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Being a strong advocate for entrepreneurs is one of my passions, and always has been. It’s a mindset I have and what I encourage those around me to adopt as well, because it opens up the mind to envisioning new possibilities.

To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Burns & McDonnell invited Hannibal B. Johnson to share his insights on diversity, equity and inclusion. As an attorney, author and historian, Johnson has a thoughtful perspective about the past and the value of storytelling to support diversity and elevate everyone.

A lot can happen over the course of 20 years. Personally, I’ve started multiple businesses (and failed), built a career as an electrical engineer, successfully founded my own company and started a nonprofit to teach high school students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. While these experiences have been fruitful — albeit demanding — my relationships were what drove me to success.

In 2020, the world watched as racial unrest unfolded across the U.S., hitting a crisis point midyear. This political and powerful movement incited action, inspiring not only individuals but also Fortune 500 companies to reflect and evolve. Though already in the middle of an 18-month journey to further develop its supplier diversity program, PepsiCo’s CEO Ramon Laguarta engaged his team, and years’ worth of data, to go bigger and do more. Motivated by recent events, he led the charge, releasing a personal, passionate statement — and promise — of how PepsiCo would do right by its customers, workforce and suppliers.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion — known as the Six Triple Eight — was the only all-Black Women Army Corps (WAC) unit deployed to Europe during World War II. On Nov. 30, 2018, five of the surviving veterans from the unit traveled to the Buffalo Soldier Commemorative Area at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for the dedication of a monument honoring their service.

The 80-year-old water treatment facility in Wichita, Kansas, needed an upgrade to serve the city’s growing population. To meet residents’ water needs, Wichita officials decided to construct a 120 million gallon per day (mgd), state-of-the-art facility, northeast of the local zoo.

Through volunteer programs, monetary support and engagement opportunities, Burns & McDonnell employees have built a meaningful relationship with United Way. Over its 137-year history, United Way has built a proven track record of administering and distributing funds to nonprofits to help families and individuals improve their health and educational outcomes, as well as their financial stability.

Putting intention and effort into building diverse, inclusive partnerships can result in better client solutions and mutually beneficial business growth.

As the firm’s first diversity, equity and inclusion strategy manager, Leon Harden seeks to enhance diversity and inclusion at Burns & McDonnell and beyond.

Diverse business membership organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and chambers of commerce are playing a major role in the development of diverse businesses that contribute a great deal to the U.S. economy.

An inclusive workforce can be built when intentional relationships are established with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions.

A holistic and inclusive approach to supplier diversity expands opportunities for minority-owned businesses while increasing overall business resiliency and flexibility.