INSIGHTS ARTICLES

Creating Space in Construction

At STO Building Group, we understand the importance of a collaborative team and are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce in our offices, on our jobs, and in our partnerships. Over the last year, STOBG’s Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) has continued to drive this change within our company through corporate initiatives, while individual STOBG business units developed local approaches to D&I, focused on fostering strong relationships with minority, women, and disability owned businesses in our field.

MENTOR/PROTÉGÉ  PROGRAM

In one example, Ajax Building Company is mentoring two small, lo- cal, minority-owned firms. This program helps both companies gain hands-on experience managing a large project, which they can use to build their resumes for future project opportunities. Other STOBG companies have similar mentor relationships.

Inspectors walking on site

DISADVANTAGED WORKERS ALLOCATIONS

Ajax reserves 10% of workhours for individuals facing employment challenges, such as veterans receiving public assistance, individuals with criminal records, high school dropouts, and at-risk youth. To ensure this goal is achievable, Ajax helped develop a local TalentHub platform to connect disadvantaged workers with trade subcontractors seeking to hire for certain projects.

EXTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

Ajax has teamed with Lively Technical Center, TEMPO, Career Source Capital Region, and the Florida Small Business Development Center to connect interested workers with trade subcontractors and offer continued education opportunities.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COUNCIL

The LF Driscoll Diversity & Inclusion Council (DDIC) is a group of di- verse contractors, senior executives at LF Driscoll, and representatives of Chambers of Commerce, supplier and subcontractor advocate groups, and state government. Together, the council aims to drive a cultural shift within the industry by removing the traditional barriers that prevent participation and growth for diverse companies within construction. Some of the key council initiatives include:

  • Targeting 100% diverse packages in the bidding process.
  • Creating more first-tier package carve-outs.
  • Educating owners, industry practitioners, and MWSBEs.
  • Providing prequalification assistance to MWSBEs and emerging firms.
  • Offering consistent predictable opportunities to diverse firms.
“STO Building Group works to promote meaningful opportunities for our employees, as well as our supply chain. It is important for us to continue our outreach efforts to identify new, capable MWDBE subcontractors and to build on the relationships we already have.”
DANIELLE SIMONEVice President/Regulatory Compliance Counsel, STO Building Group
“Innovation comes from diversity of thought, and broadening our inclusive initiatives gives us the power to thrive in the ever-growing demographics of this country.”
MAFE ALIZORegional MWDBE Manager, Structure Tone New York
“Our company culture must remain resilient and agile to drive the construction industry forward to be more inclusive. Diversity ensures that we constantly change and create new dynamics that will strengthen our company in the long run.”
CHERELLE CORTEZDiversity & Inclusion Director, Layton Construction
“Everything in life builds you, and the most important thing is to learn from those around you. That’s why I’m so passionate about connecting people in our industry with the right individuals, institutions, or programs that can provide them with opportunities and direction—that support is powerful.”
TED PARKER Director of Outreach & Vendor Diversity, Ajax Building Company
“One construction project won’t fix the woes of our nation, but we are lucky to be able to recognize that something has to change in order for us to thrive. If this is my opportunity to do just that, it’s my responsibility to stand and deliver.”
SAEGE STEELE EOP & Diversity Specialist, LF Driscoll
supplier diversity achieved by STOBG on a single project
0 %
spent by Layton on MWDBE suppliers in Arizona alone
$ M+
Exit mobile version