THE NATIONAL HISPANIC BUSINESS GROUP
J u l y 18, 2 0 2 4
C i p r i a n i
5 5 W a l l S t r e e t, N e w York, NY
July18, 2024
Dear Distinguished Guests,
On behalf of the National Hispanic Business Group (NHBG) and the 2024 Gala Committee, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 37th Anniversary Awards and Scholarship Presentation.
Tonight marks thirty-seven years of success with our many partners in Fortune 500 Companies and Government entities. We honor those that embrace diversity for business and our communities.
This evening’s honorees include:
à Fuquan Collins
Turner Construction Co.
à Raquel Diaz
Gilbane Building Company
à Thomas Foley
NYC Department of Design & Construction
à Michael J. Garner
City of New York
We also recognize deserving business students with scholarships to support their higher education. To date, we have awarded almost one million dollars inscholarships as our investment in Latino business stars on the rise.
Thank you to all of our incredible sponsors and guests for supporting this year’sgala, without all of you, this event would not be possible.
NHBG and Educational Fund Chairman
If you are not a National Hispanic Business Group member, we invite you to join our group. The NHBG actively meets at high levels of engagement within Fortune 500 companies and Government entities.
Best regards,
NHBG Gala and Education Fund Chairman
Dancing to the Sounds of La Jara Band
Appetizer
Heirloom Tomatoes with sliced Cipriani Mozzarella di Bufala
Main Course
Pinwheel Braised Boneless Short Ribs with Cipriani Sauce
Classic Vegetable Peperonata
Potato Duchess
Desserts
Individual Lemon Meringue with Mixed Berries -ANDTiramisu
Wines
Cipriani Cancello Della Luna Chardonnay
Cipriani Cancello Del Sole Cabernet Sauvignon
FUQUAN COLLINS
Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer
Turner Construction Co.
Corporate Appreciation - Supplier Diversity Award
Fuquan Collins currently serves as VP, Chief Diversity Officer for Turner Construction Co.
In this multi-faceted role, Fuquan oversees Turner’s internal DEI programs including Diverse Recruiting, Employee Resource Groups, and Talent Management with a concentration on strategy and initiatives.
Additionally, Fuquan leads the Community & Citizenship department. C&C’s external focus strives to make a positive and sustainable impact in communities where Turner builds. C&C strategies and programs include Workforce Development, Community Outreach, Supplier Diversity, and Youth Engagement across Turner’s 46 business units in the United States.
Fuquan joined Turner Construction Co. in 2005 as a Field Engineer and worked on projects such as the redevelopment of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. In 2014, he moved into the role of Procurement Agent. In 2017, Fuquan became Chief Procurement Agent responsible for procuring contracts on 66 Hudson Boulevard E - a $1.4B high rise commercial tower project in Hudson Yards, New York City. In 2019, he was promoted to Procurement Manager of the New York business unit’s Interiors Division. As Procurement Manager, Fuquan directed the procurement process for the New York business unit’s $750M annual volume and secured over 1,200 subcontracts.
RAQUEL DIAZ
Vice President, Public Sector Market Leader
Gilbane Building Company
Hispanic Corporate Leadership Award
Raquel Diaz is Vice President and Public Sector Market Leader at Gilbane Building Company. In this role, she oversees Gilbane’s extensive public sector portfolio in New York City including work for clients such as the Economic Development Corporation, Department of Design and Construction, Health + Hospitals, Hudson River Park Trust, and New York Public Library amongst others. With an impressive 18-year tenure, Raquel has consistently been a source of inspiration to her colleagues. She is dedicated to constructing essential community infrastructures, motivating her team, and fostering success for others. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, she spearheaded the accelerated construction of three pioneering diagnostic centers aimed at providing primary care to individuals recovering from the virus, all of which remain operational. Raquel is committed to leaving a lasting impact through her projects, advocating for women and minorities, and shaping a legacy that uplifts communities and individuals.
THOMAS FOLEY Commissioner
NYC Department of Design & Construction
Public Sector Leadership Award
Thomas Foley is the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Design and Construction. His amazing DDC team of 1100+ literally build New York! Tom is a licensed Professional Engineer, a certified Construction Manager, a National Board member at the Design Build Institute of America and was recently inducted into the National Academy of Construction. He is a dedicated public servant for over 25 years.
MICHAEL J. GARNER
Chief Business Diversity Officer
City of New York Government Sector
DEI Leadership Award
Michael J. Garner, MBA, is New York City’s first Chief Diversity officer. He formerly served as Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, State of New York. His tenure at the MTA spanned 14 years from February 2009- through February 2023. Mr. Garner is a diversity champion, making it his personal and professional mission to create a more diverse business environment. By creating new programs, Mr. Garner and his teams have been responsible for more than $23 billion in payments to New York State/City Minority and Women-owned Businesses. In addition, since Mr. Garner’s arrival, the MTA has improved its hiring of Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians by 20% across the MTA’s six different operating agencies.
Mr. Garner has had a real impact on the MTA and the MWDBE Business Community, but his work and avid vision does not end there. He is an active member of the Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem. Mr. Garner is a frequent speaker on “Effective MWDBE Programs” across the Nation and has served on the following advisory committees:
Former NYS Governor David Paterson’s Small Business Advisory Council, Harlem Hospital Board, Former Treasurer, New York/New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council, 100 Black Men of America – Chairman, Development & Corporate Relations Committee and United States Rugby Association – Board of Directors.
In addition, Mr. Garner is an advisor on MWDBE matters to various U.S. Cities and States including the City of Buffalo, the City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and the State of New Jersey.
