Construction Inclusion Week: Building an Inclusive Future

Construction Inclusion Week is a time for our industry to come together and reflect on why belonging matters because people do their best work when they feel seen and valued. At Ryan, this commitment is ingrained in who we are. We believe that an inclusive culture shapes how we learn, grow and build together. 

By embodying these values daily, we strive to foster an environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Our differences make us stronger, bringing diverse perspectives that drive innovation, enhance our purpose and reflect the communities we serve and the clients we support. From our expanding Employee Resource Groups to embedding inclusion throughout our planning and operations, we’re intentionally building a workforce that reflects the strength of our communities.  

Building Community: Our Employee Resource Groups 

Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups whose members often share similar identities, backgrounds or life experiences. Our ERGs are safe places where team members can connect, care for each other, learn from each other and have fun. Currently, we have seven ERGs: 

• Amigos@Ryan
• Asian Collective Team
• BRilliance
• Building Pride
• Shamrock6
• Support Without Stigma
• Women’s Inclusion Network  

Empowering Partnerships: Our Emerging Business Inclusion Program 

Our Emerging Business Inclusion (EBI) program is our intentional effort to grow our business by strengthening relationships with small and diverse firms. Through EBI, we actively engage minority-, women-, disadvantaged- and veteran-owned businesses, creating opportunities for them to compete, grow and make a lasting impact in the construction industry. What began nearly two decades ago as a local initiative, has evolved into a company-wide strategy that transforms procurement practices, opens doors to new partnerships and builds pathways for shared success. (Read more about our EBI history here.) 

The benefits ripple outward: our clients gain stronger, more innovative project teams and our team members find deeper purpose in their work. Together, our communities thrive as EBI firms grow, create jobs and strengthen local economies. 

Building Futures: Our Internship Program 

Our internship program is designed to provide more than just a learning experience—it’s a launchpad for future careers in design, engineering, construction and real estate management. Each program participant works closely with an individual mentor, gaining hands-on experience that directly contributes to project success. Our interns take on significant responsibilities, developing critical skills in project management, problem-solving, organization, communication and time management. Each year we bring our 100+ interns together for a large group project and presentation to allow them to test some of their new skills! 

Beyond day-to-day project work, our interns benefit from mentorship, professional development sessions, intern networking events and a senior leadership speaker series. The program builds meaningful connections and provides valuable learning experience. At Ryan, we’re committed to investing in the next generation of industry leaders, ensuring they gain the knowledge, confidence and experience to succeed. 

Interested in becoming an intern? View our open positions. 

Expanding Opportunity: Our Workforce Development Partnerships 

Beyond our internship program, we partner with national and local organizations to help support our workforce development and inclusion efforts, including:  

• ACE Mentorship Program
• Wallin Partners Scholarship
• Step Up – Minneapolis
• Cristo Rey
• SkillsUSA
• Construction Tomorrow
• Construction Careers Foundation
• Lake Street Works
• MN Chamber Educator Externship Program
• Dougherty College
• Dunwoody College
• DoD Skillbridge Program
• North Carolina A&T State University Scholarship 

Construction Inclusion Week reminds us of the role we each play in purposefully shaping a culture where everyone is treated with respect and feels valued. The energy and passion generated during these weeks strengthen our ongoing commitments—from mentorship programs and career development initiatives to our internship and Emerging Business Inclusion programs. By building partnerships, creating opportunities, and investing in the next generation of industry leaders, we’re continuing to shape a more inclusive future—one where our teams, clients and communities thrive together.