Inclusion

Building Inclusive Space for Everyone to Flourish

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion begins by knowing our industry and ourselves. At Pence, equity in construction means employment opportunities, subcontractor outreach, internal mentorship practices, and an inviting environment where people are both welcomed and included.

Our plan to support a more diverse industry includes:

Practices for recruiting, retaining and growing employees

Annual audit of internal development and engagement for all employees, with a focus on diverse employee experience. Employee Resource Groups unite diverse teams through shared interests and advocacy.

Initiatives that facilitate diverse subcontractor participation

Since 2018: We have increased our MWESB subcontractor dollar volume by 150% and pools by 40%

Improving access to construction education

The Pence Diversity in Leadership Fund offers underrepresented students financial support to attend the Construction Engineering Management program at Oregon State University. To learn more about the scholarship visit the OCF website or download the application here.

Mentoring and growing diverse leaders internally

Internal mentorship program providing mentorship access to owners/executives/chief leadership to growing employees.

Since 2019 Diversity of women in our workplace has increased year-over-year.

Community Recognition & Participation

Pence Contractors –
Building Diversity Award

Nominated by both a client and a subcontractor, the award represents our efforts in outreach and selection of subcontractors Certified through the Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID). Estimating Assistant, Katie Wynn accepted our award at the annual recognition event.

Ruchi Yadav –
Building Diversity Award

Nominated for her commitment to mentoring Minority, Woman-Owned and Emerging Small Business subcontractors and her role in transforming Pence through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, Chief Estimator, Ruchi Yadav, accepted the DJC Building Diversity award in 2023.

Shannon Parker –
Women of Vision Award

The Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) Women of Vision Award recognizes women who are shaping the built environment and laying the groundwork for future generations of women in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries. Awarded in 2021 for helping shape Pence’s DEI efforts, participating in her community, and developing other women, Shannon is also a co-owner of Pence Contractors.

Boards and Affiliations

American Heart Association, Executive Committee
Tim Baugus, Vice President

Oregon State University, Construction Education Foundation, Board of Directors
Dave Hays, President

Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center, Board of Directors
Marc Monaghan, Director of Revenue Operations

Bridgeway of Hope, Transitional Housing, Portland, OR, Steering Committee Lead
Paul Schulz, CEO

Stand for Children, Board of Directors
Shannon Parker, Director of Employee & Client Experience