ADVANCING DIVERSITY ECOSYSTEMS
Orlando, Florida
Welcome to the Diversity Ecosystem Roundtable!
This roundtable was held in Orlando, FL with a focus on the Construction Industry. We were joined by industry leaders, innovators and organizations committed to advancing supplier and workplace diversity. The dialogue challenged them to shift perspectives and hear from others regarding the obstacles, frustrations and ways to overcome them!
Diversity in the Construction Industry
Jessica McMahan, Sr. Supplier Diversity Manager of Brasfield & Gorrie, shares insights into the necessity of creating alignment, having a dialogue, and taking action! Words without action is meaningless. It is time to get to work and make a place for everyone at the table!
What is a Trusted
Diverse Ecosystem?
Listen as facilitators – Susan Schramm and Ana Maria Lowry – share the importance of developing a trusted, diverse ecosystem, based on their book, The Maturity Stages of a Trusted, Diverse Ecosystem.
The Panels
Each panel consists of innovative leaders with a desire to influence and challenge current thinking and ways of working as small diverse business enterprises (DBEs) to engage with primes (general contractors) and buyers (large corporations and government agencies) to accelerate meaningful outcomes.
Buyers Panel
The panel consisted of:
- Eric Hernandez, Massey Services
- Suzanne Siu, Orange County Public Schools
- Oswaldo (Ozzy) Soto, Universal Destinations & Experiences
Primes Panel
The panel consisted of:
- Rob Harvey, DPR Construction
- Peyton Robertson, Brasfield & Gorrie
- Jason Albu, Albu & Associates
DBE Panel
The panel consisted of:
- Neel Akhauri, R4 Talent Solutions
- Melvin Mance, Enrichment Partners
- Julio Samamed, Samamed Painting
- Gerardo Zurita, Scenic Studios
- Cristina Salib, SALO Engineering
- Constance Giammattei, FastSigns Orlando Downtown
Reflect
We asked each leader to consider where they were in the Maturity Stages of a Trusted Diverse Ecosystem. They discussed in their own roundtables what they struggled with, how they could progress and how we can create alignment within the industry.
Now, IT’S YOUR TURN! We encourage you to reflect on the key points of these videos and consider:
What is going to be your next step to create meaningful diversity outcomes? To transform, to make a change, requires action. Let us know what action you will take!
The Stages
1. Visible & Diverse
Your organization has set diversity targets and quotas, and holds regular outreach and networking events.
2. Equipped & Diverse
“Visible” PLUS our organization sponsors customized programs to help educate, prepare, and mentor diverse Candidates and Suppliers.
3. Aligned & Diverse
“Equipped” PLUS our leaders hold proactive discussions about what is needed in terms of skills and capabilities, and how to ensure success of diverse Candidates and Suppliers as they are onboarded and developed.
4. Trusted, Diverse Ecosystem
“Aligned” PLUS our organization has consistent values for both Supplier Diversity and Workforce Diversity efforts. A clear operating model, with repeatable processes, provides access to opportunities, and equips, aligns, and grows diverse Employees and Suppliers.
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