Advocating for Equity: HACIA's Commitment to Empowering Underserved Communities

January 29, 2025

At HACIA, our mission has always been to empower underserved communities and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the construction industry. Recent challenges to DEI policies are a reminder of how critical our work is to ensure minority, women, and small businesses have opportunities to succeed and thrive. 

One of our own board members, Jeannette Chavarria-Torres, President of DCH Construction and Hauling, was recently featured on WGN 9, highlighting the potential impacts of the rollback of DEI initiatives on small, minority-owned businesses. Over the last decade, Jeannette has built her business through grit, determination, and by leveraging inclusive programs that provide critical connections to prime contractors. 

“It will be very impactful for minorities, small businesses, and women businesses, which are the backbone of our country,” Jackie said. “These diversity initiatives give small firms an opportunity to participate, grow, and contribute to the economy. Losing them would create a crisis for the United States.” 

Jeannette Chavarria-Torres 

Unfortunately, with challenges to DEI policies, many small businesses like Jeannette’s could face additional hurdles in competing for public and private projects. Jacqueline Gomez, HACIA’s Executive Director, expressed her concerns about the potential rollback of project goals for minority subcontractors. 

“It will be very impactful for minorities, small businesses, and women businesses, which are the backbone of our country,” Jackie said. “These diversity initiatives give small firms an opportunity to participate, grow, and contribute to the economy. Losing them would create a crisis for the United States.” 

Why DEI Programs Matter

DEI programs play a vital role in leveling the playing field for businesses that have historically faced systemic barriers. They foster an environment where talent and innovation from diverse backgrounds can thrive, driving economic growth and strengthening communities. By setting participation goals for minority and women-owned businesses, these initiatives ensure that opportunities are distributed equitably, creating a ripple effect of positive change that benefits everyone. Without DEI programs, many businesses could lose access to important networks and critical resources, hurting their ability to compete and grow 

Driving Change Through Advocacy

As an organization, HACIA is steadfast in advocating for equity and inclusion at the state and local levels. We are actively working with legislators and stakeholders to support initiatives like HB1224 and SB74, which focus on retention reform in state contracts. These bills aim to remove barriers for small and diverse businesses by promoting transparency and equity in contract retention practices. 

The federal government already prohibits across-the-board retention, allowing it only for specific reasons. By adopting a similar approach, HB1224 and SB74 would foster growth and create opportunities for contractors and their employees. Together, these reforms will bring meaningful change to the construction industry. 

To stay informed and take action, visit OnlyRetainForAReason.org. This site provides essential details about SB74 and HB1224, explaining how these bills align Illinois policies with federal regulations to prevent unnecessary financial burdens on small contractors. We’re proud to have support from industry leaders, including the Association of Asian American Construction Enterprises, Black Contractors Owners and Executives, Chicagoland Associated General Contractors, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Women Contractors, HIRE 360, U.S. Minority Contractors Association, and the Electrical Contractors’ Association. By advocating for change, we can help create a fairer and more inclusive construction industry.

Empowering Underserved Communities

HACIA believes in the power of collaboration. We are calling on subcontractors, general contractors, and suppliers to share their experiences and concerns to help us advocate effectively. Through surveys and open dialogue, we aim to identify solutions that work for everyone and drive impactful change in partnership with local governments, agencies, and contractors. 

Our commitment goes beyond advocacy. We are dedicated to creating pathways for professional growth and success for underserved groups, ensuring they have a seat at the table. Stories like Jeannette’s inspire us to continue our work and highlight the importance of DEI initiatives in fostering innovation and economic growth. 

Stay Informed and Get Involved

We invite you to stay up to date with our advocacy efforts and the progress of initiatives like HB1224 and SB74. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for the construction industry. Your voice matters—join us in driving meaningful change and supporting small and diverse businesses. 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments, or consider attending one of our events. Our membership meetings are designed to connect our network with work opportunities across the state, whether public or private. For those interested in advocacy, events like Getting Civic bring together our network and local legislators for impactful lunch or dinner networking opportunities. The conversations at these events directly influence opportunities and legislation, thanks to the voices of our members and network. 

Getting Civic with HACIA Event
Getting Civic with HACIA Event