Priscilla Chavez
39, responsible for business development
PCL Construction Services Inc.
Glendale, Calif.
Chávez began his career in the legal industry almost two decades ago and was looking for a new opportunity when he did a work with a small consultant based in Los Angeles. The firm specializing in community affairs and intergovernmental relationships, but also focused on helping small businesses to access public procurement opportunities.
“I had no idea that it even existed,” he says. “I really have to see the intersection of both dissemination, defense connection, relationships and equitable access to contracts.”
After a decade building his experience and widening his network of contacts, he went on to build PCL. Before, it was “as an orbit interested in construction”, but moving to the contractor has offered the opportunity to work within the sector itself.
Chávez was commissioned to build a program of foreign economic development focused on the diversity of suppliers, the development of workforce and community investment. From his background in economic development, he created a holistic process of “research excellence” in PCL, which prioritizes positive and impactful relationships in the communities of the interested parties.
Its success led it to the transition to business development where it has promoted an investment of more than $ 1 billion in small, local and diverse companies through the participation of hiring.
To fully understand the complexity of the projects, the needs of the stakeholders and the opportunities for PCL meant learning the aspects of the industry. It is estimated that two thirds of their time at work were dedicated to jobs to understand the scale of what was there.
“I have never heard the pressure of having to understand the construction of nuts on snails,” says Chávez about experience. “My job is to be a resource.”
In a better understanding of the complexities of PCL projects and resources, it must meet the challenges that put it in a position to focus on connecting this team with opportunities. The results speak for themselves.
Chavez directed the economic development program in infrastructure projects such as Tom Bradley West Gates at Los Angeles International Airport and its consolidated installation of rental cars, as well as the Soccer de Mont -Real Bank. Since 2019, he has managed the market sectors for Los Angeles operations in PCL. He is now working on the modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center: the largest project in the history of the city before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Chávez has also been active in industry groups. She has been President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Chapter of Los Angeles and director of the Womenss-West business business council. At a level, participation is practical to help develop the network on business development. In another, Chávez is aware that fostering the success of poorly represented companies is good for the broadest health in the industry.
“It’s about returning,” he says. “It’s about trying to build the communities where we live, work and play, and this also includes for me.”
Forwards, Chávez says he plans to monitor excellence as he seeks new opportunities to develop his skills. He has proposed to expand the scope of his business development work for PCL and expand it at the regional level.
“At the end of the day, I just want to be excellent,” he says. “I am not afraid to be released on a role I may have to discover … I am very aware that if I am now excellent in the play, this could open a future door for me.”
