ABOUT US
Our Story
CANDO Corporation (Consulting Associates Negotiating Development Opportunities) was established to respond to a persistent gap in how small and emerging businesses—particularly those led by underrepresented founders—access contracting opportunities. Founded by LaVerne Hall, a veteran equity advocate, CANDO draws on decades of public-sector leadership and compliance expertise to help businesses navigate procurement systems and grow with confidence.
LaVerne’s leadership was instrumental in increasing MBE/WBE participation at Chicago Public Schools and in guiding Cook County’s supplier diversity program through a critical legal transition. Her work paved the way for a consulting practice rooted in both policy and implementation.
Today, CANDO’s mission continues through a growing team of consultants, engineers, and strategists—led by President Akporesiri Omene—who bring deep technical knowledge and a shared commitment to equity and development.
To advance economic inclusion by equipping small and emerging businesses with the tools, guidance, and support needed to participate meaningfully in public and private markets.
A business ecosystem in which historically underserved firms are fully equipped to scale, compete, and lead.
Leadership
LaVerne Hall
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
A recognized authority in supplier diversity, compliance monitoring, and public procurement, LaVerne has served in leadership roles across CPS, Cook County, and regional advocacy organizations. Her career has been defined by results: increasing participation goals, removing structural barriers, and designing equity programs that withstand legal scrutiny and deliver measurable outcomes
Akporesiri “Siri” Omene
President
Siri Omene is a senior construction engineer and entrepreneur with a deep background in managing complex infrastructure projects for IDOT, CDOT, the Illinois Tollway, and Cook County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. At CANDO, he leads clean energy and workforce development initiatives and advises on strategic contracting support for small businesses
Florence Cox
Florence Cox is a seasoned consultant with extensive experience in construction management, compliance, and certification. She specializes in supporting minority and women-owned businesses, helping them build capacity and obtain certifications needed to compete in construction projects. Her career includes roles such as Outreach Consultant for the CTA Red Line Dan Ryan Track Renovation Project and Executive Director of Black Contractors United. Currently, she is a Certification & Outreach Consultant at CANDO, where she specializes in assisting minority and women contractors in obtaining necessary certifications to compete in construction projects.
Our Core Values
Access
We remove barriers to opportunity for firms and individuals traditionally left out of major markets.
Accountability
We deliver results rooted in data, transparency, and measurable client success.
Advancement
We invest in the long-term growth and resilience of small and emerging businesses.
Lets's Work Together
Whether you’re a small or emerging business ready to grow—or an agency looking to increase supplier inclusion—we invite you to connect.