In this new blog series "Discussing Diversity," Gilbane Building Company Inclusion Program Manager Kavon McAdams answers questions about diversity, equity and inclusion and how Gilbane contributes to a welcoming workplace environment for all.
 

What is the overall mission of Gilbane Building Company?

Building a better world with integrity: Gilbane Building Company’s people deliver outstanding client satisfaction. We practice our core Vvlues in our work, giving our clients a unique experience of trust and advocacy. We are committed to achieving sustained growth that enables us to provide enhanced value to clients and industry partners and opportunities for our people. Integrity is the foundation upon which we build our relationships with our clients and our employees. Gilbane Building Company’s core values include: integrity, tough mindedness, teamwork, dedication to excellence, loyalty, discipline, caring and entrepreneurship.
 

How do you incorporate values of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace?

A very critical aspect of Gilbane’s Strategic Plan (Vision 2025) is to advance inclusion and diversity as a business differentiator with support of our Employee Resources groups with four specific focus areas: workforce diversity, supplier diversity, community outreach and an inclusive, bias-free workplace.
 

What DE&I programs or initiatives does the company have in place?

Gilbane offers Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), an economic inclusion program, supplier diversity goals, community outreach programs, community engagement with various nonprofits across the U.S. and a Rising Contractor Program, which offers mentorship for MWBE and SBE firms. We strive to adhere to our Inclusion & Diversity Strategic Plan through the formation of our Inclusion & Diversity Council and Environmental, Social and Governance Team with inclusion and diversity dedicated curriculum for all employees.
 

How do you ensure that all employees feel welcome, including new hires and interns?           

A diverse workforce, however, is just the first step. Diversity in the workplace does not necessarily mean inclusivity in the workplace. We strongly believe making diversity a priority is important, but so is the next logical step: creating a culture where people, from all backgrounds, feel included. Our approach to diversity and inclusion is supported by multi-pronged efforts including and not limited to:

• An Inclusion & Diversity Council: This executive steering committee sets the overall direction and strategic priorities for inclusion and diversity efforts at Gilbane, including the areas of workforce diversity, inclusive work culture, economic inclusion, supplier diversity and community outreach. Members of the council include the President/CEO, Chief HR Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Director of Economic Inclusion & Community Affairs, HR Director for Inclusion & Diversity, Inclusion Program Manager and the chairs and executive sponsors of our Employee Resource Groups. 
• Employee Resource Groups: Gilbane supports a robust network of Employee Resource Groups. These employee-led groups, each with executive support, HR representatives and dedicated budgets, create a safe space for people of similar backgrounds and interests to come together. These groups have national and local chapters, with both socially focused and business-focused goals, providing employees with opportunities to problem-solve, innovate, develop and showcase their leadership skills. Gilbane supports seven employee resources groups. All employees are invited to participate in all ERGs, and the role of allies is critical in their success. ERGs include: 

1.  UJIMA, for Black and African American employees and allies
2.  Hol@ Gilbane (Hispanics Organizing Leaders at Gilbane) for Hispanic and Latino employees and allies
3.  PRIDE, for LGBTQIA employees and allies
4.  empoWer, for female employees and allies
5.  Military Advantage, for military veterans, military families and allies
6.  Gilbane Young Professionals, for early-career professionals and allies
7.  APIC, Asian Professionals in Construction for Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander communities and allies

• Inclusion Week: Gilbane uses a focused week to shine a spotlight on inclusion and diversity. This week is designed to celebrate everyday inclusion in all its forms, sharing, promoting and inspiring our inclusion practices and culture. The program is designed to promote learning and sharing that extends throughout the year.
   

Why do you think it’s important to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace environment?

An inclusive workforce stimulates innovation, creativity, problem solving, productivity and effectiveness. That’s why we’ve established and support a wide range of programs as mentioned above to strengthen our diverse workforce and inclusive culture.

What are you looking for in UD students who want to intern or work at your company? How can they stand out when speaking with your recruiters at our career fairs?

We are looking for students that are willing to learn, not be afraid to ask questions and take on project responsibilities alongside their teams. It is important that students are eager and have a drive to succeed with a passion for construction management.
 

Are you currently hiring interns or entry-level employees?

We are hiring construction management interns, project engineers and superintendents for Summer 2022. At the time of the fair, our jobs will be posted and if students are interested in applying they should speak with one of our representatives.
 

Anything else UD students should know about your organization?

For more information, they can view our early career site at gilbaneco.com/careers/build-your-career/interns-recent-graduates/.