Webcor Queers & Allies (aka Webcor Q&A, Webcor’s LGBTQ+ ERG) kicked off this year’s Pride Month at BuildOUT California’s annual Founders’ Day—the world’s largest gathering of LGBTQ+ professionals in architecture/engineering/construction (AEC).

• “It’s so important to have Q&A representation at events like BuildOUT and for Webcor to show up as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community,” says Chris Bardales, project outreach manager and leader of Webcor Q&A. “It’s a great opportunity to network with inclusive businesses and fellow LGBTQ+ industry professionals.”

“I was thrilled to connect an attending small business with an opportunity at our SFO ITB project,” says Outreach and Partnerships Manager Sharla Sullivan, who spearheads our engagement with local/small/diverse businesses. “Building these types of mutually beneficial business relationships and connecting with owners’ reps face-to-face are the best parts of inclusive industry events like Founders’ Day.”

Influence on Webcor Q&A’s Pride Panel: The day-long event included breakout sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibitors’ event—prime opportunities for small businesses to discuss their services and impact—and ended with a gala dinner and awards ceremony honoring exceptional community leaders.

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• Webcor Q&A’s Pride panel topic, “Bringing Your Authentic Self to the Workplace,” was inspired by one of the event workshops.
• “We wanted to address the significance of feeling comfortable in the workplace,” Chris says. “That can only happen in an inclusive environment that fosters a true sense of belonging—one of Construction Inclusion Week’s five pillars.”

Webcor & BDFP’s Sponsorship & Support: Webcor and the Biosolids Digester Facilities Project (BDFP) returned as Founders’ Day sponsors, supporting BuildOUT’s mission to champion LGBTQ+ businesses and equip them with the resources to thrive in this industry.  Webcor Q&A members and BDFP representatives networked with attendees while discussing BDFP’s Neighborhood Hiring Program, volunteer efforts, and community impact from their info table.

• “I always enjoy seeing colleagues, friends from other AEC companies, and subcontracting partners on current and previous projects at BuildOUT,” Chris says. “Government officials attend as well. Hearing them speak and show their support for the LGBTQ+ business community is always a great part of Pride’s kick-off.”

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Webcor’s Involvement With BuildOUT California:

As a year-round corporate sponsor, Webcor’s partnership with BuildOUT California extends far beyond Founders’ Day.

“BuildOUT California is a trusted partner in Webcor’s inclusion efforts,” Sharla says. Through our corporate sponsorship, BuildOUT connects Webcor with inclusive small businesses by:

• Publicizing our bid opportunities on the BuildOUT California website
• Sharing relevant outreach opportunities
• Working directly with us to find XBE partners for specific bid opportunities

“Being part of this community and celebrating the successes of small/local/diverse business advocacy together is incredibly rewarding,” Sharla says. “I look forward to seeing Webcor’s continued partnership with BuildOUT for years to come!”

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