Gyna Bivens, a talent recruiter when she’s not handling constituent issues as a member of the Fort Worth City Council, knows the impact diversity can have on improving companies.
She’s keeping companies supplied with qualified talent, undeterred by politics. As president and executive director of North Texas nonprofit LEAD, she has helped more than 1,000 people with college degrees connect with jobs, including C-suite positions, at major employers.
“It’s my passion to connect talented people with some of our major companies that need diversity,” said Bivens, who is stepping down from council this May after a dozen years on the job.
In the search for talent, many Texas companies are still looking for the best and brightest to reflect the reality of America — regardless of what they call their hiring programs.
With President Donald Trump’s defunding of federal programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, some companies have abandoned or rebranded their efforts. However, retailers such as Target and Walmart, both of which dropped DEI programs, found different bull’s-eyes on their businesses when Black and Latino consumers launched boycotts against both chains, prompting dwindling sales in an uncertain economic climate. Other companies, including Apple, Costco and Delta Airlines, have been steadfast in maintaining their DEI programs.
Fort Worth-based Lockheed Martin Corp. —- which assembles the military’s F-35 stealth jet fleet — dropped its DEI program in January and posted a statement to its website.
“Merit-based talent management programs and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and directives have always been central to this mission,” the military defense contractor said, referring to its mission of delivering weapons systems and security to the U.S. and its allies. “We are taking immediate action to ensure continued compliance and full alignment with President Trump’s recent executive order. We will not have goals or incentives based on demographic representation or Affirmative Action Plans.”
Training offered by the company were already compliant with Trump’s previous executive orders during his first administration, the statement said.
“We will continue to help America and its allies achieve peace through strength by recruiting, retaining and promoting the best aerospace and defense talent in the world, with the only criteria being merit and performance,” the statement continued.
Black, Latino chambers say they are uplifting Fort Worth
Leaders for Fort Worth’s Black and Latino chambers of commerce said they have always been inclusive of all, as their missions aim to help support minority-owned businesses in their community work.
“Promoting Black-owned businesses is part of our mission; the ban on DEI has not changed that,” said Michelle Green-Ford, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. “However, our mission does not exclude anyone from becoming members and participating in our programs.”
Promoting Black-owned businesses is a priority because of the long-lasting disparity in business representation, Green-Ford said.
“Currently, about 3% of businesses in Texas are Black-owned,” she said. “However, our membership and our programs are open to all business owners.”
Mario Valdez, chair of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said the ban on DEI programs “has created some challenges, especially in areas like federal contracts and workforce development.”
“But our chamber has always been about opening doors and building bridges, not just checking boxes,” Valdez said. “We remain committed to promoting Hispanic-owned businesses and ensuring that equity and opportunity are part of the conversation whether labeled DEI or not. We’ll continue advocating for inclusion through the lens of entrepreneurship, community impact, and economic growth.”
Both chamber leaders said their organizations focus on uplifting Fort Worth as a whole.
“While our mission is rooted in supporting Hispanic business owners, our work naturally touches and uplifts a broader business community,” Valdez said. “We’re proud of our collaborations with diverse groups, Latino and non-Latino alike, and we welcome partnerships that drive shared success. I wouldn’t say there’s a rebrand, but rather an evolution (of) being more inclusive, more strategic, and more united in growing the economic pie for all.”
Green-Ford said her chamber’s committed partners share the same vision to promote strong economic development to strengthen Fort Worth.
Valdez said the Hispanic chamber’s business and community programs are “part of our DNA.”
“They celebrate culture, create community, and spark commerce,” he said. “Whether it’s a local networking mixer or a national summit, these gatherings are essential to the vibrancy of our chamber and the businesses we support. You can expect them to not only continue but to grow in reach and impact.”
Economic challenges
Tariffs threatened by Trump have caused concerns because Texas exports 55% of its goods to five countries: Mexico, Canada, China, South Korea and Brazil, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Latino-owned businesses, Valdez said, could feel the sting of Trump’s economic sanctions, especially because 32.7% of Texas goods go to Mexico — totalling $281 billion in 2024.
“Many Latino-owned businesses operate in cross-border trade, especially with Mexico, so tariffs absolutely create ripple effects,” Valdez said. “We’ve seen increased costs, which unfortunately get passed down to customers or impact profitability. But Hispanic entrepreneurs are incredibly resilient. The chamber is actively working to make sure their voices are heard in policy discussions and that they have the tools and support to navigate these headwinds.”
Green-Ford echoed Valdez’s concern.
“Historically, when economic trends impact business negatively, Black businesses are impacted greatly. We expect the same to be true with tariffs,” she said.
Chamber leaders said political rhetoric doesn’t undermine their goals to unify Fort Worth and improve its economic development as the city grows beyond 1 million residents.
“After years of fighting against racial discrimination, we are saddened by the current political rhetoric that can incite divisiveness, fear, and mistrust,” Green-Ford said. “We will strive to be a unifying force in the community as we carry out our mission.”
Valdez, an architect, said diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about perspective.
“The strength of our board comes from the lived experiences and backgrounds of its members,” he said. “As we grow, so does our commitment to keeping that mix dynamic, reflective, and inclusive of the communities we serve.”
Eric E. Garcia is a senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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