A solution to Colorado’s growing workforce shortage could be to harness the strengths of its growing number of immigrants through immigration reform. It’s a goal that’s possible if government, education and business work together in the days, months and years ahead. That is the consensus reached by a Table of Experts and facilitated by the Denver Business Journal, “Immigration as a Workforce Solution.”
An example of how immigrants can impact today’s state economy was offered by Alejandra “Ale” Spray, recently installed president of the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado. She has more than 20 years of construction experience, which began in her native Mexico before she moved to the Centennial State. “Construction was my passion when I graduated from Mexico. I’m an immigrant. I had challenges when I moved to this country as an adult and tried to navigate a new country. As you know, construction is a critical industry. You can see by all the cranes around here. It is one of the key drivers of our economy. I am committed to supporting and advocating for minority/women-owned and small businesses.”