ABOUT LITA

Isabelita “Lita” Marcelo Abele, President and CEO of U.S. Lumber, Inc., is breaking barriers in the business and philanthropic worlds and is a living embodiment of the American Dream.

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Under Lita’s leadership, U.S. Lumber, Inc., has flourished, becoming a prominent lumber supplier in the tri-state area over the past 50 years. Notable projects in the company’s portfolio include Philadelphia’s Convention Center, Lincoln Financial Field, Borgata Casino, Morey’s Piers, DuPont Company, Comcast Center, and the New Jersey School Construction Corporation, whose project earned U.S. Lumber, Inc. recognition in Diversity Digest. In addition, U.S. Lumber, Inc. has spent 20 years as a supplier for construction contracts with the federal government, and 10 years as a prime contractor for construction contracts with the federal government.

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After immigrating to the United States from the Philippines in 1981, Lita’s remarkable courage and determination guided her journey. She began as a housekeeper for a Filipino family in New York, enduring grueling conditions, including nearly 24-hour workdays without heat and meager meals consisting of leftover scraps. Lita narrowly escaped deportation after her employer traced a desperate phone call she made for help.

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Lita’s inspiring story has garnered recognition in publications such as the Courier Post, Philadelphia Business Journal, Filipino Reporter, StarWeek (the Sunday Magazine of the Philippine Star), and on Philadelphia network television. Today, as a certified businesswoman leading a minority-owned company with numerous accolades, Lita is paving the way for fellow Filipinos in the United States and beyond, encouraging them to pursue and realize their dreams.

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The Philadelphia Business Journal has recognized U.S. Lumber, Inc. as one of the top 25 fastest-growing businesses in the region, one of the top 50 women-owned firms in Southern New Jersey, and among the top 100 women-owned businesses for three consecutive years. Lita’s dedication to blending business with community service garnered the attention of Philadelphia television, leading to her appearance on ABC’s “Prime Time with Gary Papa.” Most recently, Lita was named the 2024 New Jersey’s Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. With more than 50 distinguished international, national, regional, and local business awards and media features, Lita remains humble and as driven as ever.

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As a businesswoman with a servant’s heart, Lita has made significant contributions to the greater good of the community. Lita served under Governor James E. McGreevy as one of the 45 Commissioners on the New Jersey Asian-American Commission, effectively representing the concerns of the Asian-American community to the Governor for action. Additionally, Lita has actively fundraised for the Philippine Community of Southern New Jersey, held a position on the Rowan University Board of Trustees, and became a Founding Board of Director member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Pennsylvania.

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Lita’s firm belief in leading by example and her eagerness to share her experiences continue to inspire others in her community and beyond to purpose their “American Dreams.”