Balfour Beatty : receives recognition in the US for exemplary work furthering Diversity in the industry

News listings

09 January 2018

Balfour Beatty and Balfour Beatty's Senior Inclusion and Diversity Director in the US, Sophia Cavalli, has been recognized by four industry organizations for outstanding leadership and contributions that promote diversity and the advancement of women in the industry.

The National Association of Minority Contractors-Southern California Chapter (NAMC) awarded Balfour Beatty 'Contractor of the Year Award' during the organization's 18th Annual Leadership Awards Dinner in Los Angeles. The honour recognised Balfour Beatty's efforts to advance minority-owned businesses through contract awards and customized training initiatives.

The Women-In-Non-Traditional-Employment-Roles (W.I.N.T.E.R.) presented Balfour Beatty with the 'Company of the Year Award' during the organization's 15th Annual W.I.N.T.E.R. Awards Gala held in Los Angeles. The award recognised Balfour Beatty's efforts to expose women to careers in construction, pathways to industry careers and to close the skilled labour gap.

Sophia Cavalli, Balfour Beatty's Senior Inclusion and Diversity Director was presented with two awards. The Women Construction Owners and Executives USA (WCOE) awarded her with the 'National Advocate of the Year' during the organisation's Women Build America Annual Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., recognising her commitment to increasing opportunities for women-owned businesses and the advancement of women in the industry. Additionally, The Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented Cavalli with a 'Mujeres Del Año' or 'Women of the Year' Diversity Award during its annual Awards Gala held in Long Beach, California. The award recognised Cavalli's efforts in inclusion, diversity and youth engagement inspiring the next generation.

Commenting on the awards, Sophia Cavalli said, 'I am proud to provide the leadership and direction for the company's inclusion and diversity initiatives throughout Southern California.

'We are passionate about supporting local and diverse businesses, under-represented workers, youth, and the community-at-large-and are so appreciative of this recognition. With the support and leadership of our Divisional President, Brian Cahill - it's all been possible. I look forward to building upon the progress we've made and making an even greater impact in the future'.

Brian Cahill, Divisional President in California, Balfour Beatty said, 'Investing in the local community is a vital business imperative at Balfour Beatty. This includes lasting economic and community benefits that extend to diverse businesses and workers and advancing women in the industry.

'We are very proud of the recognition we have received from these important organizations. Our work in inclusion, diversity and advancing women in the industry is not only key to enriching our business, but also the communities in which we live and work'.

Balfour Beatty is committed to investing the time, talent and resources to make lasting and sustained differences in local industry and community organizations.

ENDS

Media enquiries to:

Matt AverittBalfour Beatty

(214) 451-1030

maveritt@balfourbeattyus.com

www.balfourbeatty.com | follow us @balfourbeatty

All non-media related enquiries should be directed to +44 (0)20 7216 6800 orinfo@balfourbeatty.com

Notes to editors:

• Balfour Beatty is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the United States. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, the company is part of Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY), a leading international infrastructure group that provides innovative and efficient infrastructure that underpins our daily lives, supports communities and enables economic growth. Consistently ranked among the nation's largest building contractors, Balfour Beatty is the No. 6 Domestic Building Contractor in the United States as ranked by Engineering News-Record. To learn more, visit www.balfourbeattyus.com.

• NAMC strives to be the premier catalyst for the growth and advocacy of women and minority-owned businesses through a variety of methods, including access to construction opportunities, business development, training, political influence, and strategic partnerships.
• WINTER 's mission is 'to train, educate and prepare women and youth for transformative careers in the construction industry.'
• WCOE is committed to making a positive difference for women in the construction industry so there will come a time when gender will cease to be a business issue.
• The Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce honours women for their outstanding contributions in community leadership, education, business, government, cultural and economic development, and recognizes their impact, influence and inspiration in the areas of character, commitment, excellence and civility.