Meet Our Team

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.

MARCUS GILL

Marcus is an administrator, educator, and founder of Leaping Hurdles. His passion for community-building has allowed him to serve on the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Woodlawn Economic Development Board. He has worked on a variety of projects for the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and multiple educational institutions. With mentorship from leaders Dr. Byron Brazier and Mattie Butler, Marcus has devoted himself to helping others develop their unique skillsets.

ARIANA WATSON

Ariana serves as an independent consultant for Leaping Hurdles. She is a highly resourceful and detail-driven professional who focuses on the implementation of our projects, as well as our team organization.