JE Dunn’s commitment to inclusion and belonging is deeply woven into the fabric of our culture. A prime example of this commitment is BUiLD (Blacks United in Learning and Development), an employee resource group (ERG) born from thoughtful conversations between company leaders and employees over the years. In 2020, these discussions gained momentum and led to the formal creation of BUiLD as a means to continue identifying specific opportunities to further support our Black employees and allies throughout their personal and professional journeys. Additionally, the group provides opportunities for connection and relationship building across our rapidly expanding company.
BUiLD’s mission is clear: to create a supportive environment where employees can cultivate meaningful connections and strengthen relationships, both within the company and the communities we serve. The group has the unwavering support of JE Dunn executive leaders, including President and CEO Gordon Lansford, who has championed the initiative as its executive sponsor from day one and remains actively involved.
As BUiLD has evolved, its impact has extended beyond supporting employees — it has enriched the company’s overall culture. By offering opportunities for networking, professional development, and personal growth, BUiLD fosters a deep sense of community within the organization. That community building extends beyond JE Dunn’s offices through active support of several charitable organizations and strategic community partners. This is a natural extension of the company’s guiding principle of enriching lives through inspired people and places.
One of the most remarkable contributions BUiLD has made at JE Dunn is the profound sense of belonging it fosters throughout the company, says Lynnsee Boyse, National BUiLD Co-Chair. “You can find a family here at JE Dunn. Knowing that you can be your full authentic self is empowering to all employees, and we have found that it sparks incredible energy and enthusiasm amongst our BUiLD participants,” Boyse said.
Four years after its inception, BUiLD remains a welcoming and inclusive community, open to any employee eager to engage and participate. National Co-Chair Marcus Walker highlights the critical role that ERGs like BUiLD play, especially for new hires and young professionals: “When you join a company of 4,800 people, it can be overwhelming,” Walker explained. “BUiLD offers a connection point, a place where you can feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger within such a large and successful organization. This group allows you to feel like you belong.”
BUiLD is more than just an ERG — it stands as a powerful testament to JE Dunn’s steadfast commitment to fostering inclusion, belonging, and the belief that when employees flourish, the entire company thrives.
