Linda Alvarado founded her construction company on a $2,500 loan from her parents and got busy building sidewalks—Alvarado Construction is now worth $41M, with schools, stadiums and aquariums in its portfolio.

Linda Alvarado is president and CEO of Alvarado Construction, Inc., and started her "unplanned career" in construction working as a laborer for a landscape company in college.

While it seemed crazy at the time for a girl, she started a curb, gutter, and sidewalk concrete firm that expanded its construction expertise and capabilities into a large construction company. In keeping with breaking non-traditional roles, Alvarado made history in 1991 by becoming the first Latino owner (male or female) of a Major League Baseball franchise, the Colorado Rockies.

Her ownership is also significant as it marked the first time that any woman was involved in a bid for ownership of an MLB team. A nationally recognized speaker, Alvarado has given presentations for corporations, national business conferences, professional sports events, universities, and schools motivating young girls and women of all ages to excel and achieve their dreams.

Watch as Alvarado discusses the importance of raising your hand and how big dreams begin with small steps.