Hard Hats, Real Stories: Communities Empowered Through Construction
At the Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), the progress we’re making to bring Bally’s Chicago Casino to life has been driven by people. In construction, talent isn’t just about knowing the trade; it’s about reliability, grit, and the willingness to put in long days, show up on time, and take pride in the work.
We’ve been intentional about building a skilled, diverse workforce drawn from communities across our city, and have partnerships with five workforce organizations that are deeply rooted in Chicago’s neighborhoods and committed to opening doors to the trades:
Our workforce partners are essential to helping CCBC meet its hiring goals and build a diverse team that reflects and includes neighborhoods across Chicago.
Together, these partners help us identify, train, and support a diverse pipeline of local talent. We would like you to meet some of the skilled trades professionals who came to the Bally’s Chicago Casino project through our workforce partners, starting with Communities Empowered through Construction (CEC).
CEC is a talent management and diversity consulting firm that supports candidates at all levels, from apprentice to journeyman, helping them secure job opportunities and setting them up for long-term construction careers. CEC continues to provide support even once a tradesperson is hired. That level of investment by CEC has kept journeyman laborer Kevin Woodard working for not just one but twocontractors on site.
A Bold Career Move
Kevin Woodard was a chef for 25 years, but when upward movement eluded him, he turned in his chef’s coat for a hard hat and a career in construction.
Now, the Bally’s Chicago Casino project has taken his career to new heights. It’s the largest project he has ever worked on, starting in September 2024 with clearing the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site for majority contractor Brandenberg. He worked another project with Brandenburg immediately following. Then, months later, when that project ended, thanks to CEC, Woodard was able to land another position with CCBC joint venture partner Brown & Momen.
Q: When did you start thinking about switching careers?
I was a chef working for a Sodexo company. They went through a buyout and turned into something that didn’t advance my career. At the time, I was rehabbing properties on the side. A friend saw what I was doing and helped me think about construction more seriously.
Q: How did you connect with Communities Empowered Through Construction?
I went to a couple of community meetings that were being held by Alderman Walter Burnett. Through that, I was contacted by LaFrancis Ivy from CEC. She made sure I got interviews and helped open doors to opportunities, including Bally’s.
Q: What type of work do you perform on the Bally’s project?
As a laborer for Brandenberg, my work focused on demolition and site preparation—taking down structures, flattening the ground, and helping bring the site to a clean, ready stage so the next phases of construction could start. That work wrapped up for me in February. Later, LaFrancis at CEC then helped me connect with Brown & Momen.
Q: What has it been like working on the Bally’s Chicago Casino project?
It has been motivating to watch the transformation and know that I was part of it. I’ve seen drawings and videos of what Bally’s is going to look like, and seeing the vision come together is inspiring.
A Real Go-Getter
Jeff Davenport could see himself working construction at a young age. Not one to wait for an opportunity to come knocking, Davenport believes in taking initiative. Placed by CEC on previous projects, in the hopes of landing a spot on the Bally’s project, he went back to CEC to hone his interviewing skills.
Q: How has Communities Empowered by Construction (CEC) helped you navigate your career?
A: I always thought it was hard to get into the union. I didn’t know anything about apprenticeships or the classes you could take to get in, so it felt like a closed door at first. Once I connected with them, they opened a lot of doors. They told me about different trades, intakes, and projects. I did a couple of classes, watched videos, and learned what’s going on in the field—especially around safety. Whenever I’m in between jobs, I call CEC, and they’ve helped place me on a new project. They’ve kept me working and growing.
Q: How did you land your role on the Bally’s Casino project?
A: CEC always told me, “If we get some work, we’ll give you a call.” But I don’t just sit and wait. I get up every morning with my construction gear and my resume and go to job sites. One morning, I went to the Bally’s project and put my resume into the right hands—with Miguel d’Escoto (project executive for CCBC). He called me in for an interview. I’d never interviewed for a construction job before, so I went back to CEC, and they helped me with interview prep. By the time I sat down with Miguel, I was ready to talk through everything I knew. It’s been good every since.
Q: What type of work are you performing on the Bally’s project?
A: As a general laborer, I support different areas across the site. I’m doing a lot of the same core laborer work I’ve learned on other big projects.
Q: What is it like for you to be working on the Bally’s Chicago Casino project?
A: It’s a big deal. This is one of the largest jobs I’ve been on. But I came in with experience from other large projects, so the scale doesn’t scare me—it motivates me. It feels good to be part of something this major for Chicago.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s considering a career in construction?
A: Don’t just wait around for opportunities. Be willing to put yourself out there, bring your resume and show up on job sites. My attitude is, just give me a chance, let me show my work, because I’m definitely going to prove it.
