Claudette Soto to be celebrated for empowering women and minorities in business

Por Esteban Montero

Claudette Soto, a trailblazing entrepreneur and fierce advocate for equity in the construction and design industries, will be honored with the Latinas in Business Award during the Negocios Now Who’s Who in Hispanic Business Gala on July 25 at Chicago’s iconic Old Post Office.

As President and CEO of baso, Ltd., Claudette leads a dynamic construction management and owner representative firm that prioritizes equitable procurement and meaningful inclusion of minority- and women-owned businesses. Under her leadership, baso has become a powerful force for transformation in Chicagoland’s construction landscape—delivering projects on time, on budget, and with purpose.

In 2022, Claudette took her vision even further, launching baso Tecnica, the first and only Latina-owned architectural and structural forensics firm in the region. With over 20 years of experience in construction management, architecture, and engineering, she continues to redefine industry norms and open doors for underrepresented professionals.

Claudette’s commitment to uplifting others began early. While an undergraduate at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), she founded VAMOS, a grassroots initiative introducing STEAM education and college readiness to underserved middle school students. Today, VAMOS also provides mentorship and career guidance for first-generation college students and professionals of color in architecture and engineering.

Her civic and professional impact is far-reaching. In 2022, Claudette was appointed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to serve as a Commissioner on the City of Chicago’s Plan Commission. She also serves as Director and Chair of the Admissions Committee for IIT’s Alumni Board, and has held leadership roles with the Rauner Family YMCA, Chapa Scholarship Fund, Mother McAuley High School, and more.

A frequent speaker and advocate, Claudette has been featured on WGN, Univision, and TEDx, sharing her insights on equity, education, and the power of design to spark social change. A proud alumna of Mother McAuley High School and Gage Park on Chicago’s South Side, she credits her early education for instilling the courage to challenge norms—and the voice to lead transformation.

Claudette Soto stands as a powerful example of how Latina leadership can shape industries, communities, and futures.