Skender’s 2025 Philanthropic Giving Supports Healthcare, Housing, DEI, and Workforce Development

Skender, a leading building contractor dedicated to serving communities through charitable giving and social action, donated more than $500,000 in 2025 to a variety of charitable foundations, organizations and civic programs.

Philanthropy has long been central to Skender’s culture. Over the past 15 years, the firm has contributed more than $10 million to hundreds of organizations through monetary donations, volunteerism, and civic engagement. In 2025, Skender supported more than 75 nonprofits, advancing causes in healthcare, affordable housing, diversity and inclusion, and career development.

Among the year’s major contributions were The Reaumond Foundation, Lurie Children’s Foundation, Northwestern Medicine, American Heart Association and Presbyterian Homes Geneva Foundation.

Skender employees generously gave their time to support the following critical programs and initiatives:

ACE Mentor Scholarship: In partnership with ACE Mentor Chicago, a non-profit focused on introducing high school students to the fields of architecture, engineering and construction, Skender awarded one $10,000 scholarship in 2025.

Almost Home Kids: Every year, Skender employees work with Almost Home Kids to buy wish-list gifts and spread holiday joy to families and children facing medical complexities. This year, more than 225 gifts were purchased for families and children in need.

Feed My Starving Children: Skender’s team volunteered with Feed My Starving Children to hand-pack nutritious meals shipped to children and families in need around the world.

Genesys Works: For the eighth consecutive year, Skender partnered with the non-profit Genesys Works to provide pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. For the 2025–2026 school year, Skender introduced a new construction-career internship path and created a dedicated Project Coordinator internship role exclusively for a Genesys Works student.

Habitat for Humanity: Skender’s Habitat for Humanity Women Build team once again set a new record, raising $102,355 in 2025 toward the program’s total $703,651 in contributions from all participating teams. The firm also hosted a rooftop fundraiser featuring a performance by Superheat, Skender’s charity band, to help further Habitat’s mission of providing housing for families in need.

Knockout Cancer: Skender’s Tony Scott entered the boxing ring to support the Reaumond Foundation and help raise money for pancreatic cancer patients, families and research. Skender was also the presenting sponsor of the event.

The Resolute Man®: Skender hosted The Resolute Man®, a premier membership program through non-profit organization Theta Chi designed to help initiated members embody the fraternity’s values through measurable achievements in leadership development, professional growth, and service.

Revolution Workshop: To raise awareness about career opportunities in the construction industry, Skender hosted a full-day workshop for students in the new Pathways Program that included a jobsite tour, panel discussion, and project presentation. The Pathways Program is a 14-week training experience that equips participants with construction-management and digital skills, industry credentials, and job-placement support to help launch office-side careers in the construction industry. As part of its DEI goals, Skender also annually sponsors a graduate from Revolution Workshop, a Chicago trade school, or another qualifying non-profit organization for union membership in the Carpenters, Laborers, or Painters union.

Superheat: With Skender’s Dan Ulbricht on guitar and Courtney Boatwright on vocals, the charity band Superheat has a rich history of performing at fundraising events. The band has helped raise millions of dollars for charitable causes and organizations, including Music Will, Memory Rock for the Alzheimer’s Association, City of Hope, Gilda’s Club and Habitat for Humanity.

“Building strong communities requires going beyond what we construct. We must consider who we lift up,” said Lisa Latronico, Chief People Officer at Skender. “Philanthropy is a key pillar of our culture and a responsibility we embrace year after year, reflecting our belief that every action can make a lasting impact.”