While the construction industry has become privy to the value of a new and diverse generation of construction professionals, the actual representation of minorities in the workplace remains relatively low. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is far more than a number that project teams need to meet participation goals, and should be recognized as an avenue to create deeper relationships that allow us to better integrate into the communities in which we build. At JE Dunn, this relationship extends beyond ensuring diverse firms have opportunities to work on our projects by employing a true mentorship mindset.
Bucketed into three foundational categories, JE Dunn is committed to progressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, workforce, and marketplace. To successfully deliver on this commitment, and most importantly, do so authentically, we are sparking change from the inside out. In the workplace, offices across the country are hosting internal Diversity Dialogues and Minority Contractor Development (MCD) Lunch and Learns in a continual effort to enhance JE Dunn’s DEI culture. We are reaching a diverse workforce through strategic partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), fostering internship opportunities and industry exposure. Finally, JE Dunn’s MCD program offers diverse firms in the construction-related marketplace a unique, free of charge opportunity to become more viable business partners.
JE Dunn’s MCD program is one way we support the growth of diverse businesses. This flagship program is designed to educate and equip small and emerging minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBE) through a series of trainings. With a focus on education, relationships, and contracts, JE Dunn’s MCD program curriculum features eight, four-hour sessions discussing several topics, including leadership, safety, and principles of business excellence. Since its inception in 2006, the MCD program has trained over 500 companies across the country.
Resurgence of JE Dunn’s MCD Program in the West
JE Dunn has reintroduced the MCD program to the west region, beginning in the Portland marketplace, recently welcoming 10 minority contractors consisting of general contracting, trucking, excavation, millwork, specialty craft, and electrical companies. This resurgence of JE Dunn’s MCD program in the west will continue with the Denver marketplace this fall, followed shortly by Phoenix and Northern California.
Growing with MWBE Businesses
Embarking on the same journey as MWBE firms enhances JE Dunn’s ability to effectively impact their development. The more time invested in understanding their aspirations and challenges, the better JE Dunn can support them.
The Northwest continues to experience growth, providing construction opportunities in a wide range of markets from healthcare to higher education, as well as specialized markets such as advanced industries/semiconductor manufacturing. JE Dunn’s (MCD) program is designed to ready small and emerging minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBE) for success in the variety of markets that JE Dunn engages in. Our advanced industries market continues to grow, introducing opportunities in a new, fast-paced, high-risk, and complex environment to contractors and trade partners. As one of JE Dunn’s largest markets, advanced industries requires specialized training in bidding process, time management and scheduling, and quality and safety standards which was delivered through JE Dunn’s program by way of internal market experts.
