEF helps introduce students to the possibilities within construction, and industry partners reinforce those experiences by opening their jobsites and businesses. Together, we’re helping students see construction as a career of choice rather than a career of chance.
One story we don’t tell often enough is that a career in the skilled trades can also be a pathway to entrepreneurship and business ownership. Many HCC members have built successful businesses from their experience in the trades, and we want students to understand that owning a business can be part of their construction career journey, too.
Q: CEF helps students explore the many career opportunities available in construction. What do you wish more students understood about the industry?
A: I wish more students understood just how many career paths exist within our industry. Every successful construction project depends not only on skilled trades professionals, but also engineers, estimators, project managers, accountants, marketers, human resources professionals, technology specialists, attorneys and business leaders.
Whether a student enjoys math, technology, writing, business or working with people, there’s likely a place for them in construction. For many, construction can also become a pathway to leadership, entrepreneurship and business ownership.
Most importantly, we need the next generation. Construction offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career, provide for your family, create generational wealth and make a lasting impact on your community. Be curious, ask questions and explore the possibilities.
Q: As a Latina leader in Colorado’s construction industry, what leadership lessons have shaped your career, and what advice would you offer to women, underrepresented communities and future industry leaders?
A: One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t just about opening doors – it’s about making sure they stay open for others.
I’ve often been the only woman in the room, but I realized that if I had earned a seat at the table, my voice and perspective mattered. I encourage future leaders to ask questions, speak up, seek mentors who genuinely want to help them succeed and remember that representation matters. Being the one in the room also comes with a responsibility to help open doors and create opportunities for the young professionals coming behind you.
I’m especially passionate about developing future Latino leaders within our industry. We have incredibly talented people who simply need opportunities, encouragement and someone who believes in their potential as mentors and sponsors. Helping others grow is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership. That’s one of the reasons I value organizations like CEF – they’re helping create opportunities today for the leaders our industry will need tomorrow. And that connection benefits all of us. Seasoned industry professionals can gain just as much from engaging with students and hearing their perspectives, questions and aspirations for the future.
Q: You were recently featured in the book Lioness: Stories That Will Awaken Your Roar Within. What inspired you to share your story, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
A: A friend invited me to share my story, and I realized that while my experiences aren’t unique, they’re uniquely mine. I was honored to share them.
The chapter reflects on resilience, overcoming challenges, and finding my place in both a new country and an industry I care deeply about. When I moved to Colorado as a young adult, I had to rebuild my career, establish new relationships, and prove myself all over again. Those experiences helped shape who I am today.
I hope readers understand that construction has always been a diverse industry. The opportunity now is to ensure everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard, and included. If we’re asking people to invest their careers in construction, we need to make sure they know they belong here.
