On the Cover
Encuentro Square
Newly completed 89-unit affordable housing development in Logan Square, located at 3759 W. Cortland Street and 1844 N. Ridgway, near the western end of the 606 Trail. Developed by Evergreen Real Estate Group and LUCHA, and constructed by Leopardo, Encuentro Square blends innovation with affordability.
Photo credit: Canopy / Architecture + Design
A Note from Ta Juana
As 2024 comes to a close, I am filled with pride reflecting on Tandem’s remarkable journey throughout our 15th year. I reflect on the achievements we shared, the impact we made, and the resilience that was born out of our challenges. We remained steadfast in our commitment to advancing our mission and work and, with great intention, have strengthened our collaboration within the project communities, deepened relationships with our partners, and expanded our engagement with MWBE businesses. Our year-end stats on the following page reflect the tangible impact of these efforts. We’ve done well, but there is still more to accomplish.
Growth and evolution have been central themes of our journey this year. We’ve refined our processes, adapting them to better serve our partners and the evolving requirements of funding agencies, while navigating complex decisions with strategic insight. Throughout this evolution, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional service while nurturing the development of small and emerging contractors—vital partners in building a more diverse and dynamic marketplace.
I honor the opportunity to lead this impactful organization in its 15th year and celebrate the commitment of our foundational partner who has supported and grown with us on this journey from inception, transforming obstacles into opportunities and building thriving communities. We highlight those ever-important emerging partnerships that align with our culture and mission, that have grown from a simple introduction at a supported event to a dynamic collaboration. We relish the visionary alliances that allow us to recognize our hidden talents and untapped potential. I am humbled by the dedication of my team and profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve them in leadership.
As I look ahead to 2025, I am filled with enthusiasm and optimism for the next chapter of our shared journey. Our commitment to our partners and the communities we serve remains stronger than ever. We will continue to uphold the highest levels of integrity, transparency and ethical leadership that have always defined our partnerships. Your success is inextricably linked to ours, and we are excited to work alongside you, providing the same passion and expertise that have always defined our collaboration.
Together, we will continue to create extraordinary impact, transform communities, and achieve even greater heights. Here’s to our shared future and the countless possibilities that await us as partners in progress!
Projects: By the Numbers
Emerging Partner
PARTNER SINCE 2024
At Tandem, we are passionate about creating meaningful partnerships that reflect our core values and mission. We are excited to welcome Valenti as our newest partner.
Our team first met Ta Juana Tang and learned of Tandem Ventures through the organization, Professional Women in Construction, Chicago Chapter (where she remains a current board member and Valenti remains an active sponsor/member).
Valenti’s decision to work with Tandem was two-fold: From a partner standpoint, when you encounter quality people such as Ta Juana, you naturally trust the quality of their work and their guidance. From an operational standpoint, we recognized the need to strengthen our efforts in diversifying subcontractor procurement, engaging with the community, tracking and reporting MBE/WBE involvement, understanding regulatory compliance, and best achieving these project goals. Tandem provided both a strategic roadmap and exceptional partnership.
Valenti is a full-service Construction Manager and General Contractor, serving a diverse set of clients across a wide range of building types and industries. We believe in construction as a service (not a commodity) and are thoughtful in taking on projects where we know we can add the most value. Our approach centers on “what we can do for the people and organizations we serve,” a philosophy that extends beyond the direct build of any project. It has been a true privilege to collaborate with Tandem Ventures this past year and we look forward to deepening our partnership in 2025 and beyond.
– Mark Valenti, CEO, Valenti Builders
A Note To Our Foundational Partner
For 15 extraordinary years, we have nurtured something truly special—a partnership that transcends the traditional client-vendor relationship and exemplifies the power of genuine collaboration. Each milestone we’ve achieved together tells a story of shared vision, mutual trust, and unwavering commitment to diversity.
Together, we’ve transformed challenges into opportunities, consistently surpassing expectations and setting new standards of success. Your insights have enriched our approach, while our combined expertise has led to innovations that have benefited both organizations immensely. The synergy between our teams has created a dynamic force that continues to drive remarkable results.
Looking back, I’m filled with deep gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in us and the countless moments of breakthrough we’ve shared. Looking forward, I’m energized by the endless possibilities that lie ahead. The foundation we’ve built together is stronger than ever, and I’m confident that our continued partnership will lead us to even greater achievements in the years to come.
Here’s to celebrating our past successes while embracing the exciting opportunities that await us on our shared journey forward!
Foundational Partner
PARTNER SINCE 2008
As we celebrate our 15-year partnership with Ta Juana and Tandem Ventures, it’s clear to me that this collaboration feels like an extension of Skender itself. Ta Juana is not just a fantastic consultant; she is a genuinely good person. Finding someone you can trust and rely on unconditionally is a rarity. She goes beyond merely fulfilling her role as a consultant; she consistently challenges our organization and our people to strive for better.
Reflecting on this long-standing relationship, what stands out most is our ongoing brainstorming and collaboration to create a meaningful impact in the communities where we work. Tandem doesn’t take a plug-and-play approach; they tailor their strategies to fit the unique context of each project. They consistently bring fresh ideas to the table and encourage us at Skender to think outside the box and avoid complacency, prompting us to always ask the question, “What would be possible?”
While there will always be only one Ta Juana, I look forward to Tandem’s continued growth with similarly dynamic leaders. And I must add, I would wholeheartedly support Ta Juana if she ever decided to run for mayor! Here’s to many more years of collaboration and success!
– Joe Pecoraro, Project Executive & Partner Skender Construction
Projects Map
PROJECTS COMPLETED: 2024
1. 4715 N. Western Apartments
2. Encuentro Square
3. Six Corners
4. Sheffield of Lincoln Park
5-10. Save A Lot
11. Reyes Chicago Beverage
12. Greater Chicago Food Depository
13. Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments
14-15. Albany Terrace & Irene McCoy Gaines
16. Fifth City Commons
17. North Side Housing & Supportive Services
PROJECTS ON THE HORIZON: 2025
1-5. HUPA
6. Google
7. Legends South A3
8. HUB 32
9. Parkside 5
Chicago Rebuild 2.0 (various Chicago neighborhoods)
Highlighted Project
Sheffield of Lincoln Park + Edith
Spurlock Sampson Apartments
2640, 2700, & 2720 N. Sheffield
Tandem’s first multi-year project
Photo credit: RATIO Architects
Awarded October 2021 and completed December 2024, the project included the renovation of two occupied 11-story residential towers, totaling 405 units, with an addition of a 120,000SF, six-story residential building that includes 80 family units, two amenity floors with exterior courtyard, gym with cardio and weight rooms, party room, and more amenities. The award-winning project was developed through a partnership between the Chicago Housing Authority and PIRHL Developers.
The Tandem Team
Senior Compliance Associate August 2023
Compliance Associate
February 2024
Former Senior Compliance Associate
February 2021 – December 2023
ALINA EADY’S STORY
At Tandem, transparency is a core value. When Alina expressed her entrepreneurial ambitions during the interview and shared her three-year plan to realize them, we saw a unique opportunity. We are excited to support her journey and help her turn her innovative ideas into reality.
Working at Tandem Ventures was a deeply rewarding experience that helped me reframe my understanding of hard work and personal growth. In an environment where mediocrity was simply not an option, I felt supported and encouraged to push beyond my comfort zone. This nurturing atmosphere allowed me to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses, and with the guidance provided by Tandem, I was able to make meaningful strides.
I was particularly inspired by Tandem’s commitment to community involvement. Their hands-on approach resonated with me and encouraged me to get more involved, especially in supporting marginalized groups.
It was a humbling experience that drove my desire to contribute positively to the community around me. My time at Tandem also played a significant role in building my self-worth and confidence. Walking into rooms filled with diverse backgrounds was sometimes daunting, but I learned how to share my insights with courage and clarity, even when discussing difficult topics.
With this newfound inspiration and confidence, I took the step to create Neurodiverse Nexus, a caring hub focused on providing vital resources for neurodiverse children and their caregivers. We offer supportive workshops, sign language story times, and personalized childcare services tailored to meet their unique needs. One of our heartfelt initiatives is the “Finger Family” book series, designed to engage children in therapy while teaching American Sign Language. These books are available for order at neurodiversenexus.com, and I hope they can bring joy and support to many families.
Civic Engagement
TA JUANA’S BOARD SERVICE
Aldermanica Black Caucus Foundation
Chicago Urban League
City Club of Chicago
Girls Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
Illinois Housing Council
Inner Voice
Museum of Science and Industry
National Museum of Mexican Art
North Side Housing and Supportive Services
One Family Illinois (SOS Children’s Villages)
One On One
Professional Women in Construction, Chicago Chapter
Related Midwest Annual Charity Golf Classic
Roosevelt University MBIRE
Women’s Affordable Housing Network, IL
PANEL ENGAGEMENTS
Illinois Real Estate Journal Panel (IREJ)
Chicagoland Construction Summit + Update – Women & Diversity in Construction
Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN)
Women in Leadership: Stories Behind the Success
PWC Fall Panel
Affordable Housing: Holistic Approaches and Creative Solutions Driven by Chicago’s Talent (pictured above)
Visionary Partner
PARTNER SINCE 2024
Collaboration is at the heart of our mission. We value partnerships that challenge us to step outside our comfort zones, illuminating our potential before we are aware of it.
We are thrilled to share our experience working with Tandem for the ribbon cutting event celebrating the completion of the renovation at Barbara Jean Wright Courts. The event was a tremendous success, showcasing both the upgraded units and the added community amenities. Tandem planned the event meticulously, acknowledging all of our partners, including the Barbara Jean Wright Tenant Council, Aldermen Ervin and Sigcho Byron, HUD, the Chicago Housing Authority, and many others. We were impressed by the engagement of speakers who highlighted the collective investment in providing long-term affordable housing for the community. It was wonderful to see that local caterers and vendors were involved, reflecting the city’s support.
We chose Tandem for this important occasion because of our trust in their expertise and experience in managing diverse stakeholders and logistics for community events. Their partnership throughout the 18-month construction period—focused on compliance, community engagement, and strategic consultations—gave us confidence in their knowledge and commitment to deliver an exceptional event.
Having collaborated with Tandem since 2022, we appreciate their deep expertise in construction compliance and regulatory requirements, as well as their connections to local Chicago vendors and traditions. Their commitment to excellence and thoughtfulness in executing their work has made them an invaluable partner, and we look forward to continuing to work with Tandem in the future.
– Dan Ping He, Senior Associate, Jonathan Rose Companies
Prefer Print?
We produced booklets showcasing our work for 2024 presented on this page. If you’d like a copy, contact us and we’ll happily send you one!