The Pacific Northwest construction industry continues to advance ways to create a harmonious and diversified workplace, maximize project opportunities through M/WBE certification, and implement equity and inclusivity in public and private construction contracting. Please join our experienced speakers as they delve into these relevant and important topics.
The program will cover:
- How to create a Zero Tolerance Policy
- Navigating the M/WBE certification process
- Advantages to certification
- Advantages to collaboration and contracting with certified firms
- Successful strategies for solicitation and implementation in public contracting
Following the update, the presenters will remain available to address questions.
Who Should Attend?
The no cost webinar is for owners and developers, contractors and subcontractors, design professionals, and related industry firms. Please share this invitation with your colleagues and encourage them to register.
Guest Speakers
- Linda Degman, Portland Community College
Linda joined Portland Community College in 2002 and created a bond office to manage capital construction throughout the college’s 1,500-square-mile district. Linda emphasizes constructing eco-friendly buildings, receiving project input from students and community members, as well as expanding diversity in the construction field. Her diversity efforts include a 20 percent contract commitment to women-owned, minority-owned and emerging small businesses, as well as forging mentoring partnerships between these small general contractors and large ones. Linda has a graduate degree in public administration and recently received her degree in law. - Nate McCoy, National Association of Minority Contractors—Oregon Chapter
Nate McCoy is the Executive Director for the National Association of Minority Contractors—Oregon Chapter (NAMC-Oregon). Nate is responsible for building programs that advance the organization’s mission. Prior to joining NAMC-Oregon, Nate spent seven years as a Senior Construction Coordinator for both the Portland Housing Bureau and Prosper Portland. As a longtime proponent of equity in contracting, Nate led the housing bureau’s Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Business (MWESB) outreach and contracting initiatives during his tenure there and was actively involved in program development related to equity and contracting opportunities bureau-wide. He is also currently chair of the Portland Housing Advisory Commission. - Molly Washington, National Association of Minority Contractors—Oregon Chapter
Molly currently serves as the chief operating officer of NAMC-Oregon where she brings 15 years of experience in the practice of law to the role. Molly was previously a construction and transactions attorney representing owners, developers, contractors, and subcontractors and also served as in-house counsel for the City of Portland, focusing on construction, procurement, and equity. She serves on the Boards of the Native American Youth and Family Center, the NAYA Action Fund, and Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc.
