Neighborhood News
Institute Brings Women Construction Leaders To Board, Launches New Vocational Training
The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI), a McKinley Park neighborhood-based vocational training school, announced the appointment of construction industry leaders Jazmira Bota and Jessica Wolak to its board of directors.
“We are excited to have their expertise and leadership on the board lifting and moving the mission forward,” NLEI announced.
Jessica Wolak
NLEI Board Member Jessica WolakWolak heads the Adelante Construction Group, where she is President and CEO. A lifelong Chicagoan raised on the South Side, Wolak started Adelante in 2018 after a career at construction and engineering firms inspired her to “put her own vision into action,” NLEI said.
“As a woman and Hispanic business owner, she values maintaining an experienced, diverse, committed workforce that reflects the communities in which she serves,” NLEI said.
Jazmira Bota
Bota, also a Chicago native, worked for accounting industry giant KPMG before leading marketing and communications for MZI Group Inc., a Chicago-based public and private sector builder specializing in electrical and mechanical construction, telecommunications and utility and energy infrastructure.
“Driven by her passion for giving back to the community, she joined MZI … while continuing to volunteer within the communities she grew up in,” NLEI said.
New and Continued Vocational Training
NLEI Board Member Jazmira BotaNLEI has continued to offer its well-established training programs to develop student careers and land them high-paying jobs in industries desperate for skilled workers, including construction and energy infrastructure.
The institute’s ENERGIA Project offers free, comprehensive training for renewable energy industry careers, including on-site instruction, certifications and job placement help.
Get Trained And Paid
One of NLEI’s newest education initiatives is the Aprende Project, a free, pre-apprenticeship training program that lets young people learn about work as a skilled builder: electrician, plumber, painter and more.
Participants even receive a stipend during active participation. Registrations for the Aprende Project have been extended and are still open through June 2, 2023: Click here to register.
Culinary Arts
Another new NLEI initiative is its move to support culinary arts careers. Its Culinary Works is a free workforce training program that partners with GOYA and SOS Childrens Villages to bridge employment and industry needs.
“We are grateful to our partners … and the many hospitality friends ready to hire our participants,” NLEI Executive Director Elba Aranda-Suh said about Culinary Works.
Fund-Raiser on June 12
The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institute is getting ready to celebrate its 51st year of educating students at its Waterfront Fund-Raiser on June 12, 2023, at the Chicago Yacht Club.
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