Negocios Now

www.negociosnow.com Octubre 2022 15 Five Ways the CDA is Leading in Diversity and Inclusion T he Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) runs one of the world's largest airport systems, and acts as the owner and operator of both O'Hare and Midway internatio- nal airports. Together, Chicago's air- ports generate more than $70 billion in annual economic activity, directly creating more than 700,000 jobs for the region. Under the leadership of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Commissio- ner Jamie Rhee, the CDA has beco- me a worldwide leader in diversity and inclusion among the countless aspects of its operation. Here are some of the DEI highlights for 2022. 1) Participation is Keeping Pace with the Economy As the economy continues to reco- ver from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel is also recovering. Likewise, MBE and WBE contractors with CDA are keeping pace with that recovery. Overall expenditures by CDA for the first half of 2022 were $531.6 million, up from $448 million from the same period last year. MBE contractors were paid $140.8 million during the first half of 2022, up from $136 million in the first half of 2021. And WBE totals were $30.6 million for 2022 and $31.2 million for 2021. CDA anticipates meeting or exceeding its MBE and WBE goals for 2022. 2) Hosting Airport Diversity Leaders The CDA was proud to host the 37th annual business diversity conferen- ce for the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC). The June 2022 event brought together aviation professio- nals including representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airport staff, concessions, construction, technology, engineering businesses, and all parts of the airport and aviation ecosystem with the goal of advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contrac- ting opportunities throughout the avia- tion and aerospace industries. Chicago-based firms took advan- tage of the meeting to network with businesses from all over the world, opening doors to opportunities in the US and beyond. 3) Setting the Standard for 'Tar- get Market' The City of Chicago's Target Market program offers exclusive bid opportu- nities to MBE and WBE firms for a wide range of non-construction contracts, such as architectural, IT and janito- rial services. MBE prime contractors already contribute to CDA's IT, archi- tectural and engineering functions. During the past year, minority-owned firms have taken on primary respon- sibility for security, custodial, materials testing and property management ser- vices at Chicago's airports. CDA is com- mitted to identifying more opportunities for MBE and WBE firms to develop their capacity and capabilities by taking on greater roles in airport operations. 4) Developing a New Workforce CDA continues to work with and perform outreach programs in con- junction with City assist agencies focu- sed on workforce development, inclu- ding Hire 360 Chicago, St. Paul's Com- munity Development Program, Revo- lution Workforce, Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) and the Women's Busi- ness Development Council. School outreach programs at O'Hare and Midway include age-appropriate materials, such as coloring books for younger students, and programming that includes field trips, shadow work, internships, and job fairs as students progress through middle school, high school and beyond. Staff from the CDA identify and explain the opportunities and creden- tials necessary for taking advantage of entry-level opportunities, then explain the steps that students can expect to take along the pathways to various careers, whether working as a cook for a concessionaire, a manager in CDA or a pilot for the airlines. The CDA has also outfitted a van with a flight simu- lator to augment our outreach pro- grams to schools and communities. 5) Innovating on Inclusion As CDA and its partners develop a pipeline of candidates for work in all aspects of the aviation industry, staff will identify pathways to entrepreneu- rial opportunities so that interested minority candidates and women can understand what they need to do in order to become candidates for cer- tification, and then certified as MBEs, WBEs, DBEs and ACDBEs. CDA has initiated the development of an Aviation Employment and Com- munity Resource Center to provide continuing support and direction to disadvantaged individuals and firms as they engage with the aviation industry. For instance, the Center will serve as the base of operations for further work with CPS, including brown bag lunch and learn series highlighting different aviation careers and Aviation Clubs at the high school level. CDA also works with City Colleges of Chicago to deve- lop courses and a curriculum that will result in certificates or associates' degrees in aviation-related areas. Learn more about doing business at Chicago's airports: FlyChicago.com/business Aviation industry leaders mingle at the 37th annual Airport Minority Advisory Council conference in downtown Chicago, hosted by the Chicago Department of Aviation. The $1 billion expansion and renovation of Terminal 5 at O'Hare International Airport is nearing completion, and providing business opportunities across every aspect of the aviation industry. Learn more at ord21.com.

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