Colette Holt & Associates

05/02/2026

We’re honored to be featured by Voyage San Antonio in a recent profile of our founder, Colette Holt.

In the interview, Colette reflects on the path that led to the creation of Colette Holt & Associates and the decades of work advancing equity in public contracting, disparity research, and civil rights enforcement.

The conversation highlights not just where we’ve been—but why this work continues to matter for communities, governments, and businesses across the country.

We’re proud of the mission that drives us every day, and grateful to our clients and partners who continue to trust us with this important work.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette Holt. Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? I have been a practicing lawyer for over 40 years, primarily in civil rights. I knew […]

03/24/2026

A major shift in federal policy is putting Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs—and the small businesses they support—at risk.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that race and gender can no longer be considered in determining DBE eligibility, forcing thousands of businesses to requalify under new standards. Advocates warn this change could disproportionately impact minority- and women-owned firms that have long relied on DBE programs to access infrastructure contracts. (Chicago Sun-Times)

Since its creation in 1983, the DBE program has helped open doors for small, disadvantaged businesses to participate in federally funded transportation projects. Today, nearly 50,000 businesses nationwide depend on it—including thousands in states like Illinois. (Chicago Sun-Times)

Let’s be clear: leveling the playing field doesn’t mean ignoring the reality of how that field has been shaped.

If we are serious about economic opportunity, we must ensure that policy changes don’t erase decades of progress or shut out the very businesses these programs were designed to support.

At Colette Holt & Associates, we remain committed to advancing equity in contracting and ensuring that small, disadvantaged businesses continue to have a fair shot—not just in theory, but in practice.

The U.S. Department of Transportation says race and gender no longer can be considered in determining whether a company is disadvantaged under the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

01/25/2026

This week, Colette joined a national panel of legal and agency experts to break down the real-world impact of recent civil rights modifications—what they mean for implementation, compliance, and risk in transportation programs. No buzzwords, no fluff—just clear-eyed analysis from someone who’s spent decades in the trenches helping agencies get it right.

At a moment when civil rights programs are being challenged, reinterpreted, and politicized, voices like Colette’s matter more than ever. Experience matters. History matters. And understanding the legal landscape before it bites you absolutely matters.

11/27/2025

I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 MoKan Gala in St. Louis.

My sincere thanks to MoKan for this recognition and for the vital work they do every day to support minority- and women-owned businesses. This award reflects not just my own journey, but the collective efforts of so many advocates, clients, colleagues, and community leaders who have dedicated themselves to advancing equity in public contracting.

For more than three decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with agencies across the country to build fair, effective, and legally sound programs that expand opportunities and strengthen our communities. I am grateful to everyone who has trusted me and our firm along the way.

Thank you to MoKan for this meaningful honor, and congratulations to all of the outstanding leaders and business owners celebrated tonight. I look forward to continuing this work together.

10/07/2025

CHA Principal Colette Holt joined Shelton Russell, Publisher of American DBE Magazine, for a discussion about the new DBE Interim Final Rule — what it means for agencies, contractors, and the future of equity in public contracting.

Stay tuned for the full episode link!

👉 In the meantime, here’s a sneak preview.

09/30/2025

An honor to reconnect with the incomparable Hedy Ratner, Emerita of the Women’s Business Development Center in Chicago — truly the Grande Dame of Women-Owned Business Enterprise programs. 🌟

Hedy’s leadership and advocacy have paved the way for generations of women entrepreneurs, and her friendship is a gift. We stand on the shoulders of giants like her as we continue the fight for equity in public contracting.

09/12/2025

Some nights remind us why we do the work we do.

At the Pritzker Military Library and Museum Gala, we had the honor of sharing a table with Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun — a history-maker whose election to the U.S. Senate shattered barriers and expanded what leadership in America could look like.

It wasn’t just a gala; it was a chance to reflect on how courage, equity, and public service intersect. Those same values guide Colette Holt & Associates every day as we partner with governments and institutions to open doors of opportunity that too often remain closed.

Here’s to building on legacies, not just celebrating them.

09/10/2025

✨ An inspiring evening with trailblazing women in law and public service! ✨

Our Principal, Colette Holt, had the honor of connecting with the legendary Jill Wine-Banks — attorney, author, and advocate best known as a Watergate prosecutor and lifelong champion for justice and equality.

At CHA, we are always energized by conversations with women who have broken barriers and paved the way for others in law, government, and civil rights.

09/10/2025

Hanging with Mayor Lightfoot at The Who concert in Chicago.

08/03/2025

Honored to participate in the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) in New York City on July 14! Colette Holt delivered a Special Presentation on the importance of equity and accountability in public contracting, reminding us all why inclusion is not just a goal—it’s a requirement.

Big thanks to COMTO President and CEO April Rai for her leadership and vision in bringing together such a powerful group of professionals committed to advancing opportunities in transportation. We’re proud to be part of this essential conversation.

08/03/2025

📍 Detroit | 7/30/25
At the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Administrative Conference, Civil Rights Committee — connecting with amazing colleagues like Greg Davis from SCDOT! Proud to be part of the ongoing work to advance equity, access, and opportunity in transportation. 💼✊🏽🚧