We are proud to announce that Erin Inman, President and CEO of Primera Engineers (Primera) has been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the Chicago State Foundation. The Foundation is the main fundraising partner to Chicago State University (CSU), a public university that proudly educates a diverse student body. According to CSU, African American and Latino students make up 78% of the current enrollment, and 61% are first-generation college students. Erin is thrilled to add this honor and responsibility to her multitude of philanthropic efforts, all of which are embedded in supporting the next generation.

Through serving in this role, Erin hopes her voice, knowledge, and networks will support and nurture the growth of the next generation of engineers, particularly women and other marginalized communities. “I am passionate about getting more women and people of color in engineering,” explains Erin. “Right now, less than 25% of engineering students are women and less than 20% are BIPOC. CSU has a unique approach to getting students ready for college and helping them succeed. Their Rise Academy provides financial, academic, and personal support to students through their first year of college. This kind of personal attention gives students the support and confidence they need to be successful in a rigorous engineering curriculum.”

Erin has also served as an Advisory Board member for Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago as well as the nonprofit organization Girls 4 Science. She also served as a Board member and Director of Child Sponsorship for New Life for Haiti, a program devoted to providing education for underprivileged children.

Forever first an electrical engineer by trade, Erin still plays an active role in the day-to-day operations of our Utilities team, in addition to overseeing all aspects of leading the firm. Since Erin joined Primera in 2003, we have nearly tripled in size. A major contributor to that growth was due to her efforts within the Utilities division of Primera, extending its reach nationally, fueled by building a reputation for quality design and superb service. Passionate about all that Primera stands for, Erin purchased the company from retiring co-founders Michael DeSantiago and Pedro Cevallos-Candau in early 2016.

Primera Engineers: Founded in 1987, Primera is a full-service, certified woman-owned (WBE) engineering design and consulting firm offering a wide range of professional services with a focus in three major areas of expertise: Buildings, Transportation, and Utilities. Primera’s core service offerings include a wide range of professional services in the disciplines of mechanical, electrical, plumbing (M/E/P), structural, civil, and telecommunications engineering, as well as commissioning, energy, architecture, sustainability, life safety, lighting, transportation, natural gas, power delivery, project and construction management, and business consulting services.

Chicago State Foundation: CSU is a public, comprehensive university that provides access to higher education for students of diverse backgrounds and educational needs. The University fosters the intellectual development and success of its student population through a rigorous, positive, and transformative educational experience. CSU is committed to teaching, research, and service and community development including social justice, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The mission of Chicago State Foundation is to advance the interest and welfare of CSU by building relationships, securing philanthropic support, stewarding assets, and otherwise procuring private support on behalf of the University. Working in concert with the President of CSU, Chicago State Foundation helps to identify strategic priorities, raise public awareness for the University, and secure private support to create new opportunities for students.