The ABC-VA Inclusion, Diversity & Merit Committee focuses on providing equal opportunities to all ABC-VA members.
ABC-VA’s IDM values place an emphasis on inclusion (helping all to feel welcome, valued and included), diversity (increase participation from members with diverse backgrounds) and merit (ensure opportunity for all members on a fair and level playing field.
HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN IN COSTRUCTION (WIC)
March is Women’s History Month with WIC Week taking place from March 3 – 9, 2024!
This year’s theme is Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. As we celebrate women, both past and present, take time to recognize those that are advocates for eliminating bias, embracing everyone, and excluding no one, in our common quest for inclusivity.
Learn More
History.com – Women’s History Month 2024
Teamraderie – Best Ways to Support Women At Work
TED Talk – Lilly Singh “A Seat at The Table” Isn’t A Solution For Gender Equality
Diversity Global – 2023 Top 15 Influential Women in Diversity
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Donna Long founded GovSolutions in 2004 as an office furniture dealership focused on the federal government marketplace, expanding from a team of one to four employees within the first year. Now after 20 years in business, GovSolutions employs 26 stakeholders and launched a wholly owned subsidiary – Falkbuilt Greater Hampton Roads. Under Donna’s leadership, GovSolutions, Inc. | Falkbuilt Greater Hampton Roads has claimed numerous awards, including ABC Accredited Quality Contractor and Step Diamond awards. She is committed to equity and inclusion and received the 2017 National Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Diversity Excellence Award. Donna maintains active community leadership in the Hampton Roads region. She is a 2013 alum of LEAD Hampton Roads, HRACRE Membership Committee and Military Externship Sub-Committee Leader and a Lifetime Member of Women in Defense, to name a few.
HIGHLIGHTING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month (BHM)
The theme for BHM 2024 is African Americans and the Arts. This theme focuses on Black, African, and Caribbean Americans who have served as change agents using their craft(s).
ABC’s Inclusion, Diversity & Merit (IDM) committee is celebrating BHM 2024 by exploring the history of Black and African American pioneers in construction and highlighting extraordinary stories that have yet to be told.
Learn More
Check out this blog from Cocoon, Celebrating Black History Month – African Americans in Construction
Check out these links from History.com:
Check out these Hidden Figures: 31 History- Making Black Americans Everyone Should Know
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Jeffrey Rayford is the president/owner of Tuskegee Contracting, an 8(a) and SDVOSB leading general contractor in the Hampton Roads region. Mr. Rayford’s uncle, Lt. Colonel Lee Rayford, is a documented original Tuskegee Airman, graduating in 1942 in the 3rd Class of Tuskegee Airmen, Class 42E. Learn more about Lee Rayford’s honorable military career.
Please reach out to Kelsey Cates, IDM Committee Chair, with any questions, suggestions or contributions for future recognition.
Additional IDM Committee Members
Marquita Edmonds (Vice Chair), Hourigan
Mike Miller (Immediate Past Chair), RetroAIM
Crystal Gloeckner, Comfort Systems of Virginia
John Trant, TST Construction
Miguel Ochoa, Hobbs & Associates
James Garrett, SB Ballard
Danielle Jenkins, JRC Mechanical
Kerin Wimbrough, Sherwin-Williams