Sheltering the world Making hair into an art Spreading technology in the Midwest

Age: 36

Title: Founder & President Organization: Foremost Improvements/Foremost Roofing Solutions

Mari Madrigal is a trailblazer in the roofing industry. Born in Panama to a Panamanian mother and Costa Rican father, Madrigal’s upbringing was marked by her parents’ full-time volunteer work for a humanitarian nonprofit. That took them to Mexico where she grew up as the oldest of five children.

From a young age Madrigal learned project management skills as part of her family’s humanitarian work in Mexico and Central America. Her upbringing instilled in her a desire to constantly learn and evolve.

After immigrating to Il- linois in 2013, Madrigal discovered a passion for roofing and construction while working in sales for a residential roofing contractor.

In 2018 she launched Foremost Improvements Inc., a residential exterior renovations company. Madrigal’s commitment helped her grow the company, which evolved into Foremost Roofing Solutions.

Her company is a certified women’s business enterprise and minority business enterprise firm, and she is an active committee member of the national and Chicago chapters of Women in Roofing. She recognizes the unique strengths that women have and is eager to see more women thrive in traditionally maledominated fields.

Age: 37

Title: Founder & Master Hair

Artist

Name of Organization: Ponte Catrina, Chicago

Claudia Roxana Martinez is the founder and master hair artist at Ponte Catrina, a boutique hair salon inspired by Mexico’s rich culture and women’s elegant essence.

In 2004 Martinez graduated from Pivot Point International as a cosmetologist and divided her time between Chicago and Milwaukee, refining her craft and technique while developing her signature style. Through focus, consistency, and passion she found purpose in empowering women through beauty.

Martinez is a Chicago na-

Elisabeth Ocon Calderón

Age: 37 tive, raised in Brighton Park. In 2010 her at-home salon evolved to what is known today as the house of the makeovers. The house of the makeovers is now the company’s alias, a name that clients themselves gave the growing business. In 2018 Ponte Catrina established its operation at Lacuna Lofts in Pilsen.

Women stand at the center of Martinez’s mission. Therefore, she partners and supports other women-led organizations such as Escaramuza Charra El Eden and De Mi Tierra Natural.

Martinez has collaborated with hair color brands on stage at the Midwest America’s Beauty Show, where Martinez unveiled her own technique: the chandelier effect.