GSR Annual Report 2024 People Pillar

5 minute read

A group of people wearing personal protective equipment talk on a construction site

People Pillar Building Belonging: DPR’s Journey Continues

Our people-first leadership is the foundation of our success. We foster an inclusive, forward-thinking culture where employees and craft professionals have access to leadership roles, training, and career growth opportunities that empower them to drive progress across the industry. By continuously advancing industry standards in workforce development, we are shaping a future where every individual has the tools to succeed.

“We're fostering an environment where different perspectives are celebrated, where everyone has opportunities to succeed, and where inclusion drives innovation while reflecting the communities we serve.”

Stacee Barkley

Building Belonging DPR's Journey Continues

Fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work is a measure of true success. Inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s the foundation of how we build great teams and great projects.

Over the past year, we have strengthened this commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive and bring their best selves to work. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have continued to grow, with six out of eight now formalized with dedicated leadership teams and executive sponsors.

We prioritize fostering an inclusive culture where every team member has the support they need to thrive. Through expanded ERG-sponsored events, broader recruiting partnerships, and initiatives like our “Pillar Talks” series, we are increasing representation, amplifying diverse voices, and driving industry change. By empowering our people to speak up and creating more opportunities for all, we are building not just great projects, but a stronger future for our industry.

While many companies are scaling back, DPR is increasing its investment in programs and integrating belonging and representation into our company goals. This commitment underscores our belief that an inclusive organization is essential to our success.

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An introduction to our People Pillar with leader Stacee Barkley.

As we continue this journey, we recognize that inclusion and safety go hand in hand. A workplace where people feel they belong is one where they can ask for help, share ideas, and grow. At DPR, we are committed to cultivating that environment—one individual, one project, and one team at a time.

By the Numbers

Our vision is a workforce that reflects the communities in which we live, work, serve and build. By listening and learning together, we create more inclusive employee experiences and provide lasting opportunities through employee resource groups, mentorship programs and intentional career pathways, making DPR a home for everyone.

Spotlight on Women in Construction

DPR’s women-in-the-field team is advancing support and visibility through practical, field-driven solutions.

SPOTLIGHT
Kiersten "KZ" Kaplan

What is it like to be a superintendent?

For the first 12 years of my career, I was the only female superintendent. Over the years with the help of others, I built my confidence and really owned walking with a “quiet stick.” I do not need to be the loudest voice in the room. I need to be the one who absorbs information, facilitates conversations and makes sure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing.

How do you describe the challenges women face in construction?

It is not a glass ceiling. It is a glass box. To break through, we need advocates, connection, awareness, and support. Most of all, we need to believe in ourselves.

What does support look like?

Support looks like someone saying, “You got this.” It looks like being backed up in a room when your voice needs to be heard. It looks like walking beside someone, not ahead of them.

How is DPR creating change?

By building real solutions and opportunities to engage and grow more women in the field. We have teams focused on field support, visibility, and advocacy from recognizing women in field leadership to continuing to implement wellness rooms across the company. We’ve changed the optics. We’re out there. And we’re not done.

Employee Resource Groups

Great teams build great things. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are more than just communities—they’re a powerful driver of belonging, innovation, and business success.

Run by employees and for employees, these groups elevate underrepresented voices, foster connections, and create opportunities to shape our company culture.

ERGs bring people together, provide space for learning and growth, and play a key role in attracting and retaining top talent.

ERGs are open to all employees, whether they identify with a group or join as allies. Everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and help guide programming, ensuring these groups remain dynamic, impactful, and representative of our workforce.

Recruitment & Retention

We know that building great things starts with great people. That’s why we’re focused on strengthening our workforce by expanding access to careers in construction.

The labor shortage is real, and we’re tackling it head-on by investing in recruiting efforts, hands-on training, and partnerships that bring more skilled workers into the industry. We want to open doors for people who might not have traditionally considered construction, giving them the opportunity to learn valuable skills, build lasting careers, and be part of something bigger. This isn’t just about filling jobs today—it’s about creating a strong, sustainable workforce for the future of our industry.

Equally important is ensuring that the people we bring in want to stay. Retention starts with making sure every voice is heard and every team member feels valued. We know that real inclusion is something you feel, not just something you see.

We know that diverse perspectives fuel innovation, enhance problem-solving, and strengthen the outcomes for our clients and communities. Our success hinges on fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to do their best work, and we remain committed to building a culture of inclusion.

Pillar Talks Learning through Lived Experiences

Pillar Talks are 45-minute webinars held on the first Friday of every month. They offer a space to connect and have meaningful conversations about DPR’s four Global Social Responsibility Pillars: People, Partners, Planet, and Philanthropy.

These sessions celebrate different perspectives, foster inclusion, and share personal stories from our teammates to inspire and educate. With a 25% increase in viewership last year, it’s clear that these Pillar Talks are making an impact and powerfully bringing our teams together.

DPR has made me feel very included. I can be myself, I will say. It is very, very rare to have a black woman in pre-construction, and we should pat ourselves on the back for that.

Cecilie Davis

I mentioned I worked for DPR in a public setting and someone spoke up and said, Wow, you work for DPR? I’m with the city of Tampa. They built an incredible job for us, and they did an incredible job with inclusion, and that was in a room full of clients, potential clients, and competitors.

Johnny Ortiz

Be a Pillar of Global Social Responsibility

Diversity is a fact, inclusion is an act.
I believe it is in DPR’s DNA to be an organization where cultivating inclusion and belonging are fostered and nurtured. We exist to build great things. Building great people, teams and projects is who we are and what we actively work on doing every day. I genuinely believe that, or I wouldn't be here.

Stacee Barkley