A PASSION FOR REDUCING BARRIERS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

by: Andrea Pina

INTERVIEW WITH JACQUELINE GOMEZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HISPANIC AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION (HACIA)

Jacqueline Gomez is the first female Executive Director of the Hispanic American Construction Association (HACIA). In the past year, she has developed the Mujeres de HACIA leadership program for women in construction and championed legislation to support minority and women-owned businesses. Today, she is a fully empowered Latina working in a male-dominated industry. However, her journey has not always been an easy one.

AS A DAUGHTER of immigrants, Jacqueline's parents took a leap of faith and came to the United States looking for a brighter future for their family. Both factory workers would start their day at the crack of dawn. "I remember sometimes going to bed with my clothes on for the next morning. 'Mija, I'm trying to give you a few more minutes to sleep' my mom would say."

It was her father who decided to give her a taste of the real world. "The day he took me to the factory was life-changing. I noticed how tirelessly the men and women worked. My dad made it a point to express what could be my future if I didn't pursue higher education. It is one of the memories that changed my perspective on life. Being hardworking and having a strong work ethic were core values of my family. 'Work smarter, not harder' is what he would always tell me."

Jacqueline decided to attend the University of Illinois to study finance. Fearlessly, she went on to pursue her master's in business administration at National Louis University. From there it has been a career of growth, success, and empowerment. From her early professional years, she has shined because of her skills and her willingness to go above and beyond. She fondly remembers her first boss, a Latina professional who inspired her. It was partly because of her that she fell in love with working to reduce the obstacles and barriers for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Since 2003 she has developed and enforced policies that create pathways for these businesses to enter contracting with the government.

It was also during her early career that she struggled with using her Hispanic back- ground to her advantage or for her professional advancement. "When I was a finalist in employment positions, I wanted the reason to be for my skills and experience, not because I was a minority woman. Looking back now, I'm grateful for the opportunities and it demonstrates the importance to be intentional about diversity and inclusion."

Now that has changed, as she spearheads new generations of Hispanic women to speak up and encourages them to find the right balance of empowerment between being Hispanic and being female. "We need to stop thinking people are doing us a favor when we are selected for a role and shift our mindset to the reality of the matter, which is we are doing them a favor because of our tremendous experience and work ethic - were brought up having to work twice as hard and it shows in our work product."

Jacqueline is a skilled connector, providing solutions and creating ways to spearhead and support the legislation. All qualities that led her to her current position. Since 2021 she has been leading HACIA into the future and there is still much she wants to accomplish for the organization.

Her long and short-term goals include:

•Expand HACIA's influence beyond Chicago •Increase their membership
•Focus on private sector partnerships •Connect and mentor women in the construction sector
•Develop outreach program for high school students

As for her personal goals, she says "Wherever I go, I want to make a positive impact. I want to continue advocating for small busi- nesses to succeed assisting them with the re- sources they need." As a working mom, she is also raising two little girls. "I want to be an excellent role model for them. It is not easy balancing a professional life and being a mom, but as women, we have the strength and per- severance to achieve anything we want in life. That's what I want them to learn."

We are excited to see what the future brings for Jacqueline, as she will undoubtedly continue to thrive!