October 6, 2020

DALLAS, TX – In observance of Global Diversity Awareness Month, Balfour Beatty is hosting its inaugural all-employee conference dedicated to the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiative. The “Together Allies” virtual summit will take place throughout the month of October and will include a series of guest speakers, panel discussions, and conversations regarding DE&I topics to help create a more inclusive workplace for employees.

The nationwide virtual summit will be held for Balfour Beatty’s 4,300 employees and will feature highly-regarded keynote speakers Rep. Val Demings, Florida congresswoman, and retired Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, president and chief executive officer of The Brewer Leadership Group, LLC, and Deborah Elam, former General Electric (GE) chief of diversity and GE  Foundation president. Employees will also participate and learn from panel discussions and conversations led by the company’s DE&I affinity groups and leadership executives on topics including intersectionality in the workplace, professional development for women in the construction industry, how to be an ally to underrepresented groups, and more.

“Global Diversity Awareness Month is another opportunity to remind us of the responsibility we have to make sure our teammates feel safe and accepted each and every day,” said John Rempe, PE, president and chief executive officer of Balfour Beatty’s US civil operations. “It takes meaningful actions to achieve a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and we are proud to publicly declare our commitment in supporting our diverse team members and providing our workforce with an array of resources to continue vital conversations across the nation.”

As constructive conversations on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in corporate settings continue across the country, companies are taking action to strengthen organizational DE&I efforts. In addition to hosting the Together Allies virtual summit, Balfour Beatty has joined over 100 companies across the nation to ensure workplaces are free from harassment, hazing and bullying through Associated General Contractors’ (AGC) newly formed Culture of CARE program. The pledge is designed to help contractors create a more welcoming workplace environment for team members, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, and provide tools and resources to help establish a caring culture.

“At Balfour Beatty we are privileged to work with a diverse mix of individuals, each with unique personal talents and perspectives that contribute to the company’s success,” said Leon Blondin, chief executive officer of Balfour Beatty’s US buildings operations. “The Together Allies Summit encourages team members to join and contribute to critical and honest conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, and further our strategic efforts in creating an inclusive, people-first workplace where everyone’s voice matters.”

Balfour Beatty’s Together Allies virtual DE&I summit will begin with an opening keynote on Oct. 6 and conclude with a summit capstone on Oct. 28.