Creating Space in Construction
At STO Building Group (STOBG), we understand the importance of a collaborative team and are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce in our offices, on our jobs, and in our partnerships. Over the last year, STOBG’s Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) has continued to drive this change within our company through corporate initiatives, while individual STOBG business units developed local approaches to D&I, focused on fostering strong relationships with minority, women, and disability owned businesses in our field.
MENTOR/PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM
In one example, Ajax Building CompanyGo to https://www.ajaxbuilding.com/ is mentoring two small, local, minority-owned firms. This program helps both companies gain hands-on experience managing a large project, which they can use to build their resumes for future project opportunities. Other STOBG companies have similar mentor relationships.
DISADVANTAGED WORKERS ALLOCATIONS
AjaxGo to https://www.ajaxbuilding.com/ reserves 10% of workhours for individuals facing employment challenges, such as veterans receiving public assistance, individuals with criminal records, high school dropouts, and at-risk youth. To ensure this goal is achievable, Ajax helped develop a local TalentHub platform to connect disadvantaged workers with trade subcontractors seeking to hire for certain projects.
EXTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
AjaxGo to https://www.ajaxbuilding.com/ has teamed with Lively Technical CenterGo to https://www.livelytech.com/, TEMPO, Career Source Capital RegionGo to https://www.careersourcecapitalregion.com/, and the Florida Small Business Development CenterGo to https://floridasbdc.org/ to connect interested workers with trade subcontractors and offer continued education opportunities.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COUNCIL
The LF DriscollGo to https://stobuildinggroup.com/lf-driscoll/ Diversity & Inclusion Council (DDIC) is a group of diverse contractors, senior executives at LF Driscoll, and representatives of Chambers of Commerce, supplier and subcontractor advocate groups, and state government. Together, the council aims to drive a cultural shift within the industry by removing the traditional barriers that prevent participation and growth for diverse companies within construction. Some of the key council initiatives include:
- Targeting 100% diverse packages in the bidding process
- Creating more first-tier package carve-outs
- Educating owners, industry practitioners, and MWSBEs
- Providing prequalification assistance to MWSBEs and emerging firms
- Offering consistent predictable opportunities to diverse firms
DANIELLE SIMONE
Vice President/Regulatory Compliance Counsel
STO Building Group (STOBG)
“STO Building Group (STOBG) works to promote meaningful opportunities for our employees, as well as our supply chain. It is important for us to continue our outreach efforts to identify new, capable MWDBE subcontractors and to build on the relationships we already have.”
MAFE ALIZO
Regional MWDBE Manager
Structure Tone New York
“Innovation comes from diversity of thought, and broadening our inclusive initiatives gives us the power to thrive in the ever-growing demographics of this country.”
CHERELLE CORTEZ
Diversity & Inclusion Director
Layton Construction
“Our company culture must remain resilient and agile to drive the construction industry forward to be more inclusive. Diversity ensures that we constantly change and create new dynamics that will strengthen our company in the long run.”
TED PARKER
Director of Outreach
& Vendor Diversity
Ajax Building Company
“Everything in life builds you, and the most important thing is to learn from those around you. That’s why I’m so passionate about connecting people in our industry with the right individuals, institutions, or programs that can provide them with opportunities and direction—that support is powerful.”
SAEGE STEELE
EOP & Diversity Specialist
LF Driscoll
“One construction project won’t fix the woes of our nation, but we are lucky to be able to recognize that something has to change in order for us to thrive. If this is my opportunity to do just that, it’s my responsibility to stand and deliver.”