Together, We're Better: Joining Forces for Construction Inclusion Week

Gray’s No. 3 core value places a premium on people and relationships: “We treat others the way we want to be treated, where everyone is welcome and respected.”

As we continue to grow, we are committed to ensuring that everyone who joins the Gray family feels valued, finds belonging, and develops a fruitful career. Supporting diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but it makes our business better. This commitment is woven into everything we do. Gray’s belief is that our company is strongest when we embrace the full spectrum of humanity, regardless of what we look like, where we come from, what we believe, or who we love.

Whether it’s championing the growing number of women in construction, offering minority scholarships, or participating in minority-focused conferences and events, Gray is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. Read below to learn some of the ways the Gray family supports diversity initiatives year-round, embracing each team member’s uniqueness, and recruiting for the future.

Minority Conference Partnerships & Scholarships

From historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) conference partnerships to minority-based scholarships and funding, Gray believes that supporting education for all is paramount.

This year, Spencer Bristol Engineering, a Gray company, established an endowment scholarship with Kennesaw State University that will fund scholarships for women pursuing degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. The Spencer Bristol Engineering Scholarship Fund will encourage and expand the participation of women in the engineering, design, and construction industries.

Professional Development Groups

In 2016, Gray launched the Groundbreaking Women’s group with the purpose to impact our company, the community, and each other through a shared commitment to drive change and build future leaders. This group sponsors networking events, hosts panel discussions and speakers from women leaders in the industry, and supports women’s groups like Dress for Success and Habit for Humanity. Gray also provides opportunities for women through sponsorships of women’s conference and events, including the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Championing Women

When Laura Moore, senior project engineer at Willett Engineering, a Gray company, entered into the field, there were limited female contemporaries and no real role models. It was her mother that became most influential to her. After watching her mother return to college, teach English to Chinese students, volunteer in Haiti, and spend time in the Peace Corps, Moore was forever changed. This relentless passion inspired her to take on new challenges and never question if they were appropriate for her gender.

Electrical team lead with Spencer Bristol, Sandi Smith, has a similar conviction. To her, it is teamwork in project design that makes Gray projects work. The engineering industry needs diverse talent and knowledge to run as a well-oiled machine. Without women, we will never be the best we can be.

Supplier diversity & relationships

Richard Crumbie, director of supplier diversity & relationships, spearheaded Gray’s Supplier Diversity Initiative, an ongoing effort for Gray to expand our subcontractor base to discover new and growing suppliers that may have been overlooked in the past. By providing space for smaller and more diverse subcontractors, we open opportunities for new relationships and better business.

LQBTQIA Representation

At Gray, all are welcome and respected, and that includes an active support of the LQBTQIA community, both internally and within the world around us. Walker Mattox, chief executive officer for Gray Solutions, has been a pivotal leader in the Gray family, and an example of leading with confidence and owning your unique identity.

Partnership with RISE UP

Gray joined forces with RISE Up (Respect, Inclusion, Safety, and Equity), a workplace campaign in the construction trades designed to provide all workers with the tools and support necessary to create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive environment. Through this organization and other internal efforts, Gray is focused and committed to increasing engagement with MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), WBE (Woman Business Enterprise), and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) subcontractors.

It’s up to us to cultivate a welcoming and accessible future. Gray is committed to championing inclusive practices that empower us to reach our full potential, fuel innovation, and connect with our team members, customers, and the communities we serve.

Learn more about Construction Inclusion Week, here.

To learn more about opportunities at Gray, visit: https://www.gray.com/careers/