USMCA - U.S. Minority Contractors Association

COMING SOON! Get ready to swing for a cause at the 19th Annual USMCA STEM Education Foundation Golf Outing! ?????♂? Scholarships. Networking. A day on the greens for a great cause. ?? Stay tuned for more details—this is one event you won’t want to miss! COME JOIN US!?? #STEMEducation #SwingForScholarships #USMCAGolfOuting #GolfForGood #ComingSoon

USMCA Woman of the Week: Vivian McGrew ?? This week, USMCA proudly honors Vivian McGrew, a trailblazer in security, business, and community advocacy! As President & CEO of Steiner Security Services, Inc., Vivian has transformed a 12-person operation into a powerhouse with over 200 employees, providing armed and unarmed security services to corporations, sports arenas, government agencies, and major events like the All-Star Game, PGA, Ryder Cup, and Chicago Airports. Her journey in the security industry spans over 30 years, where she has mastered executive leadership, business growth, and strategic security solutions. Under her leadership, Steiner has achieved numerous industry certifications, including SBA 8(a), MBE/WBE, DBE/ACDBE, BEP, WOSB, and EDWOSB. But Vivian’s impact extends far beyond security. As a USMCA National Board Member Emeritus, STEM Education Foundation Board Member, and Chairperson of the Alabama & Southland Chapters, she is dedicated to uplifting minority businesses and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. Her work in mentorship, financial strategy, and business development has paved the way for many underrepresented entrepreneurs to thrive. Her passion for service and leadership is evident in everything she does, including her commitment to community outreach through Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. ???? Join us in celebrating Vivian McGrew, a woman of strength, vision, and impact! #USMCA #WomenInLeadership #SecurityIndustry #STEMAdvocate #WomenOfImpact #BusinessGrowth #USMCAWomanOfTheWeek #Leadership #MinorityBusiness #Trailblazer

Calling All Contractors & Business Owners! ?? Join us this Friday, March 21st, at 10:00 AM EDT for the USMCA Georgia Chapter Meeting, featuring Doretha Smith, Manager of Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability at Norfolk Southern! With 30+ years of experience in supplier diversity, sustainability, and economic inclusion, Doretha has played a pivotal role in advancing opportunities for small and diverse businesses across major industries. From overseeing multibillion-dollar projects to championing supplier growth at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, she brings a wealth of knowledge on how businesses can tap into new opportunities and contracts. ?? Date: Friday, March 21st, 2025 ?? Time: 10:00 AM EDT ?? Virtual - Zoom Don’t miss out on this chance to gain valuable industry knowledge and explore new business opportunities! ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gC3iisNP #USMCA #GeorgiaBusiness #SupplierDiversity #NorfolkSouthern #DBE #DEI #SmallBusinessGrowth #Networking #ContractingOpportunities

Join Us Tomorrow! The USMCA Alabama Chapter is excited to host Louis Franklin Jr., Vice President of Commercial Banking at Valley Bank, for an insightful discussion on Maximizing Financial Growth & Opportunities! With over 10 years of banking experience, Louis is a trusted advisor who helps business owners access the capital they need to expand and thrive. His expertise in commercial lending and business advocacy will provide invaluable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. ?? Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 ? 11:00 AM CST ?? Virtual - Zoom Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert financial knowledge and learn how to secure the resources your business needs to succeed! ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gyzGqmQq #USMCA #AlabamaBusiness #FinancialGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ValleyBank #SmallBusinessSuccess

USMCA Woman of the Week: Hon. Brenda Brown Dillard ? Brenda Brown Dillard’s career exemplifies leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to fostering diversity. With over 40 years of experience spanning nuclear security, aerospace, and strategic partnerships, she has been a trailblazer in creating pathways for underrepresented groups. An alumna of Alabama State University and the University of Tennessee, Brenda began her journey with the U.S. General Accounting Office before taking on pivotal roles with Tennessee Valley Authority, Bechtel Jacobs Company, and the Y-12 National Security Complex. Throughout her career, she has been a champion for diversity—recruiting and mentoring HBCU students and opening doors for minority talent in traditionally underrepresented industries. As a senior leader, Brenda has worked with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the U.S. Air Force, and Nevada National Security Sites, expanding STEM opportunities for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). She continues to make an impact as Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships for MSRDC, empowering HBCUs and MSIs in research and development initiatives. Brenda serves as President of the Alabama State University Board of Trustees, President of the USMCA STEM Foundation Board, and a Board Member of the Strategic Deterrent Coalition. Her outstanding contributions earned her induction into the HBCU Hall of Fame in 2023. Beyond her remarkable professional achievements, Brenda is a devoted wife, proud mother, and grandmother, with a family legacy spanning seven children and 16 grandchildren. ?? Join us in celebrating Hon. Brenda Brown Dillard for her unwavering commitment to leadership, diversity, and STEM advocacy! #USMCA #WomenInLeadership #STEMEducation #DiversityAndInclusion #USMCAWomanOfTheWeek #WomenInSTEM #Leadership #Mentorship

Honoring Women Who Build the Future! ?? March is Women’s History Month, and at USMCA, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable women who are shaping the construction, contracting, and business industries. From trailblazing entrepreneurs to skilled tradeswomen, engineers, and executives, women continue to break barriers, lead with innovation, and create lasting impact in our communities. ?? Did You Know? Women make up only 10% of the construction workforce, but that number is growing every year! Women-owned construction firms generate over $1.3 trillion in revenue annually. The gender pay gap in construction is smaller than in most industries, with women earning 95.5% of what men make compared to the national average of 82%. Emily Roebling oversaw the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883, paving the way for future women in engineering and construction. How USMCA is Celebrating: ?? Every Friday this month, we will spotlight women within USMCA who are making an impact in the industry. Stay tuned to hear their inspiring stories! ?? We encourage our members to share stories of influential women in construction using #USMCAWomensMonth. ?? Let’s recognize and uplift the women who are shaping our industry! Tag a woman who inspires you in the comments below. #USMCA #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInConstruction #WomenInBusiness #BreakingBarriers #DiversityInConstruction #EmpowerWomen #ConstructionLeaders

Upcoming USMCA Indiana/Kentucky Chapter Meeting – Don’t Miss Out! Join us on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM CST on Zoom for an exclusive session with Tony Polotto, Sr. Director of Construction at the University of Notre Dame! With 33 years in the construction industry—including 22 years at Notre Dame—Tony oversees the university’s $150M annual construction budget and plays a critical role in contractor relationships, bidding processes, contract negotiations, and project oversight. As a registered Exterior Building Envelope consultant, he also manages the renewal program for Notre Dame’s 185 buildings, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency. This is a must-attend session for contractors looking to understand bidding opportunities and contract negotiations with the University of Notre Dame. ?? Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025 ? Time: 11:00 AM CST ?? Location: Zoom ?? Speaker: Tony Polotto, Sr. Director of Construction at Notre Dame ?? Topic: Catch a Contract with the University of Notre Dame ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gysiPn3J Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insider knowledge on securing contracts and working with a major university! #USMCA #ConstructionIndustry #ContractingOpportunities #MinorityContractors #NotreDame #Networking #DiversityInConstruction #BiddingProcesses #ConstructionManagement

The USMCA Northland/Wisconsin Chapter is hosting an exclusive session you won’t want to miss! Join us on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM CDT on Zoom for a deep dive into vertical construction opportunities with the Illinois Capital Development Board. Our guest speaker, Christine J Rivera Guevarra, will share key insights on how to navigate the process and secure contracts. This is a must-attend event for contractors looking to expand their reach and take advantage of upcoming projects! ?? Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 ? Time: 11:00 AM CDT ?? Location: Zoom ?? Speaker: Christine J. Guevarra ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gE8cujih Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable industry knowledge and connect with experts! #USMCA #ConstructionOpportunities #Contractors #MinorityContractors #IllinoisCapitalDevelopmentBoard #Networking #DiversityInConstruction

Congratulations to our March USMCA Member of the Month – Shahara Byford! We are proud to recognize Shahara Byford, President of Byford Construction Inc and Board Member of the USMCA West Town/Iowa Chapter, for her outstanding contributions to the construction industry and her commitment to excellence, diversity, and social impact. With over 25 years in the construction industry, Shahara has built an impressive career, from leading project management and corporate HR at Chicago’s largest general contractor to founding Byford Construction, Inc., a certified MBE/WBE/DBE union carpentry firm. Her firm is dedicated to superior craftsmanship, community engagement, and promoting equity in the construction space. Shahara is also an Executive Board Member for Revolution Workshop and Girls in the Game, sits on the Purdue University Construction Advisory Council, and is an ICF Certified Executive Coach—continuing to uplift others through mentorship and advocacy. Join us in celebrating Shahara Byford for her dedication to shaping a more inclusive and impactful future in construction! #USMCA #MemberOfTheMonth #WomenInConstruction #DiversityInConstruction #MBE #WBE #DBE #Leadership #Equity #ShaharaByford #ByfordConstruction

February is Black History Month – a time to honor the legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers who have shaped our industries and communities. At USMCA, we recognize that economic empowerment and equitable opportunities are key to advancing Black-owned businesses and contractors. This month serves as both a celebration of history and a call to action—reminding us to continue fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. Let’s take this time to uplift Black voices, support Black-owned businesses, and celebrate the impact of those who have paved the way for progress. #BlackHistoryMonth #USMCA #DiversityInContracting #MBE #BlackExcellence