Together By Design
Business Diversity Newsletter
Tammy Martin
Business Diversity Program Director,
Burns & McDonnell
Empowering Small Businesses Through Mentorship
With half of small and diverse businesses failing after five years, there are several trends that impact these companies now more than ever.
Our Accelerate mentorship program aids in mitigating the effect of these factors and others for small businesses.
With Burns & McDonnell built more than 125 years ago by two driven entrepreneurs, we're grateful to be able to help other small businesses succeed. To date, leaders from more than eighty companies have participated in our Accelerate mentorship program. The latest edition of Together By Design highlights two of these companies: Corporate Environmental Risk Management (CERM) and MJC Strategic Consulting.
Read about these businesses and their fearless owners and then review our other articles that highlight the value of cultivating an inclusive and equitable business landscape. As you peruse the articles, I hope you will be inspired in new ways to not only fuel your company’s growth but help with the growth of your smaller business partners, in an effort to build improved economic stability throughout the communities you serve.
BUSINESS FEATURE
Burns & McDonnell
Growing up as a "village kid" after losing his mom and dad, Albert G. Edwards learned the importance of community support and mentorship.
BUSINESS FEATURE
Burns & McDonnell
In today’s business landscape, where speed and adaptability are crucial, initiatives like the Accelerate program stand out.
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Culture Video
Ayana Parsons is an award-winning inclusive leadership expert, serial entrepreneur, and investor dedicated to advancing global change. With over two decades of experience in the supplier diversity and diversity, equity and inclusion space, she has held influential roles at organizations like the World Economic Forum, Korn Ferry and Procter & Gamble.
Business Feature
Knowledge sharing among business leaders with diverse backgrounds is not just about the transfer of information; it’s about helping to build resilient, innovative and cohesive organizations — of all types and sizes — that are capable of navigating the complexities of today’s business world.
Community Feature
In the modern corporate landscape, employee resource groups (ERGs) are beacons of inclusivity and collaboration. ERGs also offer a promising avenue to bolster business development efforts. Through connections established via ERGs and minority chambers of commerce, corporations can weave a tapestry of diverse suppliers, enriching their operations and signaling a commitment to equitable business practices.
Blog
Aisha Bowe is the embodiment of a successful woman. She has a background as a former NASA rocket scientist and is now an entrepreneur and future commercial astronaut. In 2024, she intends to travel to space with Blue Origin on New Shepard as the first Black woman aboard a commercial space flight.
Blog
Since the Bayen Group reserved the last open slot with Burns & McDonnell at a 2019 small business matchmaking event in Pasadena, California, its growth has accelerated. Within months of meeting with Burns & McDonnell, the technology consulting firm, which specializes in cybersecurity and business systems integration, signed a contract to streamline an electrical distribution program for San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E). The Bayen Group’s quick, quality work with SDG&E won the company two more large projects over subsequent years, resulting in being named as a 2022 Business Partner of the Year.
Blog
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has spurred infrastructure investments across the United States. Through the Justice40 Initiative, established under Executive Order 14008, the federal government aims to provide 40% of the overall benefits from these federal programs to support marginalized and disadvantaged communities. This funding is intended to support affordable housing, transit projects, energy initiatives, clean water, remediation and workforce development.
Blog
In 2023, Evergy, Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA) and Burns & McDonnell took a leap forward with the launch of a novel business development program designed to educate and equip small and diverse businesses with tools they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing business environment.
Blog
Leon Harden interviews Lauren Bertram about how companies should focus on how a candidate could add to an existing culture with a diverse perspective.
Blog
Being a strong advocate for entrepreneurs is one of my passions, and always has been.
Blog
After collaborating on the construction of SaskPower’s Chinook Power Station located in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, in 2017, Burns & McDonnell and All
Blog
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.
Blog
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.
Blog
Creating successful collaboration between firms in the construction industry, their clients and diverse suppliers can be challenging. The 30 Crossing project, a $632
Blog
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
Blog
Before joining Burns & McDonnell, Cliff Cate worked for a disadvantaged business. He now finds opportunities for Burns & McDonnell to join forces with minority-owned businesses throughout the country to implement critical infrastructure solutions in the water industry.
Blog
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
Blog
The Department of Defense awards more than $80 billion annually in contracts to small businesses through programs run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). That is critical funding some small, diverse companies may not qualify for because they historically have not had access to opportunities majority-owned and larger companies had.
Blog
The 80-year-old water treatment facility in Wichita, Kansas, needed an upgrade to serve the city’s growing population.
Blog
Vernal Stewart is an affable man who has built a life defined by relentless entrepreneurship and unyielding optimism. In 1986, he started his career by founding Engineering Polymers Co. While his youth and inexperience created some barriers, Stewart’s hustle and humility ultimately resulted in professional success. Today, Stewart serves as the president of SE3, a professional services company specializing in civil engineering.
Blog
Through volunteer programs, monetary support and engagement opportunities, Burns & McDonnell employees have built a meaningful relationship with United Way.
Supplier Feature
After operating her own company for 15 years, Angela Hurt shares insight on the importance of authenticity and diversifying to grow a successful business.
Employee-Owner Spotlight
Putting intention and effort into building diverse, inclusive partnerships can result in better client solutions and mutually beneficial business growth.
HBCU Q&A
Two employee-owners discuss the benefits of attending a historically Black university. The environment and experience helped them learn, grow and thrive.
Employee-Owner Spotlight
As the firm’s first diversity, equity and inclusion strategy manager, Leon Harden seeks to enhance diversity and inclusion at Burns & McDonnell and beyond.
Business Feature
A strong, diverse supplier network requires a corporate commitment to diversify and create relationships that work for the benefit of all involved.
Business Feature
Diverse business membership organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and chambers of commerce are playing a major
Client Feature
A utility in Southern California is investing in Black suppliers, boosting economic activity and meeting customer needs while embracing regional diversity.
Educational Article
An inclusive workforce can be built when intentional relationships are established with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions.
Supplier Feature
A strong network of diverse suppliers requires a corporate commitment to diversity and fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
Educational Article
A holistic and inclusive approach to supplier diversity expands opportunities for minority-owned businesses while increasing overall business resiliency and flexibility.
Community Leadership Feature
The president of a Black-owned civil and structural engineering firm reflects on the life of a civil rights leader who was instrumental in effecting change in more ways than one.
Supplier Q&A
Carol Taylor’s 18 years of experience leading a diverse, woman-owned business demonstrates the importance of people, partners and perseverance.
Community Leadership Feature
President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Bob Kendrick uses the story of how baseball was desegregated to facilitate conversations about race and business in America.
Business Spotlight
During Black History Month, Burns & McDonnell acknowledges three certified diverse business partners from the Black community.
Educational Article
Businesses across industries can take a proactive approach to cultivating and maintaining a diverse workforce and supplier base.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Burns & McDonnell partnered with a strategic communications firm to launch a new quarterly business diversity newsletter to advance a community of inclusion.
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