Claudette Soto: Honoring the Legacy and Mourning the Loss of a Visionary Builder
It is with profound gratitude and sorrow that we reflect on the life and legacy of Claudette Soto, president of baso Ltd and a founding board member of Builders Avenue. Claudette was a visionary leader, a tireless advocate for equity in construction, and a key figure in building Chicago. Her extraordinary contributions will continue to inspire and guide us forever.
Claudette Soto, a proud Southside Chicago native who grew up in Gage Park, was a trailblazing Latina in construction management and a fierce advocate for equity and inclusion. A graduate of Mother McAuley High School, she went on to earn her degree in structural engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Claudette began her career working for leading firms before launching baso Ltd., a company dedicated to equitable procurement and supporting minority- and woman-owned businesses. In 2022, she made history by founding Chicagoland’s first Latina-owned architectural and structural forensics firm baso Technica.
Claudette’s impact extended beyond her career. She founded VAMOS, an initiative to introduce underserved students to STEAM fields, and held leadership roles at IIT, Mother McAuley, and other community organizations. She was celebrated for her advocacy and vision, earning recognition from Univision, TEDx, and WGN for amplifying the voices of women and minorities in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Her journey was marked by resilience and strength. A breast cancer survivor, she used her experience to inspire others and embody the power of perseverance. Above all, she was a loving wife to Rene and devoted mother to three boys. Claudette’s legacy as a visionary leader, mentor, and champion of equity continues to ripple across industries and communities.
Claudette fundamentally changed how the construction and design industries approach equity, diversity, and inclusion. She dedicated to equitable contracting and empowering minority- and women-owned businesses. She was also the first president of UNIDOS in Construction, where her leadership inspired countless individuals to rise in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Claudette believed in empowering women and BIPOC developers to lead boldly in construction. She once shared:
“We don’t take the back seat — we’re at the front, taking risks. Because being part of these projects is a risk, and we need to support each other.”
Her passion stemmed from her childhood, where she helped her father paint, repair buildings, and hang drywall. That hands-on experience fueled her love of architecture and structural engineering, fields where she would go on to create opportunities for others and elevate entire communities.
Claudette’s belief in the transformative power of equitable construction was unwavering. Our Co-founder, Kyle Johnson, remembers Claudette for being an impassioned trailblazer:
“Claudette was never afraid to be first. We met in the summer of 2019, when Builders Avenue was still just an idea. She rolled up her sleeves and helped us pilot our program before our official launch in 2020. Claudette validated our vision, constantly energized us, and always pointed to the huge potential to uplift our communities through equitable construction opportunities.”
Claudette’s advocacy extended beyond her projects. She constantly reminded project owners to engage their local communities, ensuring people who lived in these neighborhoods were able to actively participate and benefit from important developments. Her impact was felt far and wide, as Andrea Yarbrough, our Program Director, shares:
“Claudette modeled what it means to be a true mentor. She was a strong leader, committed to excellence. I learned about Claudette’s work with BIPOC developers and community-based organizations well before meeting her, and I remain inspired by the community she helped build.”
Our Co-founder, Nitika Nautiyal, fondly recalls her first meeting with Claudette:
“I had heard about Claudette from almost everyone on the Builders Avenue network—everyone knew her! We met for the first time at an event celebrating women leaders at the Chicago Cultural Center. She had brought her young son with her, not out of necessity, but because she wanted him to see a room full of accomplished women and women of color being celebrated. That moment taught me an important lesson in motherhood. While we know Claudette as the accomplished professional and board member, my first introduction to her was as a mother, and it will always remain my most special memory of her.”
Claudette’s warmth and humanity shone brightest in her relationships. Nora Sobolov, our Chair Emeritus, reflects on the love and pride Claudette had for her family:
“What I remember about Claudette is her pride and love for her family, who came with her to the Builder’s Avenue event. She clearly was an exceptional leader. She will be greatly missed.”
Claudette’s legacy reminds us of the power of hope, determination, and meaningful leadership to transform lives. In one of her last interviews, she emphasized her mission to empower women and Latinas, saying:
“Unfortunately, I’m always the only woman in these conversations and the only company owner. That’s why we have to help women grow, become general contractors, and be involved in these projects.”
Her courage, strength, and vision will continue to inspire our work and the broader construction industry. Claudette left behind an incredible legacy—a successful career, a deep love for her community, and most importantly, the example of an exemplary wife, mother, and leader.
Thank you, Claudette, for everything you gave to Builders Avenue and the world. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Learn more about Claudette Soto’s extraordinary life and career:
Claudette Soto Builds Up Chicago Communities and Talent
Negocios Now Honors Claudette Soto in Memoriam