News & Awards
The Millstone Weber Equity Initiative
August 25th, 2020
“We Make a Difference.”
It’s more to us than just the first thing you see when you go to our website; it’s why we’re here. Building is so much more than engineering, steel and concrete. It’s a constant focus on making things better in our community, our state, our country and our world. Those who came before us left us a strong foundation on which to build. We owe to them and those who come next to leave this place better than we found it.
The Millstone Weber Equity Initiative is our way of making our efforts known and, with the help of our friends and community, we hope these efforts help to make a difference. Will you join us?
Lunch & Learn Series
“Why Does it Have to Be So Hard?”
Ron Unterreiner, founder and president of PEOPLE of Construction, leads this discussion, probing our responses and reactions to provocative questions.
● Are we doing better today than yesterday with all the effort being put into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
● What will this picture look like tomorrow; ten years from now; fifty years from now?
● What can each of us do differently today?
Join what is sure to be a spirited and telling conversation… and voice your opinion: is a true and transparent “Difference” even possible today?
About the Presenter
Ron Unterreiner is a retired executive of the design and construction industry and founder of PEOPLE, which he calls a “non” organization formed to introduce the minority contracting community to majority firms and owners in the greater St. Louis marketplace. Since retiring from Rhodey Construction in 2017, Ron has offered mentoring and consulting services to any minority or woman owned business enterprise seeking help or guidance.
In early 2020, pre-pandemic times, Ron founded WBEDC (Women Owned Business Enterprises of Design and Construction) which consists of the owners of small to mid-size women owned businesses. The mission is for these good women owners to share their challenges, successes and failures and to work with each other to find success in the design and construction industry.
Ron served on the board and the technical assistance committee of the privately funded Contractor Loan Fund and now works with the successor lending program, RISE CDFI. He also serves on the board of Building Futures, a non-profit that works with underserved North City youth teaching concepts of design-build.
Currently, Ron is working with a small team of good people developing the new diversity initiative of Washington University and BJC officially now called THE EDGE, which will open its doors within the Delmar Divine complex to minority firms in early 2022.
Ron has authored six books of non-fiction since his retirement including GUIDE TO BETTER BUSINESS, which is a guidebook meant to assist minority contracting firms in building a better business. He is excited to share some of his many thoughts with this great gathering of diversity minded folks.
“The Three Cs”
“There is no path to justice that is only comfortable and convenient. We will not create justice until we’re willing to position ourselves in uncomfortable places and be a witness (for change).” – Bryan Stevenson, Founder Equal Justice Initiative
Alan Beane, CEO of GeoGrade, leads this revealing assessment of where we really stand. If we really want to advocate for justice, if we want to move toward justice, if we want to implement action towards justice, we must make a conscious Choice to give unadulterated justice a Chance. Otherwise, nothing will ever Change.
About the Presenter
Alan Beane is the Owner and President of GeoGrade Constructors LLC, a developer, builder and construction management firm with offices in Portland, Oregon and Columbus, Ohio. Alan has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry and has worked in a variety of roles: in the field as a craftsperson and field engineer, in the office as project and construction manager and on the owner’s team in design/build contract management. For the past 10 years, Alan has distinguished himself as a developer, contractor and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) consultant. Alan regularly presents webinars and training seminars, most notably for the five-state USDOT Central Region Small Business Transportation Resource Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. An alumnus of The Ohio State University, Alan studied surveying and civil engineering and continually upgrades his knowledge of entrepreneurship and business development through advanced training disciplines. A staunch advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, his passion is to help other businesses grow and to grow with them and the communities they serve.
“A Place at the Table”
While polarizing differences can often separate us, food is a universal equalizer that connects us in ways politics and society can or will not. If we can find harmony in the food we eat, why can’t we find harmony with the people we meet? We all enjoy the rich combination of aromas, textures and flavors of foods around the world, oblivious to the origins. The same harmony can be true of the rich mélange of our world’s people… if only we will only allow it. Join us as Crystal Avery-Morris serves up her recipe for cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a salad on the side. (…share your heritage with a family recipe you love. There may be a cultural Lunch & Learn cookbook on the horizon.)
About the Presenter
Crystal Avery-Morris serves as Community Development Officer with Commerce Bank, in St. Louis, where she focuses on compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. In her role at Commerce, Crystal is responsible for the bank’s financial education outreach efforts and for many community development initiatives, especially in low to moderate income and underrepresented areas within the St. Louis MSA. Prior to joining Commerce, Crystal worked in Residential Community Development Mortgage Lending for more than 20 years and most recently as a Regional Sales Manager. She oversaw multi-state recruitment, training and production for Community Development sales and managed the corporate relationships with local HUD agencies and Non-Profit economic and community development organizations. Crystal serves on the Executive Board of the St. Louis Regional Financial Empowerment Coalition and The Haven of Grace, as Treasurer. She is also a member of the Emerson YMCA board and RISE Technical Assistance Committee.
“An Education Revolution”
Collective consensus is that dismantling systemic racism begins with education … but how do we bridge the gap between educational practice and practicality? The first seven years in education are dedicated to teaching students, particularly in the minority community, how not to engage as individuals, but to function within the systemic institution.
The rest of their lives is spent ministering to the consequences of failed expectations and outcomes stemming from an imbedded inability to engage as society demands. This essential discussion examines the disconnect … and proposes mitigating strategies for equity and inclusion that extend beyond institutional education. To paraphrase: “If we knew better … we would do better.” Join us as we define how to be better … We will BE THE DIFFERENCE.
About the Presenter
Cheryl Milton Roberts is an experienced Senior Diversity & Inclusion Practitioner currently working in state government. She holds a B.A. degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia and an M.A. degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University. A certified Senior Professional in Human Resource (SPHR) certification, specializing in Organizational Development, Cheryl is currently pursuing master’s certification and her Doctorate in Social Justice at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. A military daughter and granddaughter, Cheryl has lived … and been educated extensively … both stateside and abroad. A dynamic facilitator, Cheryl has been educating, coaching and advocating for diversity and inclusion her entire career. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is an experienced operations team leader, HR/Organizational Development director, elementary educator, non-profit board member, community leader, diversity coach and social justice advocate. These diverse roles and her desire to always “learn more” have enabled her to craft practical, workable solutions to real-life problems for her targeted audiences. Cheryl is often called upon to provide insights or facilitate groups involved in developing solutions to local and regional diversity & inclusion issues. A short list includes the Diversity Awareness Partnership, NAACP, MoDOT, New City School and John Burroughs School. An avid cook and gardener, Cheryl is the mother of two degreed daughters who are professionally involved in business and STEM, and two “plus” sons, one in the music industry and the other, a high school student. Her family dynamic ensures that the “Millennial, Gen Z and X perspectives” are explored as contemporary issues are addressed in every aspect of her work. Viewed as a “thought leader” in her professional circles, Cheryl lives by her motto and goal: “Changing the world, one conversation at a time!”
“The ‘Dash'”
Great importance is placed on the “from and to” of numbers, dates and times. That which takes place between the “from and to” is captured in the DASH … and the DASH makes all the difference. With this session, we will define our 2021 Equity Initiative DASH and address the compelling issues before us. Come prepared to share three priorities you feel deserve our collective influence and advocacy Together, we will arrive at a consensus and follow through with the commitment, resolve and accountability deserved.
About the Presenter
Chester A. Deanes, Jr., retired after 19 years of service with the Fathers’ Support Center (FSC), leaving his post as Vice-president of Community Outreach in December 2017. In 2007, he created FUTRA (Fathers United to Raise Awareness) a registered Missouri non-profit dedicated to promoting cohesive father/child relationships in at-risk communities. He also served as Chair of the Fatherhood Initiative Committee (FIC) which sponsors the annual St. Louis Fatherhood Walk/5K Run and Rally supporting, children, parents and families.FUTRA’s campaign for policy changes in economic, social and criminal justice led to the historic passage of Senate Bills 140 and 141, July 2009. In 2016 FSC and FUTRA fathers testified at the pivotal hearing of SB 964, which modifies laws of child support and custody.
As a U.S. Air Force veteran with certification in Non-Destructive Testing, Chester worked in aerospace quality assurance at McDonnell Douglas. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Journalism from St. Louis Community College and enjoyed a 14-year career as a professional print, runway and voice over model. His self-awareness curriculum, The Personal Development Program, is copyrighted in the U. S. Library of Congress, Aug. 1997.
Chester is active in the community, volunteering and instructing personal development in the St. Louis Public School system and is parent educator for YWCA Head Start and Parents as Teachers. Chester has numerous awards and recognitions for leadership, commitment to fatherhood and family reunification including the North County Cares Leadership Award, 2009. St. Louis City Resolutions and Proclamations for FUTRA advocacy, 2008-2012, recognition from the F.I.C. for vision and servant leadership, 2015 and most recently, the YWCA 2020 Volunteer of the Year.
A spiritual man and member of Union Memorial United Methodist Church, Chester is also an avid jazz and music lover, pursuing a healthy lifestyle of delicious food, exercise and family events. His greatest joys are his two adult daughters and their families and he is a proud, active grandfather of three grandsons and one granddaughter!
“A Cup of Kindness”
2021: The “Year Imperative” to change the narrative of “judgement for some” … to one of “justice for all”. This session examines the mindset of belonging … and the tangible behaviors that create a community of belonging. Let’s raise a virtual cup to creating an actual community of kindness, tolerance, justice and action. We will “Be The Difference” … 2021 demands it.
About the Presenter
As the Executive Director for Diversity Awareness Partnership, a non-profit dedicated to creating a more equitable region, Melissa Brickey curates DAP’s long-term strategies in conjunction with the organization’s corporate and community partners. Her leadership facilitates the growth of relationships as well as the ongoing enhancement of DAP’s programming and educational efforts.
Prior to coming to DAP in July, 2018, Melissa spent her entire career working in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on providing access to quality education for historically marginalized children. She is a certified teacher and received her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Fontbonne University.
Melissa served on the DAP Board before becoming Executive Director. As an above-knee amputee and avid swimmer, Melissa has a strong belief in athletics as a means to independence for people with disabilities. As such, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Carondelet YMCA. Additionally, she serves on the Committee for the Stephen A. Orthwein Center Committee at Paraquad. Melissa celebrates life daily with her husband, David, and their cat, Ellen.
“Just Breathe”
- “Just Breathe” will address a discussion of the collective “holding our breaths” this year in the aftermath of:
- the pandemic and the effects on health, morale, etc.
- the BLM movement and the demonstrations
- the violent disregard for life, particularly in the marginalized communities
- the polarization of the country, the ”them against us” mindset • the economic fall-out of the pandemic for middle America
- …and just making it through a 2020 day. We will also solicit partnerships to eradicate inequity so we are all able to breathe more freely…
About the Presenter
Arissa Calvert is a social economist and community health coach. Arissa takes special interest in the social and economic wellbeing of children, families, and groups who live within the margins of divested communities and social structures. Arissa is a strategist and social entrepreneur. She is an emerging leader and brings value to the industry through her ability to curate, organize, and execute strategic and collective-impact initiatives and programs. Arissa’s variety of experiences and exposure to: public and private structures; community and business development agencies; youth-oriented programs and facilities; corporate leadership development trainings make for a diverse and interactive portfolio of work. Arissa believes that the quality of a community’s wellbeing is a by-product of progressive strategies and quality education. Her most recent noted accomplishment was the development and execution of Project 250, a regional talent initiative of the St. Louis Regional Chamber to attract, employ, retain, and engage college students and recent graduates to the region. Arissa currently holds a Bachelor of Science in community health from The University of Central Missouri as well as a Master of Social Work in socioeconomic development from Washington University in St. Louis.
“The Paradox of Privilege”
- The third installment of our Lunch & Learn Series will be on Friday October 30, 2020 11:30am – 12:30p
- “The Paradox of Privilege” examines how privilege fosters or mitigates how we associate in society. Join us for a candid, non-judgmental, essential conversation of how the two sides of privilege can be leveraged to make this world work for us all. Then join the MW Equity Initiative Collective and put the “Power of Privilege” to work to effect real change. We need every champion for diversity, equity and inclusion at the table. Together we can “Be the Difference” we all want to see. More in store…
About the Presenter
Rob Good is a retired high school social studies teacher (Ladue High School) and an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri—St. Louis. In his 27-year career as a high school teacher Rob focused on issues of equity and inclusion in both the curriculum and the policies and practices of his school community. He has facilitated diversity workshops and dialogue groups for a wide variety of organizations including the National Conference for Community and Justice—St. Louis, the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, the YWCA’s Witnessing Whiteness Program, Focus St. Louis, and CommUnity—Santa Barbara. He has also served on the staffs of NCCJ St. Louis’ Anytown Youth Leadership Institute, the Dismantling Racism Institute, and the Inclusion Institute for Educators. Rob has a Bachelor’s degree in history from Westminster College, a Master’s degree in history from Ohio University, and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. Rob was named the Tachau Teacher of the Year by the Organization of American Historians in 2012, a Peabody Leader in Education in 2015, and the Missouri Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute in 2016. Rob also received a Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award from NCCJ-St. Louis in 2017.
“Am I really who I am and am I all I ought to be?”
- The second installment of our Lunch & Learn Series will be on Friday August 28, 2020 from 11:30am – 12:30pm.
- This module in our series of Racial Equity and Inclusion addresses conscious and unconscious biases; the origin, definition, and manifestations of racism; agreements needed to self-adjust; terminology and language usage; three expressions of racism: personal, cultural, and institutional. This presentation provides some insight into:
1. Recognizing conscious and unconscious biases as expressed in beliefs, practices, values, behaviors, and norms
2. How to create a culture of practice that values multiple viewpoints, backgrounds, traditions, beliefs, practices, and norms.
About the Presenter
DeBorah D. Ahmed received her Master of Science in Policy Analysis from Southern Illinois University in 1989, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Grinnell College in 1977. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Better Family Life Cultural, Educational and Business Center, a 60,000-square foot facility that is on the National Register of Historic Places. She received an award of completion in racial equity, diversity and inclusion from NeighborWorks America after two years of education. She is the lead in Better Family Life’s Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion employee team.“The Art of Adaption – A 3-Step Process to Inclusion Through an Applied Diversity Model”
About the Presenter
Dan Lester Sr., MCA, is the director of field diversity, inclusion, and culture for Clayco Design/Build. He works with executive leadership, middle management, and field management personnel to create viable solutions to implement and educate the construction workforce on diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural competence, and mental health principals relevant to the industry. Dan spearheads the Clayco Field Focus program that supports workforce development, diversity, inclusion, & psychological safety through the Training, Retaining, Investing, and Promoting (T.R.I.P.) of field talent.
Dan serves as the Director of CCDI, Inc. (Construction Career Development Initiative), a non-profit organization that brings diversity to the design and construction industry by mentoring and exposing minority, underrepresented, and underserved students and young adults to construction career development. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management Information Systems, with a Minor in Information, Science, and Technology, from Missouri University of Science and Technology.