INDEP Chicago is a multi-disciplinary Chicago based Woman Owned and operated consulting firm, specializing in helping small and large businesses connect and understand each others needs.
Committed to helping businesses succeed .
Dana Toscano-Harder, President
Dana Toscano-Harder is a long time Civil Construction Industry professional. She has worked for and with Vendors, Subcontractors and General Contractors, large and small. This experience lends to her unique perspective and an unconventional but effective approach to bridging gaps, making connections, forming and strengthening relationships and helping businesses organize, grow and thrive.
What has set Dana apart from the rest during her career has been her uncanny ability to be direct, learn the true and accurate facts, and propose and execute concise and effective solutions, no matter how difficult the subject matter. This has led to unprecedented results in the interest of time and money.
Her reputation consists of that of a strong work ethic, one who pays attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to being professional, strategic, fair and ethical.
Dana is a problem solver and is not hesitant to speak up about traditionally uncomfortable topics. She thinks globally, not just about a particular issue or circumstance, but offers her clients the perspective to consider the whole picture and the relationship.
Gabriela Garcia, Business Development Manager
Gabriela Garcia joined the INDEP team in January of 2022. Gabriela comes with over 10 years of experience in small business and economic development. She has experience working directly for small businesses, contractors, non-profits, community based organizations and Transportation Agencies. Gabriela has helped small and emerging contractors strengthen their capacity and grow their business, through her leadership and implementation of capacity building programs.
Gabriela’s is very passionate and has devoted much of her personal and professional life advocating for equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups. She currently serves as a board member for Calculated Genius; a non- profit committed to support and promote careers in engineering to underrepresented youth in the Chicagoland area. She is a member of the Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) - Chicagoland Chapter, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in transportation, where she Co-Chairs the Diversity Committee, and is also part of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority’s Diversity Advisory Council. Previously she served as Secretary for Mujeres Latinas en Accion’s Young Professional Advisory Council.