HIRE360 helps woman expand business

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BY TIA CAROL JONES

Chicago Voice & Data Authority, the company Beran owns, specializes in technology and electrical services. The company’s services include voice services, data services, audio and video, fire alarm, security systems and access control. The company is part of IBEW Local 134.

Hire360 helped Chicago Voice & Data Authority get over a hurdle that enabled Beran to expand her business and get contracts with local government entities. She was able to go to Jay Rowell, Executive Director of Hire360, to get the help she needed. Hire360 was launched in 2020 as a way to address representation of minorities and women in the construction industry.

As a woman of color business owner, Beran has experienced how difficult it is to be taken seriously when it comes to getting contracts for bigger projects.“Even though we’re qualified and just as professional as our competitors, we’re still being left behind in getting opportunities or being able to participate in bigger projects,” Beran said.

Now, Beran is mentoring two minority-owned businesses. She is taking what she learned from her experience to help other businesses. Her hope is that it will be easier for those businesses.

Chicago Voice & Data Authority’s first big proj - ect was with Related Midwest, working on Lathrop Homes. The contract the company received from that enabled her to expand her business and hire more people.

When Chicago Voice & Data Authority began more than 10 years ago, there were three employees. Now, there are 55 employees. Beran is ready to hire more people as her business expands. Chicago Voice & Data Authority also has worked with Rush Hospital, Black Electric, Power Electric, as well as other big companies.

“When I started working with my father and how I learned the trade, it was very hard for us, there were no training schools or programs like Hire360 that could give us the opportunity to join the trades,” Beran said, adding that she is grateful someone gave her an opportunity.

Chicago Voice & Data Authority also sponsors and hires young people from the community to get involved in skilled trades. The company especially focuses on helping young people from disadvantaged communities, because she knows what they had to go through.

For more information about Chicago Voice & Data Authority, visit chicagovoiceanddataauthority.com. For more information about Hire360, visit hire360chicago.com.

Gov. Pritzker Shares Proposed Higher Education Investments at Malcolm X College in Chicago

CHICAGO — On the final day of his Community College Tour, Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, state officials, and community leaders at Malcolm X College to highlight proposed investments in higher education. The Governor’s FY24 budget calls for the largest increase for community colleges in over two decades and historic investments in financial aid, putting Illinois on track to guarantee every student has access to the education and training they need to thrive.

“Since I took office in 2019, Illinois has increased our MAP grant program by 50%, creating over $200 million more for college scholarships every year,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “And when the General Assembly passes the FY24 budget proposal, every working-class resident of Illinois will be able to get a degree from any community college in our state – tuition free and fee free. That means people across our state can get a good education and graduate with no student loans.”

“There is nothing more powerful than to help someone learn and find their voice. I watched my late mother give her all to teach students at Malcolm X College and saw the joy it inspired in both her and her students,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “That’s why I am especially proud of the historic investments our state is making in community colleges and state universities. We know the struggle that many first-generation and working-class students face, and we are easing their financial burdens to help their dreams come true.”

The proposed FY24 investments in day-to-day operations and state financial aid would make attending a higher education institution easier and more affordable. The Governor’s proposed budget also calls for a $100 million investment in Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, making it the highest in state history and a 75% increase in the program since he took office.

“Money and lack of resources should not be reasons why students are missing out on the opportunity to pursue a higher education,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we continue fighting to ensure that students in Illinois have a fair chance at succeeding in life with sustainable and affordable college options.”

At the event on Friday, March 17, Governor Pritzker stood alongside Community College President David Sanders to highlight the above proposed investments.

Malcolm X College was founded in 1911, making it the oldest City College in Chicago. Last fall, the institution served 7,312 students demonstrating an 11.5% increase since the 2021-2022 school year. Notably, year over year (21-22 vs 22-23) preliminary data shows that City Colleges saw an 8 percent increase in credit enrollment for Black students and a 6 percent increase in credit enrollment for Latino students. City Colleges’ enrollment has outperformed state and national averages.

Increased enrollment is due in part to a variety of programs the colleges offer, including:

Future Ready, which offers students the opportunity to receive short-term credentials at no additional cost

Fresh Start - a debt forgiveness program allowing students who left City Colleges with debt to return and continue their studies

The Chicago Roadmap - an unprecedented partnership with Chicago Public Schools that creates a clear path for CPS students to attend and complete college

Malcolm X College has evolved over the years in response to student needs. Tuition at City Colleges has not increased since 2016, and the administration has ensured that every student has a pathway to career or to transfer to a four-year institution. The College has raised more than $20 million in grant funding to execute its equity plan and remove barriers for students, which would alleviate the cost of tuition, uniforms, transportation, food, housing, mental health services and personal hygiene.

These initiatives, alongside the proposed investments by Governor Pritzker’s administration, would allow all community college students at or below median income to attend school tuition and fee free.