By: Samilys Rodriguez, Director of Career Development & Industry Inclusion, AGC MA
In the spring and summer of 2025, AGC MA partnered with Dr. Yaro Fong-Olivares, Ph.D., of Bentley University’s Gloria Cordes Center for Women in Business, to lead a dynamic series of dialogues exploring how recent political and social developments impact diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the construction industry. These sessions brought together a broad coalition of AGC MA members—contractors, owners, and suppliers—representing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences.

Through these open, collaborative conversations, members identified shared priorities and shaped a collective vision for embedding diversity, equity, and belonging across all areas of the association.
The Building Belonging Initiative: Integrating Inclusion into Every Committee
Under the Building Belonging Initiative, AGC MA is integrating inclusive practices into the work of every major committee. This association-wide approach ensures that diversity and belonging are not separate efforts but core values driving each committee’s mission and outcomes.

Key committees—including Diversity & Inclusion (CFDI), Human Resources, Safety, Communications, and others—are aligning their work to cultivate best practices that embed DEI principles where natural synergy already exists.

To strengthen engagement and knowledge sharing, committee co-chairs will participate in CFDI meetings for cross-committee updates and shared learning. Committees will monitor the progress of DEI-related initiatives and report regularly on SMART goals—ensuring accountability, transparency, and measurable progress.

To further reinforce collaboration and progress tracking, a CFDI co-chair will deliver consolidated DEI progress reports at each AGC MA Board meeting, while ongoing consultation with Dr. Yaro will help sustain the association’s focus on long-term, data-driven impact.

Aligning Committees with Shared Goals
Each AGC MA committee will develop SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—rooted in the shared outcomes of the 2025 roundtables.

Committee Focus Areas:

• Human Resources: Measuring DEI impact – what gets measured gets done.

• Communications: Storytelling & visibility – representation matters.

• CFDI: Culture of Care roundtables – connecting diverse suppliers, field, and office teams.

• Safety: Safety & inclusion – fostering psychological safety on every jobsite.

• AGC MA: Industry-wide DEI assessments & annual convenings – bridging gaps through dialogue and data.

Why SMART Goals Matter
The SMART framework helps committees translate intentions into action.

• Specific: Define exactly what we aim to achieve.

• Measurable: Track progress and assess impact.

• Achievable: Set realistic, actionable targets.

• Relevant: Align goals with broader DEI objectives.

• Time-bound: Establish clear deadlines for accountability.

By setting SMART goals, AGC MA fosters clarity and collaboration, helping members from diverse organizations work toward sustainable, shared outcomes that strengthen both the association and the industry.

A Collective Commitment to Belonging
Trade and professional associations like AGC MA play a vital role in fostering cross-sector collaboration and creating spaces where diverse voices drive shared solutions. The Building Belonging Initiative has shown that AGC MA members recognize diversity as a strategic advantage—a catalyst for innovation, productivity, and stronger partnerships.

Despite a shifting policy landscape, AGC MA member firms continue to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to inclusion, equity, and opportunity, ensuring that our industry remains a model of integrity, resilience, and shared growth.