Crain’s Chicago Business Names Acting Diversity Chief Marlene Vick Among 2024 Notable Latino Leaders

Fecha Fecha 2024-11-19

Illinois Tollway Acting Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development Marlene Vick has been recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business 2024 Notable Latino Leaders.
 
This honor reflects Marlene’s dedication, leadership and accomplishments at the Illinois Tollway and in the transportation industry.
 
“We are proud of Marlene Vick for being recognized as one of Crain’s Notable Latino Leaders and the work she does every day to grow and improve our diversity outreach efforts,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Marlene works tirelessly to advance the interests of small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses and increase opportunities for them to grow and succeed.”
 
As a steadfast and passionate champion for creating economic opportunities for historically underrepresented individuals and companies, Marlene has made a tremendous impact at the Illinois Tollway.
 
In her current role, she is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive diversity program on behalf of the Illinois Tollway to ensure inclusion and equal opportunity for all. Her focus is increasing access to economic opportunities for emerging diverse enterprises, as well as underemployed individuals.
 
Marlene has worked at the Tollway for nearly 17 years in a variety of increasingly challenging roles in the Tollway’s Executive Office and Diversity Department.
 
She was instrumental in launching the Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program, providing comprehensive business coaching to small scale ventures owned by in. Since its inception in 2013, the program has helped firms with contract bidding, back-office support and business management training.
 
Last year, more than 300 construction and professional engineering services firms received assistance and more than $30 million in Tollway contracts were awarded to Technical Assistance Program clients. Marlene also advances workforce development initiatives such as the Earned Credit Program, which helps underrepresented and low-income individuals start careers in the heavy-highway construction trades while incentivizing employers to hire them.
 
Marlene has worked in close collaboration with a multitude of transportation industry stakeholders on behalf of the Illinois Tollway, such as the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, Construction Women in Trades and Federation of Women Contractors to educate the industry on Tollway Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs and upcoming contracting opportunities for interested firms.
 
The Illinois Tollway is proud to celebrate Marlene Vick’s achievements as a trailblazing leader.