Linda Alvarado

First Latina owner of a MLB team and an industry leader in the field of construction, Alvarado proves that with perseverance, anyone can accomplish the impossible.

 

Truly a pioneer for women everywhere, Alvarado has made a significant impact in an otherwise male dominated world, taking on gender-bending roles that have converted this minority into one of the most successful business entrepreneurs in her industry. Her story serves as an inspiration to women and Latinos everywhere. Growing up in a low-income household in a family of six children, Alvarado learned early on the value of hard work. She worked her way through school and in 1969 began working part-time in construction sites, taking on a male dominated industry. Her hard work and dedication, slowly earned her the respect from her male colleagues, despite her gender and ethnic background.

Tired of being harassed and discouraged to pursue her passion, long considered a “man’s job”, Alvarado set out to prove she had what it takes to succeed. In 1974 she borrowed money from her parents to start her own company. Armed with a business plan and will to do the “impossible” she started up her own construction business, which she slowly grew from the ground up, despite all odds. Now, a powerhouse in her field, Alvarado has built more than 60 multi-million projects around the world and continues to be one of the top leaders in the industry. Alvarado is founder and sole owner of Alvarado Construction, a commercial general contractor, construction management and design/build firm in Denver, Colorado; President of Palo Alto Inc., and co-owner of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club.

In 1992 Alvarado made history as the first Latino (male or female) owner of a Major League Baseball team, the Colorado Rockies. This also marked the first time a woman was in a bid for ownership of a major league franchise. Alvarado, along with her husband, Robert, founded Palo Alto Inc. which operates 150 franchise restaurants. Alvarado set the standard high for young women everywhere and serves as an inspirational role model. Her message, “if it’s never been done, then it is possible to do” keeps her at the top of everyone’s list of most influential and inspiring Latinos.