MEET THE TEAM
Our team is composed of committed and hardworking professionals who consistently go above and beyond to achieve excellence.
LAVERNE HALL
founder
LAVERNE HALL
LaVerne, founder of CANDO Corporation, is a small business advocate who worked to enforce EEO and Affirmative Action plans for Cook County, the Board of Education, and various other diversity-building initiatives. She has developed strong relationships with leaders in the construction industry, as well as government and community organizations. Her experience includes managing micro-loan portfolios that target financing Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises.
FLORENCE COX
founder
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.
Akporesiri Omene
founder
AKPORESIRI OMENE
Akporesiri Omene is a seasoned senior construction engineer and manager. With five years of construction management experience, Siri has successfully overseen the construction of multi-million dollar highway, bridge, and real estate projects in the Chicagoland area, demonstrating a proven track record in managing complex, high-value endeavors. His expertise extends to proficient documentation and accounting of construction contract quantities for various government agencies, including IDOT, CDOT, Tollway authorities, and Cook County. This combination of practical experience, technical knowledge, and understanding of governmental processes positions Siri as a valuable member of the team.
Our Mission
CANDO Equity is dedicated to promoting the success of local and disadvantaged firms by providing technical assistance and services that enhance their performance. Our mission is to create a positive economic impact by linking minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises with new projects, fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy.