The Business Diversity Institute presented Business Diversity Week (Formerly MED Week) Awards to an outstanding minority-owned business, women-owned business, individual, diversity practitioner, nonprofit, public agency and corporate partner in Oregon/SW Washington on September 18, 2024 during the Awards Gala. Enjoy more gala photos here.
Minority Business of the Year
This award recognizes a minority-owned business that has demonstrated significant business growth and stability over the past year. The firm showcases notable work, highlighting quality, innovation. Additionally, the firm should exhibit active involvement in DEI community and support initiatives, a strong commitment to diversity within its workforce, and high levels of client satisfaction with positive testimonials.
Twirl Advertising & Design
Jennie Rodriguez & Victor Echevarria
Twirl Advertising & Design is a strategically creative agency providing branding, web design, and marketing for entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations. In the last 12 years, they have supported over 55 small businesses within the Port of Portland Mentor-Protege program and more than 150 small businesses and nonprofits combined throughout Oregon. Partner Jennie is a founding member and board member of LatinoBuilt, an organization dedicated to advancing Latino businesses in the construction industry. Twirl has generously donated their time and talents to help small businesses with their advertising and marketing needs, as well as collaborated with numerous local organizations, including PACCO, Morrison Child & Family Services, BESThq, NW Native, the Black Chamber, and BDI, supporting their efforts to uplift individuals and underserved communities, making Twirl a true ally. Twirl is celebrating 25 years in business this year.
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
This award honors a woman-owned business that has demonstrated significant business growth and stability over the past year. The firm showcased notable work, highlighting quality and innovation. Inspiring leadership by the female owner is a key criterion, along with active participation in community service and women-focused initiatives. The firm should also demonstrate a commitment to employee development, including training, development, and fostering a diverse workforce.
Key Electrical Construction
Rachel Struthers
Key Electrical Construction is a small, woman-owned electrical firm, founded in 2015 by owner Rachel Struthers. The company actively promotes women in the electrical trades, boasting an all-female team of Journey level electricians. With expertise in residential, commercial, and industrial projects, Key Electric has a reputation of delivering exceptional service, exceeding project expectations, and meeting deadlines. Beyond its technical achievements, the company remains deeply active in the community, championing inclusivity and leading by example in empowering women within the trades.
Community Impact Award
This award honors a non-profit or community advocacy organization with a proven record of impactful community service and advocacy. The organization must demonstrate successful implementation of programs that address community needs and effective partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders. Innovative approaches to solving community issues and high levels of community engagement and participation are also key criteria.
LatinoBuilt
LatinoBuilt is a nonprofit that has made wonderful impact in the short 5 years that they’ve been around. They are dedicated to creating a more equitable and thriving construction industry. Their bilingual programming improves the lives of Latino Construction entrepreneurs, business owners, their workers and families. LatinoBuilt provides to its members through educational workshops, networking, and partnering to help fill our construction industry pipeline. Their services go beyond the professional development and includes wrap around support for the contractors and the community. Their impact is displayed on the ground, in the community where it counts. And their grassroot efforts for their Green Program has surpassed their goals allowing the program to continue to grow. Pictured at left accepting the award, Dulce Perkins, LatinoBuilt Program Manager.
Champion Award
This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates strong leadership in Supplier Diversity and Workforce initiatives. The recipient should have a measurable impact on their organization or community through supplier diversity efforts and be an active advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within and beyond their organization. Innovative strategies and programs to promote equity in contracting and successful project outcomes are essential criteria.
Nate McCoy
Nate McCoy is a distinguished leader in supplier diversity and workforce initiatives and currently the CEO of NAMC Oregon. Through his innovative strategies and programs, he has significantly contributed to NAMC’s growth and influence in the community, helping minority- and women-owned businesses access essential resources and opportunities. Under McCoy’s leadership, there have been measurable improvements in supplier diversity within both NAMC and the broader community.
Public Agency Excellence Award
This award honors a public agency that excels in implementing policies to promote inclusive supplier diversity programs and actively breaks down barriers to inclusive contracting. The agency must have effective supplier diversity programs and initiatives, engage proactively with the community to address public needs, and demonstrate transparency and accountability in its supplier diversity efforts. A strong commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce is also essential.
Portland Community College
Portland Community College excels in inclusive supplier diversity and breaking down contracting barriers. Their Bond Measure Program supports minority- and women-owned businesses, demonstrating proactive community engagement and transparency. PCC’s clear reporting and commitment to a diverse workforce highlight their dedication to equitable opportunities, making them deserving of the Public Agency Excellence Award.
Corporate Partner Ovation Award
This award recognizes a large construction, architectural, or engineering firm that excels in partnership and collaboration with minority and women-owned businesses. The firm should successfully complete projects that highlight collaboration and implement programs supporting minority and women-owned businesses. Innovative approaches to increasing the participation of MWBE subcontractors’ inclusion in projects, demonstrating a diverse workforce, and active involvement in the community are key criteria.
Fortis Construction
Fortis Construction has been a leader in equity within the construction industry for years. They offer numerous programs to support small contractors, including their Early Pay program, which pays MWBE subcontractors twice a month. Fortis continually exceeds contracting inclusion goals, regularly engages with and promotes community partners, and demonstrates a respectful jobsite culture through the implementation of the Rise Up program. They also mentor and champion many minority and women-owned subcontractors in their efforts to succeed in the industry. Pictured at left, accepting the award, Christina York, HR + Inclusion Leader at Fortis.
