Empowering minority contractors and celebrating industry leaders in St. Louis.
Join us in celebrating leadership and community impact at MOKAN’s 49th Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, November 21, 2025. This special evening brings together industry leaders, community advocates, and aspiring professionals to honor excellence in the St. Louis construction sector and support the next generation of talent. Under the theme “Building Tomorrow Together – Lifting Communities, Raising Futures,” the event highlights our collective mission to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for everyone.
This celebration is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s an opportunity to invest in the programs that empower minority and women-owned businesses and prepare individuals for successful careers in construction.
A Legacy of Opportunity and Advocacy
For nearly five decades, MOKAN Construction and Contractors Assistance Center has been a vital force for progress in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Founded in 1974, our organization is dedicated to serving as a negotiator and advocate for the inclusion of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women Business Enterprises (WBE) in public and private construction projects. Our motto, “We Work So You Can Work,” is the guiding principle behind everything we do.
The Annual Awards Celebration is MOKAN’s only major fundraising event. The proceeds directly fuel our transformative programs, ensuring that we can continue to provide essential resources to minority contractors and local workers. Your support helps us open doors, break down barriers, and build a stronger, more diverse industry from the ground up.
Fueling a Stronger Workforce
Your participation in the awards dinner directly supports two of MOKAN’s cornerstone initiatives: the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and the Business Institute. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
This program is specifically designed to prepare non-traditional construction workers for success. By combining industry-based training with focused classroom instruction, we provide a clear pathway for individuals to enter and excel within Registered Apprenticeship Union or Non-Union Programs. Graduates of this program are ready to contribute to the workforce from day one, bringing valuable skills to job sites across the region.
The Business Institute
MOKAN’s Business Institute is an education and training academy for minority contractors. We deliver workshops, seminars, and industry-specific training facilitated by certified professionals with real-world experience. These sessions cover critical subject areas that help MBE and WBE contractors build sustainable, successful businesses. By strengthening these enterprises, we help ensure that more public and private dollars are invested back into their growth and our local community.
Honoring Industry Champions
A central highlight of the evening is the recognition of individuals and companies who have made exceptional contributions to the construction industry and our community. This year, we are also proud to honor first responder champions for their recovery efforts following the events of May 16, 2025.
The 2025 awardees represent the pinnacle of leadership, innovation, and commitment. We are thrilled to announce this year’s honorees:
Thomas Nellums, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award
Makal Ali, President & Co-Founder, AABCA
Colette Holt, JD, Attorney at Law, Colette Holt & Associates
Private Executive of the Year Award
Marvin L. Johnson, President, Construction Management Partners
Mike Brown, Contract Compliance Project Manager, Construction Management Partners
Burnea Lester, Director, Communications and Community Relations, SITE Improvement Association
Public Sector Executive of the Year Award
Aleta Grimes Mitchell, Director, Center For Entrepreneurship, Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, Inc.
Lynette Watson, Regional Director, SBDC Small Business Development Center
WBE Contractor of the Year Award
Tramar Contracting, Inc. (Margaret McGrath, President)
MBE Contractor of the Year Award
Shahid Painting and Decorating (Mellve Shahid Jr., Owner)
These deserving recipients have demonstrated a profound dedication to advancing the industry and uplifting others along the way.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
We warmly invite you to be part of this inspiring evening. Your generosity and participation are crucial to funding the programs that build a more equitable construction industry in the St. Louis area. By attending, you are not just celebrating achievements; you are making a tangible investment in our community’s future.
Together, we can lift communities and raise futures. Your support will help expand opportunities for minority and women contractors, empower the next generation of workers, and create a stronger foundation for everyone.
For more information on sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please contact Marla Dunbar, Event Manager, at 314-803-5353 or marla.dunbar@att.net. To learn more about MOKAN’s programs, contact Pat Muhammad, MOKAN Site Director, at 314-454-9675 or pmuhammad@mokanccac.org.
Thank you for being a part of this effort to build tomorrow together. We look forward to celebrating with you on November 21st.
