ADVANCING
DIVERSITY ECOSYSTEMS
Nashville, TN - March 2025
Welcome to the
March 2025 Nashville, TN
Diversity Ecosystem Roundtable!
Our fourth roundtable took place in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing together a dynamic group of industry leaders, innovators, and organizations committed to advancing supplier diversity in the Construction Industry. The discussion centered on identifying key challenges, sharing actionable strategies, and fostering collaboration to create lasting impact. Participants engaged in open dialogue, examined risks from multiple perspectives, and outlined concrete steps to drive meaningful progress in the industry.
Advancing Diversity
V. Mishaune Sawyer from JE Dunn led a powerful discussion on the true meaning of diversity and its vital role within our communities. She emphasized that diversity goes beyond representation—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and building strong, interconnected ecosystems. Mishaune also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change, recognizing the work our team does to cultivate a thriving supplier diversity ecosystem. Her insights reinforced the need for intentional engagement and collective action to ensure lasting impact in the industry.
Building a Resilient Supply Chain:
A Trusted Diverse Ecosystem
Facilitators Susan Schramm and Ana Maria Lowry explore the essential role of resilience in fostering a trusted, diverse ecosystem. Drawing insights from their book, The Maturity Stages of a Trusted, Diverse Ecosystem, they break down key strategies for reinforcing supply chains, addressing risks transparently, and cultivating strong, reliable partnerships. Their discussion highlights how intentional collaboration can drive sustainable success and help organizations navigate challenges with confidence.
The Panels
Each panel is made up of forward-thinking leaders committed to challenging traditional approaches to supplier diversity. Hear how innovative small, diverse business enterprises (DBEs) collaborate with primes (general contractors) and buyers (large corporations & government agencies) to drive faster, more meaningful outcomes.
Buyers Panel
The panel consisted of:
- Amy McGlother, Nashville Electric Service (NES)
- Kim Henry, TN Governor’s Office (GO-DBE)
Primes Panel
The panel consisted of:
- Jessica McMahan, Brasfield & Gorrie
- V. Mishaune Sawyer, JE Dunn
- Vernice Atkins-Bradley, Votum Construction
- Yomi Adeyemo, Juneau Construction
DBE Panel
The panel consisted of:
- David Rees, Solid Platforms
- Kelvin Young, WorkHorse Temps
- Max Palakkat, Bayprint Marketing
- Rafael Rosa, FL Improvement Builders
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.
Our Event Sponsors
