56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

    Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

    Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

    Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

    13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

    13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

    What comes next, after No Kings 2.0

    What comes next, after No Kings 2.0

    Tarascans – Purépecha Nation

    Tarascans – Purépecha Nation

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Ixcatecos – Xwja / Xuani

    Ixcatecos – Xwja / Xuani

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

  • Community
    Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

    Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

    Immigration and Air Quality Dominate Southwest Detroit Candidate Forum

    Detroit City FC Stadium Community Benefits Process Nearing Completion

    Secretary of State Benson Announces New Language Translation Devices

    Secretary of State Benson Announces New Language Translation Devices

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates its 54th Anniversary

    SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates its 54th Anniversary

    “We Matter.” Southwest Detroit Residents Pack DCFC Stadium Meeting

    “We Matter.” Southwest Detroit Residents Pack DCFC Stadium Meeting

    They’re calling it a “Hate America” Rally

    They’re calling it a “Hate America” Rally

    State Senator Mary Cavanagh Moves to Protect Immigrants in Michigan

    State Senator Mary Cavanagh Moves to Protect Immigrants in Michigan

  • Featured
    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

    Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

    13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

    13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

    Latin-X-Tech 2025: Celebrating Innovation, Culture, and Community at TechTown Detroit

    Latin-X-Tech 2025: Celebrating Innovation, Culture, and Community at TechTown Detroit

    Tarascans – Purépecha Nation

    Tarascans – Purépecha Nation

    Ixcatecos – Xwja / Xuani

    Ixcatecos – Xwja / Xuani

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

    Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

    Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

    Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

    13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

    13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

    What comes next, after No Kings 2.0

    What comes next, after No Kings 2.0

    Tarascans – Purépecha Nation

    Tarascans – Purépecha Nation

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Ixcatecos – Xwja / Xuani

    Ixcatecos – Xwja / Xuani

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

  • Community
    Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

    Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

    Immigration and Air Quality Dominate Southwest Detroit Candidate Forum

    Detroit City FC Stadium Community Benefits Process Nearing Completion

    Secretary of State Benson Announces New Language Translation Devices

    Secretary of State Benson Announces New Language Translation Devices

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates its 54th Anniversary

    SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates its 54th Anniversary

    “We Matter.” Southwest Detroit Residents Pack DCFC Stadium Meeting

    “We Matter.” Southwest Detroit Residents Pack DCFC Stadium Meeting

    They’re calling it a “Hate America” Rally

    They’re calling it a “Hate America” Rally

    State Senator Mary Cavanagh Moves to Protect Immigrants in Michigan

    State Senator Mary Cavanagh Moves to Protect Immigrants in Michigan

  • Featured
    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

    Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

    13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

    13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

    Latin-X-Tech 2025: Celebrating Innovation, Culture, and Community at TechTown Detroit

    Latin-X-Tech 2025: Celebrating Innovation, Culture, and Community at TechTown Detroit

    Tarascans – Purépecha Nation

    Tarascans – Purépecha Nation

    Ixcatecos – Xwja / Xuani

    Ixcatecos – Xwja / Xuani

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

“Real Talk” Series Leads to Real Work Opportunities for Contractors

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
January 25, 2024
in Community
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend
  • Estefania Arellano-Bermudez
  • January 25, 2024

The Contractors “Real Talk” series in Detroit is a meet-up for new and established Black, Indigenous, and People of Color contractors to have conversations with industry experts as they share their entrepreneurship journey of overcoming challenges and growing and scaling their businesses. 

Terrell Pope started Jaz Construction in 2015. He says he’s been to roughly 50 networking events supporting minority contractors, but “Real Talk” has been a game changer. He first heard about the event through word of mouth.

“I had a lot of subcontract work come from other contractors at the event, and it’s just an amazing network as a minority contractor. It has built me up and lifted me up to just keep pushing and go harder,” Pope said. “I’ve connected with a guy that does electrical, a guy that has a cement company, someone that does demolition, and just a few other general contractors that couldn’t handle a job at the moment, so they subbed it out to me. It’s been a big change in my career.”

“Real Talk” was created by Southwest Detroiters Tanya Saldivar-Ali and Luis Ali, owners of AGI Construction. As owners of a small general contracting company. They wanted a “safe” space where Detroit contractors can come together to have peer-to-peer conversations about some of the challenges they experience growing and scaling their small businesses within the construction industry.

“There has been a big change in my career. Through the event, I had a couple of jobs come through,” Pope said.

The “Real Talk” series allows everyone a chance to give their “spiel,” as Pope puts it. “It kind of loosened up the room to where I felt more comfortable conversing about what I did, my flaws. They [panelists] told us about how many times they mismanaged time or money. It just hit home that it’s not just me. And there were more people like me – brown people, people of color.” 

Javier Ramirez from Remodeling Detroit has not been in the construction game for long, but he sees similar results.

“Everybody gets a chance to bounce ideas off each other. Like me, I don’t do a specific trade, so it’s beneficial when you network with others who do a specific trade. I’ve networked with people that I can subcontract to,” Ramirez said. 

In February of 2022, the restaurant Ramirez managed had staffing shortages and a carry-out-only option, limiting his growth within the industry, not to mention curtailing his income. He took some time off and remodeled his home basement. 

“I did framing, electrical, trimmed floors, painted – the whole nine yards. I posted the results of the basement [on social media]. After that, it was a snowball effect. I got my builder’s license and have been solidly booked for two years.”

From the icebreaker, where everyone shares their background, story, and expertise, to the speaker introductions, the events are brimming with nuggets of wisdom and opportunities. The general consensus is that networking at this event has garnered business for attendees. At least, Diego Sanchez of Diego’s Properties seems to think so.

“Some contractors have bigger projects, so they say, ‘Hey, there’s a contract. You can do this job,” said Sanchez, a registered handyman who plans to get his contractor’s license in the next few months.

Mentoring opportunities exist for those breaking into the field who wish to learn from a more seasoned individual.

“We understand that mentoring is essential for professional development, especially learning directly from a person of color and peers in the industry, which is critical in overcoming systemic barriers and perceptions,” Saldivar-Ali said. 

The event panelists are industry experts and provide information on funding resources. “Real Talk” has grown through word of mouth and social media. Its success has come from the willingness to take feedback into account for future talks and highlight collaborations. 

Through candid conversations about industry challenges, navigating project management, and strengthening bonds within the community, the Detroit Contractor’s “Real Talk” series engages professionals interested in information about expanding, stabilizing, and sustaining their businesses.

“I’m so tired of large contractors saying Detroit minority contractors don’t qualify for opportunities. Together, we’re going to change that,” Saldivar-Ali said.

The next “Real Talk” event will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 6-8pm at the Mexicantown International Welcome Center at 2835 Bagley Street, 48216. You can register on Eventbrite, as space is limited. 

Estefania Arellano-Bermudez is a lifelong Detroiter. She has published in the Telegram News.

******

This story was made possible by the Race and Justice Reporting Initiative at the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights. The goal of the initiative is to build trust between the news media and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities to strengthen representative democracy.

Tags: Contractorslatinos
Previous Post

Detroit Regional Chamber, General Motors Announce 30 Nonprofit, Small Business, Recipients of $600K in NeighborHUB Grants

Next Post

Key Issues Missing from Gov Whitmer’s 2024 Agenda

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power
Community

Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

by Amber Ogden
October 23, 2025
0

Thousands gathered at Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ to defend democracy, reject authoritarianism, and celebrate people power through unity, art, and...

Read moreDetails
Community

Immigration and Air Quality Dominate Southwest Detroit Candidate Forum

by Amber Ogden
October 23, 2025
0

Southwest Detroit residents demand action on immigration, air quality, and infrastructure at a heated candidate forum ahead of city elections.

Read moreDetails
Community

Detroit City FC Stadium Community Benefits Process Nearing Completion

by EL CENTRAL
October 23, 2025
0

Detroit City FC’s proposed $150M soccer stadium faces negotiations with residents over tax breaks, housing, and safety benefits before a...

Read moreDetails
Secretary of State Benson Announces New Language Translation Devices
Community

Secretary of State Benson Announces New Language Translation Devices

by EL CENTRAL
October 23, 2025
0

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson expands language access in Michigan with new Pocketalk translation devices at all branch offices, improving...

Read moreDetails
Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit
Community

Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

by EL CENTRAL
October 16, 2025
0

Nuevo desarrollo comercial de 3,770 m² en Southwest Detroit impulsará empleos, negocios locales y cultura con apoyo de Queen Lillian,...

Read moreDetails
SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates its 54th Anniversary
Community

SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates its 54th Anniversary

by EL CENTRAL
October 16, 2025
0

SER Metro-Detroit celebrated 53 years of empowering communities at its Amigos de SER Luncheon, honoring partners, graduates, and 50 years...

Read moreDetails
Next Post
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, center, is interviewed by EL CENTRAL Managing Editor Robert Dewaelsche. Also pictured, Poppy Hernandez, Executive Director, Global Michigan, left, and TaNisha Cameron, Communications Manager, Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Photo by Alejandro Ugalde

Key Issues Missing from Gov Whitmer’s 2024 Agenda

ADVERTISEMENT
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

October 23, 2025
Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

October 23, 2025
13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

October 23, 2025

Immigration and Air Quality Dominate Southwest Detroit Candidate Forum

October 23, 2025

Recent News

Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

October 23, 2025
Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

October 23, 2025
13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

October 23, 2025

Immigration and Air Quality Dominate Southwest Detroit Candidate Forum

October 23, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

Detroit’s ‘No Kings Day’ Unites Thousands in a Powerful Call for Democracy and People Power

October 23, 2025
Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

Mexican Cinema Comes to Southwest Detroit for One Afternoon

October 23, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Sections
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS