• Posted: May 5, 2025
• better careers, better communities, better construction, Chicago Cinco de Mayo celebration, Chicago cultural institutions, Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Mayo Chicago, Community Building, community service Chicago, electrical infrastructure upgrades, electrical volunteers, free museum Chicago, IBEW Local 134, Local 134 community service, Mexican cultural preservation, National Museum of Mexican Art, Pilsen neighborhood Chicago, Powering Chicago volunteers, skilled trades volunteering

 

In the vibrant neighborhood of Pilsen in Chicago, a dedicated team of IBEW Local 134 electricians and Powering Chicago member contractor Torres Electrical Contractors recently gathered at the National Museum of Mexican Art—not as visitors, but as volunteers committed to powering the future of this cultural landmark. As Cinco de Mayo approaches, their efforts highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage while building stronger communities through skilled volunteerism.

Illuminating Cultural Heritage

Since its founding in 1987, the National Museum of Mexican Art has grown to become the largest Mexican cultural organization in the United States. What began as the Mexican Fine Arts Center, established by a group of Chicago educators who recognized the need for the Mexican community to have “a place of their own,” has evolved into a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education.

“If you lose your culture, you lose a huge identity of who you are, but the more you know about where you’re from — your roots, your culture — the more pride you’re going to have in where you are, especially what you could be expanding to this multicultural city of Chicago,” Cesar Diaz, IBEW Local 134 member, said.

This understanding of cultural identity’s importance drives both the museum’s mission and the volunteers who support it.

A Partnership Built on Community Values

For this special project, approximately 20 Powering Chicago volunteers, including journeymen, trainees and other skilled professionals, offered their expertise to help prepare the museum’s West Wing for upcoming theatrical performances. Their work involved identifying circuits, conducting electrical audits and laying groundwork for future improvements.

“We needed folks who could come help us identify, clean things up, and do a great audit to make sure that we were ready for the next step,” Jose Ochoa, President of the National Museum of Mexican Art, said.

The electrical professionals were tasked with examining the existing infrastructure and helping the museum plan for future expansion. This is essential work that allows the institution to continue growing while maintaining its sacred pillars: education, remaining in Pilsen and operating as a free museum that’s accessible to all.

The Spirit of Giving Back

For many of the volunteers, this project reflects core values instilled throughout their careers and personal lives.

“Our Local 134 leadership has taught us to give back. Work hard, provide for your family and help others,” Diaz said.

This philosophy of service echoes across generations within the electrical industry.

“[Giving back is] definitely something that my father’s always preached and is definitely a big part of our organization today,” Nick Torres, Junior Project Manager at Torres Electric, said.

Founded officially in 2017 with field operations beginning in 2018, Powering Chicago member contractor Torres Electric embraces the concept that success comes from community.

“We’re not an island. We definitely have taken everything from others, and that’s why we try to give back now as well,” Nicolas Torres, Owner of Torres Electric, said.

For many volunteers, the connection runs deeper than professional obligation. Nicolas Torres feels called to reinvest in the neighborhoods that shaped him.

“It’s really important and it’s a blessing to be able to give back to our community — the community that we grew up in,” he said.

Powering Cultural Celebration

As Chicago prepares to celebrate Cinco de Mayo — a holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 — this collaboration between skilled trades and cultural institutions takes on added significance. The museum’s ability to host theatrical performances and special events during cultural celebrations depends on the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that these volunteers help maintain and improve.

“We can’t do this alone. We don’t have the same resources as other people. So when people step up to help us make this dream a reality, it’s remarkable,” Ochoa said.

The partnership demonstrates how technical expertise can help preserve and celebrate cultural heritage, creating literal and figurative connections that power communities forward.

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, visitors to the National Museum of Mexican Art will experience exhibits and performances in spaces made safer and more functional through this volunteer effort, serving as a reminder that cultural celebration thrives when communities come together to support the institutions that keep traditions alive.