2025 Optimism Survey

A Voice for Every Voice

Support Today’s Workforce

Together, we can lead meaningful, open, and honest conversations that will ensure a culture of diversity, equity & inclusion within our industry. Only when we listen to those impacted by racism, inequities and discrimination can we learn and improve.

For more information, contact:

Erin Volk

Erin Volk

Senior Vice President, Workforce & Community Development; Executive Director, Construction Education Foundation
Kayla Montgomery

Kayla Montgomery

Sr. Industry Advancement Manager
Nasim Adeli

Nasim Adeli

Small/Underrepresented Business Partnership Manager
Yasaman Mohammadi

Yasaman Mohammadi

Senior Small/Underrepresented Business Coordinator

Read the DE&I Task Force’s recommendation report containing actionable input on DE&I policies, programs, trainings and best practices relevant to workforces, subcontractors, and suppliers.

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Programs, Resources & Best Practices

Belonging Survey

AGC of California’s Belonging Survey is a tool that companies can implement to assess their team’s overall sense of belonging, as well as highlight disparities across demographic intersections.

Business Case for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Read how AGC of America is addressing this important initiative, how it affects your business, and what you can do to drive a DE&I culture.

DE&I Forum

The AGC DE&I Forum is open to all member organizations. Forum meetings are held quarterly, and serve as a space for you to engage in frank conversations about transforming your corporate structure, policies, practices, and job sites.

DE&I Resources

Your hub for diversity, equity and inclusion information.

“AGC places a heavy emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. We are dedicated to helping our members and industry increase these efforts in the workplace to make real and lasting impacts.” Mike Blach, 2020-21 President
AGC of California

DE&I Task Force Report

Learn how increased diversity, equity & inclusion efforts in the workplace can benefit your company and the construction industry at large.

Small Business Construction Expo (SBCX)

Build your network and grow your business at Small Business Construction Expo! SBCX brings together SUB contractors with public agencies, prime contractors, and specialty trades across the state.

SUB BASICS Training Program

The SUB BASICS Training Program, created by AGC of California’s DE&I Steering Committee & partners, provides free on-demand business acumen training for SUBs in California. Upon completing the virtual program, BASICS-certified companies will be provided with match-making opportunities with AGC General and Specialty Contractor members.

SUB Forum

The AGC of California SUB Forum connects California’s SUB contractors with opportunities, primes, agencies, and industry experts. Invest in the future of our industry by learning, engaging, and growing together. For more information, email Nasim Adeli, SUB Partnership Manager, at AdeliN@agc-ca.org.

Supplier Diversity Playbook

This playbook serves as a comprehensive guide to provide resources, strategies, best practices, and standard procedures for construction companies that need to improve upon or create their own supplier diversity program.

Moving in the Right Direction

The construction industry’s success is contingent on the diverse backgrounds and experiences that influence and shape our built environment. Our current and future workforce expects change, and employers that have clearly established cultures honoring diversity, equity, inclusivity, and safety. In fact, studies show that companies who invest in DE&I programs see improved teamwork, innovation, and productivity, and experience improved financial results.

In early 2020 AGC’s State Board of Directors (SBOD) engaged in focused dialogue around opportunities to provide guidance and resources to AGC member companies on how to address DE&I issues. It became clear that our members were seeking guidance on how to make a true impact in this area. As a result, the DE&I Task Force was established, under AGC’s Construction Education Foundation, to help advance our commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the industry, membership, and leadership. The Task Force convened regularly throughout the year to provide AGC’s State Board and the AGC Construction Education Foundation’s Board with actionable input on DE&I policies, programs, trainings and best practices relevant to workforces, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Download Task Force Report

Steering Committee

AGC’s DE&I Steering Committee helps guide the development of recommendations called out in the DE&I Task Force Report (PDF), and leads the DE&I Forum.

Chair - Babatunde Onadele, Jr.

Chair - Babatunde Onadele, Jr.

Senior Project Manager
CORE Builders
Vice Chair - Melissa Berg

Vice Chair - Melissa Berg

Director of Inclusion, Culture & Engagement
Dome Construction
Mark Adams

Mark Adams

Diversity Workforce Development Manager
Teichert
Jean Bjork

Jean Bjork

President
Bjork Construction
Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

Dr. Giovanna Brasfield

CEO
Brasfield & Associates
Daniel R. Dumke

Daniel R. Dumke

Senior Director
Shawmut Design & Construction
Jennifer Evers

Jennifer Evers

Procurement Agent
Turner Construction Company
Michael Herrera

Michael Herrera

Regional Director, Supplier Diversity & Community Outreach
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
 Chris Jones

Chris Jones

Director of Safety
ACCO Engineered Systems
Miquel “Mick” Penn

Miquel “Mick” Penn

Northern California Regional Community Relations Director
Swinerton
Ron Roberts, Jr.

Ron Roberts, Jr.

Recruiting & Public Relations Specialist
Griffith Company
Jorge Quezada

Jorge Quezada

Vice President of People & Culture
Granite Construction
Ciara Seger

Ciara Seger

General Superintendent
Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
Sharla Sullivan

Sharla Sullivan

Outreach & Partnerships Manager
Webcor
Breana Weaver

Breana Weaver

Assistant Manager of Diversity & Inclusion
PCL Construction
Renee Williams

Renee Williams

West Coast Regional Business Manager
Manson Construction Co.

2024 Legacy Sponsors