With over 20 years in the construction industry, Andrew Simmons is the co-founder of Lashay’s Construction & Development. Founded in 1996, the firm specializes in commercial and residential projects, school and college construction and the development of transportation and infrastructure projects. Simmons has managed numerous development projects as a prime contractor totaling more than $10 million, including the Port Jervis Train Station, Queens Midtown Tunnel, Avenue N and Avenue X train stations, East Side Access and Whitestone Bridge. Also, as a subcontractor Lashay’s Construction has successfully and safely completed over 100 projects for prime contractors on time and on budget. In 2014, Simmons launched A&S Rebar, the first African American-owned, full-service rebar manufacturing company that estimates, purchases, details, fabricates and distributes reinforced steel and welded wire fabric. A&S Rebar was awarded its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and is uniquely positioned as a supplier and manufacturer in New York State with the capacity to furnish, fabricate and sell steel for major construction projects. Simmons has received several awards and proclamations, including the Developers in the Community Award from the Housing Council and a Certificate of Recognition from the Honorable Senator Ada L. Smith for his work and commitment in the community. Recently, Simmons received the Housing & Economic Development Award from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators. Simmons received a diploma from the School of Paralegal Studies and a degree in Building Construction Management from New York University. Andrew Simmons is also the co-founder and former executive director of the Center for Urban Rehabilitation and Empowerment (C.U.R.E.), a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing in Westchester County and its surrounding communities. Founded in 1999, C.U.R.E is certified as a 501(3)(c) and Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). Working through C.U.R.E., Simmons partnered with the City of Yonkers to assist with the development of affordable homes in distressed areas. In 2005, Simmons led the company in a $1 million development of two-family homes overlooking the Hudson River. In 2010, the company completed a $3.5 million development of a 12-unit condominium, called Lillie Pearl on the Hudson, named after his late mother, Lillie Pearl. As an advocate for local economic and community empowerment, Simmons also created My Brother’s Keeper, a program that trains and employs young adults in the community. Through this program, participants receive employment on C.U.R.E. construction projects and an opportunity to earn their GED at Westchester Community College. Andrew still hires young adults through his Brother’s Keeper Program and hire people to work with Lashay’s Construction for infrastructure projects and currently working in A&S Rebar fabrication shop.

When I observe communities, I envision the potential for positive change that we can create to enhance the landscape for their residents." This inspiring vision drives Alexis McSween, founder and CEO of Bottom Line Construction & Development, LLC (BLCD). With over 29 years of experience, including 20 in real estate development and construction, Alexis combines human-centric community development with entrepreneurial problem-solving. Her firm's work embodies her unwavering commitment to cultivating communities by leveraging rigorous real estate development and construction management to meet market demand and create a lasting impact. Alexis's journey began as a nurse and NYC F.D.N.Y. EMT, where her dedication to service led her to discover a passion for real estate. At 24, she secured a SONYMA loan to purchase and renovate her first multifamily home in Queens, NY. After several redevelopments and expansions across the five boroughs of NYC, she recently developed a $7 million Baldwin Park condominium project in Harlem, honoring James Baldwin's legacy. Additionally, she managed $4 million in public projects for a woman- owned construction firm while earning her Master's in Real Estate Development from NYU. Her leadership involves nurturing talent and connecting emerging professionals in design, engineering, trades, and leadership to BLCD‘s projects. Her firm's core values of respect, collaboration, accountability, and professionalism fortify BLCD's impact and support the community's social and economic vitality. As the founder of Youth Construct in 2019, an Architectural, Construction, Engineering, and Real Estate Development (ACED) nonprofit internship program, Alexis is committed to equipping local high school students with ACED skills, aiming to diversify and transform the future of construction leadership. Recently, she completed The Victoria Theatre in Harlem, NY, as a Woman-Owned Tier I subcontractor, a $180 million, 28-story mixed-use complex for $ 6.8 million. Alexis continues to seek strategic opportunities that align with her community-driven ethos. Her accomplishments, including being named the 2020 U. S. Small Business Administration's New York Female Entrepreneur of the Year and being honored by the NY Regional Alliance as the Woman-Owned Business of 2022, along with her nonprofit arm, Youth Construct, attest to her dedication to transforming communities and creating lasting change.

Jovana Villanueva established JV Construction & Consulting LLC by herself in 2017. Jovana started her career in construction in 2001 as a project assistant at a construction company and quickly rose through the ranks in every department in the industry, eventually becoming a Senior Project Manager for a major general contracting company. Jovana has extensive experience in all aspects associated with construction including: estimating, bidding, pre-construction, expediting, site safety management, fire safety management, project management, risk management, material management, project closeouts, and contingency planning. With over 20 years of experience, Jovana Villanueva has been the direct Construction Project Manager of numerous projects worth over $200 million dollars. Jovana has worked on different types of projects such as: affordable housing, mixed-income, market rate, private sector, commercial, educational, hospitality, and high end residential. She strongly believes in working hard to consistently deliver excellence.

K Force Construction LLC is a minority woman-owned construction company with a strong commitment to excellence. Our experienced team at K Force Construction prides itself on delivering top-quality projects on time and within budget. We prioritize engaging with local subcontractors to promote economic opportunities for underrepresented groups. Embracing values of integrity and collaboration, we at K Force Construction establish lasting partnerships, excel in projects of any size or complexity, and consistently exceed our clients’ expectations while contributing to community advancement.

Construction experience with over 10+ years in field & office aspect. Worked on phenomenal construction projects throughout New York including schools, colleges, cultural buildings, high rise residential, commercial, athletic centers and aviation projects. Shows great professionalism and skillful communication with design team and clients. Optimist and dedicated on every project. By showing people first attitude and listening to other experience people around you. Strengths are leadership, construction safety, on-site coordinations, labor relations, budgeting, scheduling and construction management of daily subcontractors.