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The Daily Journal of Commerce has announced its Building Diversity honorees for 2021. The recognition and education program celebrates and examines diversity, equity and inclusion within the local building industry and environment. The following companies, organizations, projects, initiatives and individuals are being recognized.

• GeoEngineers. The firm 鈥渉as developed a robust inclusive contracting program that offers opportunities, support and partnerships with COBID firms,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Todd Duwe, Perlo Construction. Duwe 鈥渉as worked collaboratively with office and field team members to spearhead an internal social responsibility committee, subcontractor outreach program, better tracking of COBID partnerships, (and bring diversity, equity and inclusion) into every conversation,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Meyer Memorial Trust headquarters project. Developer project^ and contractor O鈥橬eill/Walsh Community Builders delivered 鈥渁 superb, beautiful addition to the community that put equity and sustainability at its core,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Mel Jones, JE Dunn Construction. Jones 鈥渉as been a staple in the local building community and has left a lasting impression anywhere he鈥檚 worked,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Rom谩n Hern谩ndez, Troutman Pepper. Hern谩ndez 鈥渉as been a champion of equity not only in his profession, but in his involvement in organizations across the city and around the state,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Kelly Kupcak, Oregon Tradeswomen Inc. Kupcak 鈥渉as helped guide the Safe from Hate initiative and has been lauded by many for her proactive and compassionate response when incidents in the industry occur,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Wenaha Group. 鈥淚n addition to helping guide large, complicated projects to successful completion,鈥� according to the nomination, 鈥淲enaha has been able to make good projects great by engaging stakeholders traditionally left out of important conversations.鈥�
• Portland Building reconstruction project. The city of Portland (owner), DLR Group (designer) and Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty Company (contractor) 鈥渘ot only completed the project on time and $10 million under budget, but (created) a new model for inclusiveness in the building process,鈥� according to the nomination.
• RKm Development. The firm 鈥渋s in the process of finishing up the Rockwood Rising development in Gresham,鈥� according to the nomination. 鈥淭he project will consist of three community-focused buildings, including an innovation hub, commercial space, affordable housing, a food hall and a public plaza.鈥�
• The Skanner (lifetime achievement award). 鈥淭he Skanner has played a pivotal role in many projects and initiatives, and has been a resource for contractors and public agencies to inform people of color about contracting opportunities,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Center for Equity & Inclusion. CEI 鈥渇ound itself in the project owner role in 2020 when it decided to purchase and renovate a 107-year-old building on Alberta Street to serve as its new HQ,鈥� according to the nomination. 鈥淭he project provided an opportunity for the organization to invest in the community it serves.鈥�
• Advanced Tribal LLC. 鈥淭he Salem-based contractor has been an engaged member within NAMC Oregon and has worked to develop strong relationships with contractors and project owners to create new opportunities 鈥� for (founder Leon Araiza鈥檚) community,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Hacienda Community Development Corp. 鈥淔or 25 years, Hacienda has been working to provide housing (and) supportive services 鈥� to the region鈥檚 Latino community, and has since evolved to provide economic development and homeownership support,鈥� according to the nomination.
• Angela Watkins, Minority Construction Group and Constructing Hope. Watkins 鈥渉as been working in the construction industry for more than 25 years and has been a consistent presence 鈥� as well as a voice for minorities and women,鈥� according to the nomination.
• NAMC University. 鈥淎fter merging NAMC Oregon and MCIP, the organization expanded (this initiative) that offers online and in-person technical support and training in partnerships with organizations,鈥� according to the nomination. 鈥淭he revamped platform has been accessible to small contractors throughout the pandemic.鈥�
• Safe from Hate initiative. 鈥淏ased on a conversation between NAMC Oregon and the Associated General Contractors鈥� Oregon-Columbia chapter, several key companies, organizations and figures came together following the murder of George Floyd to host multiple listening sessions and open houses centered on eliminating racism in the construction industry,鈥� according to the nomination.

In addition to recognition of this year鈥檚 honorees, the virtual event will include networking opportunities for attendees as well as an interactive panel discussion: 鈥淥wnership and Economic Justice鈥� within the region’s business environment.

The event will take place online on May 26. Individual tickets are free; registration is required to receive log-in details one week before the event.

Sponsorships are available; they start at $1,150. Learn more and register by visiting /building-diversity/.