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We're thrilled to announce that Deacon has been awarded the 2024 DJC Building Diversity Award! It's a tremendous honor for us, and we're grateful for this recognition of our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey.

In 2020, Deacon established a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program under the leadership of our founder and chairman, Steven Deacon. Our DEI initiatives encompass a range of activities, including partnering with minority- and women-owned businesses, engaging in high school and college outreach programs, and fostering the advancement of women in construction through our internal Women's Resource Group.

Central to our DEI policy is the provision of equal subcontracting opportunities for Disadvantaged, Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Businesses (DMWESBs), with a focus on locally based firms. We actively involve DMWESBs early in our projects and collaborate closely with community organizations to encourage their participation.

Addressing diversity challenges has been a dynamic process for Deacon, involving the establishment of clear vision and goals, transparent conversations, and strategic goal setting. Our commitment to DEI extends beyond initial efforts, as we continuously review and refine our approach to maximize impact, despite the time and effort involved. Among our initiatives, we set targets for diversity recruiting and mentorship, collaborate closely with diverse subcontractors on affordable housing projects, and actively engage with colleges, universities, and professional associations to provide internship and employment opportunities to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Our Women's Resource Group convenes regularly to discuss industry-related topics, company impact, community outreach, recruitment strategies, and participation in events such as the Women in Construction Conference.

Additionally, we partner with organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and Society of Women Engineers to introduce the construction industry as a wonderful career opportunity and Deacon as a potential employer to diverse talent pools.

At Deacon, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our organization and across the construction industry. We are proud of the progress we have made and look forward to continuing this important work in the future.