Missouri Works Initiative Partner Spotlight: Rosanna Privitera-Biondo

When approached by Rudy Chavez with the offer to become a supporter of the Kansas City area Missouri Apprentice Ready program, it was an easy yes for Mark One Electric President and CEO, Rosanna Privitera-Biondo. “We had worked together previously through IBEW Local 124 and wanted to move forward,” says Privitera-Biondo. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to help find future tradespeople in Missouri – they offer 20-plus trade opportunities!”

A trusted Kansas City electrical company, Mark One Electric believes in the Missouri Apprentice Ready program and illustrates their support by providing their local program with a space to meet and conduct training. But they don’t stop there. Additionally, they give students and instructors access to necessary tools and equipment at no charge to the program. 

Founded in 1974 by Rosanna’s parents, Carl and Josephine Privitera, Mark One has been giving back to the Kansas City area for decades. They began by servicing small business, commercial and industrial accounts and quickly developed a reputation for completing difficult jobs for demanding clients and were soon working in major plants and industrial facilities across the country. Mark One has continued to evolve and diversify, offering an impressive scope of electrical construction services from design, build and pre-construction to underground, data/communications and specialty systems.

With over 200 employees they are considered the specialty contractor of choice for the Kansas City construction community. “We care about the people of Missouri. We want to give them opportunities to work with their hands in a good industry that has many opportunities in the construction industry,” says Rosanna. “This program is helping by educating people about all the opportunities that the construction industry has to offer for tradespeople. It shows them that this is a good field to work in with endless possibilities.

Mark One Electric has hosted two cohorts and always engages to support students’ career readiness. They currently employ two Missouri Apprentice Ready Kansas City participants – Cohort 2 graduate John Weir and  Cohort 5 graduate  Naomi Alexander who are IBEW 124 apprentices. “If you’re looking for a way to start a career in the union trades and gain valuable connections that carry on even after you graduate, then this program is where you want to be,” says Naomi.

Start your journey here.