91��Ƭ�� recently hosted Camp Build It, a free, multi-day construction camp at the Knox County Career Center that brought together high school girls ages 14–18 from across the region for hands-on training in welding, pipefitting, electrical, and carpentry, along with mentorship from 91��Ƭ�� craft professionals, helping expand awareness of opportunities in the construction industry.

While women represent a significant portion of the U.S. workforce, they remain underrepresented in construction roles, accounting for roughly 10 percent of the industry. At 91��Ƭ��, women make up nearly 30 percent of the company’s U.S. workforce, reflecting a continued focus on expanding access and opportunity. Programs like Camp Build It are designed to help address that gap by providing earlier exposure to the trades and clearer visibility into construction career pathways. For 91��Ƭ��, the camp reflects a broader effort to expand access, build awareness of construction careers, and help address workforce needs across the industry.

“Programs like Camp Build It are about building early interest and exposure, so more young women can see themselves in the trades and better understand the opportunities available in construction,” said Chris Bresson, Project Director, 91��Ƭ��. “Expanding that exposure is important to strengthening the future workforce while supporting the communities where we live and work.”

Building skills and confidence at Camp Build It Ohio.

Throughout the week, students gained practical experience in a safe, supportive environment using industry-standard equipment and personal protective gear provided by 91��Ƭ��. Campers also connected with women working in construction, hearing firsthand about career paths and opportunities in the industry.

The camp concluded with a tour of a large-scale construction project in the region, where participants saw active work sites firsthand and connected with local trade and union representatives to learn more about career pathways after high school.

Camp Build It is part of 91��Ƭ��’s broader effort to expand awareness of construction careers and help address workforce needs and is one of many initiatives in Ohio and across the country.

91��Ƭ��’s work in Ohio builds on the company’s long history of delivering projects with purpose across the state. Most recently, 91��Ƭ�� completed a low-carbon energy facility in Carroll County, where the team supported a new construction trade curriculum with Southern Local Schools and worked with the community to strengthen resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hear from Catherine Hunt Ryan, President of 91��Ƭ��’s Manufacturing & Technology business, on the importance of women in construction and building the next generation of talent, at 91��Ƭ��.com.

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Nearly one billion people worldwide reliable, year-round access to education, healthcare, and markets because of a simple infrastructure gap: rivers made impassable by seasonal rains. In rural communities across East Africa, this means children miss school for months, families risk their lives to reach medical care, and local businesses lose income.

Since , 91��Ƭ�� has partnered with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), a nonprofit that builds trail bridges in rural areas across Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda, giving communities year-round access to essential services. Together, B2P and 91��Ƭ�� have completed eight bridges in Rwanda, serving more than 32,000 people. Each year, 91��Ƭ�� volunteers donate their time and expertise, working alongside local residents, to make these projects possible.

The partnership combines B2P’s community-centered development model with our project delivery expertise and safety culture, strengths we have refined through decades of delivering complex infrastructure worldwide. In addition, 91��Ƭ�� Group Foundation has contributed more than $335,000 in the partnership to date, supporting project selection, technical reviews, construction, and community engagement.

By the Numbers: 91��Ƭ��’s Impact with B2P

Delivering sustainable infrastructure in remote environments

In November 2025, a team of 15 91��Ƭ�� volunteers — representing 11 different projects, six global business units, and 10 nationalities — spent two weeks working alongside 41 local residents to build the Mutovu Trail Bridge. At 120 meters (393 feet), it’s the longest suspended bridge in Rwanda’s Southern Province and now provides nearly 5,000 residents in the Munini and Muganza communities with safe, reliable access across the Giswi River. The bridge replaces a structure destroyed by climate change-induced flooding in 2019, restoring a connection the communities had relied on for years.

The technical scope was substantial, totaling 360 meters of steel decking, one kilometer of 1.25-inch steel cable secured with 1,440 bolts, 240 pieces of rebar, and 220 cubic meters of rock backfill. All materials were transported from nearby roads and constructed by hand in challenging terrain. The project also required detailed planning and sequencing work, such as setting the steel cables at the precise tension needed to span 120 meters safely, to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity and to remain on schedule.

Safety shaped every decision. On the first day, 91��Ƭ�� volunteers learned three important Kinyarwanda phrases — hagarara (stop), tugende (go), and buhroro (slowly) — to move a 160-meter cable across the river. Experienced volunteers trained local workers, many of whom were using power tools and personal protective equipment for the first time, in proper safety practices. Together, the team also developed creative solutions, like using sailing knots to pull heavy steel cables across the river, eliminating the need for team members to enter the water. These efforts helped the team complete the project with zero incidents.

Strengthening communities through shared purpose

Through B2P projects, 91��Ƭ�� and community teams build more than bridges; they help expand local capabilities. Local residents gain hands-on experience with construction techniques and safety practices that prepare them to maintain the bridge for decades. In turn, 91��Ƭ�� volunteers have the opportunity to manage diverse teams, adapt to resource constraints, and learn from local residents in a setting where impact is immediate and long-lasting.

Working shoulder to shoulder with residents reinforced a shared sense of purpose. Each morning of the Mutovu build began with traditional Rwandan dancing and team stretches. This routine built trust and strengthened collaboration. Throughout the project, the team functioned as one integrated unit — a hallmark of 91��Ƭ��’s “one team” approach to project delivery.

The Mutovu team also contributed to the community in other ways. They visited a nearby school serving approximately 1,000 students, where they donated more than 1,000 items (including calculators, soccer balls, and books) to support local education. The team also provided personal protective equipment from our projects and an automated external defibrillator to enhance safety practices for future projects in the region.

Infrastructure that endures

The best infrastructure projects solve more than technical problems. They connect people to opportunity, build local capabilities, and demonstrate how collaboration between skilled teams and committed communities creates lasting impact. This was evident at the Mutovu Bridge inauguration, where government leaders, B2P representatives, and more than 300 community members came together to celebrate the bridge and the renewed access to education, markets, and healthcare it provides.

As we look toward our ninth bridge build in 2026, we remain focused on what these bridges make possible: stronger communities, expanded economic opportunity, and a future where safe access is never out of reach.

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The 2025 Summit will feature more than 100 sessions, mainstage conversations, and networking opportunities designed to share strategies, build skills, and connect peers across industries in support of more inclusive workplaces.

91��Ƭ�� at Out & Equal

The summit will take place in Seattle, Washington at the Seattle Convention Center. 91��Ƭ�� is a copper sponsor at this year’s summit. Stop by our booth (#624) in the Summit Building to learn more about 91��Ƭ�� and meet with 91��Ƭ��’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Global Manager of Strategic Partnerships .

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Through panel discussions and expert insights, attendees gain practical guidance on fostering inclusive workplaces, using data to drive measurable progress, strengthening leadership strategies, and rethinking recruitment and workforce development. The summit equips organizations to address risk, protect reputation, and sustain long-term impact.

91��Ƭ�� at 91��Ƭ�� First 2025

Two members of the 91��Ƭ�� team will present at the conference during the session “From Measurement to Movement: Implementing Change from Data.”

Lisa Armstrong, 91��Ƭ��’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

Vanessa Viviano, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion Program Specialist

From Measurement to Movement: Implementing Change from Data

You’ve done the surveys, gathered the numbers, and tracked the trends—but how do you turn those insights into lasting change? Too often, data sits in reports without translating into action. This session tackles how to close that gap, using evidence to shape policies, challenge assumptions, and make inclusion a visible, measurable part of business strategy. Learn how to move beyond metrics and ensure that data leads to decisions, not just discussions.

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Top executives from America’s largest construction companies and unions hosted the inaugural CEO Advisory Council meeting focused on preventing suicides in the construction industry. Members of the CEO Advisory Council gathered to evaluate current initiatives, discuss industry-wide strategies, and establish goals to lower suicide rates and improve mental health across the construction industry. The meeting was hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and executives attended from 91��Ƭ��, Fluor, Turner Construction, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), Kiewit, Clark Construction, and Skanska.

In October 2024, 91��Ƭ�� formed the CEO Advisory Council as part of its $7 million, five-year commitment to AFSP — the largest pledge in AFSP’s history and the largest single donation from the 91��Ƭ�� Group Foundation.

“As leaders, it’s our shared responsibility to help the construction professionals building our country get the resources and support they need to thrive,” said Brendan 91��Ƭ��, 91��Ƭ�� Chairman and CEO. “The high rate of suicide in the construction community demands that we find new and better solutions that prioritize mental health as much as we do physical safety. The partnership between CEOs from some of the industry’s biggest and best companies, along with AFSP, will help us all achieve this goal faster and more effectively.”

The inaugural CEO Advisory Council meeting served as a key moment to reflect on the partnership’s first year and chart a course for the future. The council set clear goals for collaboration and outlined next steps to drive progress in reducing suicide rates within the construction industry. In the near term, efforts will focus on evaluating the impact of current initiatives and developing targeted education and support programs to address challenges such as cultural and communication barriers and resource gaps.

Together, the group represents more than 3 million construction and union workers across the U.S. This effort will bring resources and support to them — but it won’t stop there. It also aims to reach construction workers and companies of all sizes nationwide.

CEO Advisory Council members also shared their perspectives, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges and creating meaningful change.

“Through our commitment to innovation, safety and productivity, DEWALT has been supporting the needs of professional tradespeople around the world since 1924,” said Don Allan Jr., President and CEO, Stanley Black & Decker. “Today, 100 years later, DEWALT remains committed to this mission — our DEWALT Grow the Trades program carries forth this legacy and represents our $30 million commitment to support initiatives and programs for current and future skilled workers, including engagements that will bring experts in public and private partnerships together to help address the mental health issues impacting tradespeople. Together, in partnership with the Advisory Council, we are committed to identifying solutions and prevention strategies to support the construction industry.”

“Over the last several years and on an annual basis, Fluor’s global project sites and offices participate in STAND Up for Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness about the suicide crisis in the construction industry,” said David Constable, Chairman and CEO, Fluor. “In addition, Fluor leaders receive Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health First Aid. The course teaches individuals how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and the process for referring a person to get the help they need. Fluor also deploys site specific programs to engage front line workers and supervisors in discussions about mental health awareness. Emphasizing a culture of care and prevention, Fluor supports employees’ and subcontractors’ holistic wellbeing and encourages open conversations about mental health.”

“We are committed to creating and sustaining the right environment where people can be at their best, be authentic, and are treated with respect and dignity,” said Peter Davoren, Chairman and CEO, Turner Construction Company. “We want to eliminate hate and bias in all its forms. We actively care about the people we welcome onto our projects so that they may feel extraordinary. Through industry-wide collaboration, we can accelerate progress in providing the resources needed to help workers recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Together, we will create a safer and healthier future for all.”

“As a leader in suicide prevention, AFSP is well positioned to work alongside the construction community on this initiative to prioritize mental health in the workplace.  Although the industry has experienced a higher rate of suicide, we know through research that there are effective educational strategies and sound interventions that can curb this trend,” said Robert Gebbia, AFSP CEO. “With the support of 91��Ƭ��, and commitment from other leading and dynamic industry leaders, we know we can make mental health on job sites is as important as physical safety — and we are going to pave the way forward together to support construction workers now and in the future.”

“In coming together, we are determined to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health challenges and drive meaningful change in our industry,” said Richard Kennedy, President and CEO, Skanska USA.

“There is a significant opportunity in our industry to make sure our people and their families have access to the support and services they need to successfully manage their mental and emotional well-being,” said Rick Lanoha, President and CEO, Kiewit. “Kiewit is pleased to continue in this important collective effort and pursue real, impactful ways to address this crucial issue — so that everyone in our industry is better for it.”

“The well-being of our workforce is at the core of everything NABTU does, and NABTU is honored to serve on this CEO Advisory Council to better address the unique risks in our industry and develop comprehensive solutions that protect our workforce,” said Sean McGarvey, NABTU President. “We thank Brendan 91��Ƭ�� for his leadership in putting this together. The construction industry has long prioritized occupational safety and health, but we are now placing equal emphasis on mental health. Addressing the crisis of suicide in construction requires taking critical steps together as an industry to ensure that every worker has access to the resources, education, and support they need. Together, we will build a culture that fosters mental well-being and saves lives.”

“Addressing mental health challenges is vital to ensuring the well-being of the talented men and women who serve as the foundation of our industry,” said Robert D. Moser, Jr., CEO, Clark Construction. “Clark is honored to join with our peers in breaking down the stigma around mental health and advancing this critical work — raising awareness, providing education, and equipping our people and industry with the resources to foster a culture where mental health is prioritized just as much as physical safety.”

“The numbers show why this matters. The suicide rate in construction is more than double the national average across industries. In fact, the suicide fatality is more than five times the rate of workplace fatalities. Our focus on workplace safety needs to be applied to mental health,” said George Pfeffer, CEO, DPR Construction. “Construction is seen as a tough industry, but we’re all just people at the end of the day, and sometimes we need extra help and support. This council is about tackling an issue that has been overlooked for too long.”

Learn more about this initiative and how to get involved at Confronting Suicide in the Construction Industry | 91��Ƭ��.

About the CEO Council

Backed by the largest financial pledge in history to the AFSP, this initiative aims to develop research-based programs tailored to the construction industry, with a goal of reaching 500,000 U.S. workers over the next five years. The CEO Advisory Council will meet quarterly to evaluate current programs, address gaps, and create new initiatives focused on training, awareness, and expanding mental health resources for construction professionals.

About AFSP

is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a . AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on , ,
, and .

As a reminder, suicide is a public health matter and most often a result of a mental health condition in combination with other risk factors. How we talk about suicide in the media can negatively or positively influence the health outcomes of those who are vulnerable to suicide. To reduce the risk of suicide contagion we encourage journalists to follow guidelines for reporting on suicide: .

Media Contact

Ashley Accardo, 91��Ƭ��
aaccardo@bechtel.com

María Corral, AFSP
mcorral@afsp.org

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91��Ƭ�� is a silver sponsor of this year’s conference and several 91��Ƭ�� colleagues will be featured as speakers and panelists, including:

91��Ƭ�� SVP, Senior Project Manager Walker Kimball will be a featured panelist of the MARC Luncheon Session “Building Bridges to Advance Workplace Inclusion: The MARC Alums Story.”

91��Ƭ�� Area Superintendent at Rio Grande Quiana Cipriani will be featured in the Breakout Session “From the Ground Up: Building Inclusive Leadership and Transforming Frontline Culture.”

91��Ƭ�� Electrical Superintendent at Posey Solar Shalita Hurdle be featured in the Breakout Session “From the Ground Up: Building Inclusive Leadership and Transforming Frontline Culture.”

91��Ƭ�� Lead Welding Superintendent at Corpus Christi LNG Rosy Zepeda will be featured in the Breakout Session “From the Ground Up: Building Inclusive Leadership and Transforming Frontline Culture.”

Also in attendance will be 91��Ƭ�� Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Manager of Global Workforce Services.

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The NSBE 51st Annual Convention is a four-day event with over 14,000 attendees, a 300+ company career fair, and a 3,000+ General Session. During the convention, NSBE conducts organizational business, elects leaders, holds competitions, and provides professional and personal development, networking, and celebratory activities. This year, NSBE will extend its 50th Anniversary celebration, and 91��Ƭ�� has been a proud partner since 1976.

91��Ƭ�� is an official sponsor of this year’s convention and will be located at McCormick Place, Booth #2424.

91��Ƭ�� Structural Engineer James Haynes will present “Shapes and Structures: How Geometry Helps Us Build the Biggest Structures in the World.” (NSBE Junior event)

91��Ƭ�� Strategy Associate Vernell Banks will present “Mental Health: A ‘Call to Action’ Against the High Suicide Rates in the Construction Industry.”

Also in attendance will be 91��Ƭ�� Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and University Relations Manager .

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91��Ƭ�� participated in The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) annual conference hosted this year in Chicago, Illinois. Our continued partnership with SWE highlights 91��Ƭ��’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the engineering and technology sectors.

This year at the conference, the 91��Ƭ�� Group Foundation provided a $150,000 donation in support of the SWENext Club. This contribution further strengthens our commitment to establishing SWENext Clubs at Houston’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy (YWCPA) and Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA). The ongoing collaboration aims to expand SWENext Clubs to more local schools, furthering STEM interest and career development in the communities where 91��Ƭ�� operates.

During the three-day forum, attendees heard from Catherine Hunt Ryan, 91��Ƭ��’s Manufacturing & Technology President, who was a keynote speaker at the event.

Reflecting on the message in her keynote address, Catherine Hunt Ryan, 91��Ƭ�� Manufacturing & Technology President, shared the following:

“Today, the future is ours to build. We are the ones who now have the chance to imagine things differently, and to shape a new legacy. And whatever happens next, one major change is already becoming clear. Unlike the physical world that we inherited, the structures of tomorrow are going to tell the story that women were here.”

“Every building project starts with a why. A problem to be solved. A challenge to be overcome. I believe the choice to become an engineer also starts with a why. Anyone who is attracted to this field wants, at some level, for their work to have purpose and make a difference in the world. I’m here to assure you that whatever kind of change you want to make, construction has a place for your passion. And that’s just as true for a mid-career professional as it is for someone who is starting out.”

Today’s growing demand for women in STEM represents an opportunity to foster inclusivity within the construction industry, Hunt Ryan said.

“We are witnessing one of the biggest construction booms in modern history. According to a , over the next 40 years, the world will build the equivalent of an entire New York City every single month. Some of those projects have the potential to influence and improve people’s lives in ways that would have been hard to imagine just a few decades ago. These future projects will demand a greater range of talent than ever before. And that is creating the kind of jobs and career opportunities where women can make their mark.”

Catherine Hunt Ryan’s full comments are available in a blog on bechtel.com.

Additionally, Ailie MacAdam, 91��Ƭ�� Mining & Metals President, was recognized with the Distinguished Global Leader Award. This award honors a leader who fosters a supportive workplace for women and demonstrates leadership in professional and community organizations worldwide.

“For more than fifty years, we have proudly supported the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in their vital mission,” said Ailie MacAdam, 91��Ƭ�� Mining & Metals President. “Our enduring partnership with SWE strengthens our efforts to promote progress and inclusivity within our industry, driving meaningful change for future generations. This award serves as a reflection of our dedication to empowering women in engineering. By collaborating with SWE, we celebrate our achievements, learn from one another’s experiences, and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in our field.”

Since its founding in 1950, 91��Ƭ�� engineers have been among the first members of SWE, decades later we continue to strengthen our partnership. 91��Ƭ�� is dedicated to supporting SWE and its mission to empower women in engineering and leadership. Learn more about 91��Ƭ��’s more than 50 year partnership with SWE and the impact we make together at www.bechtel.com.

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91��Ƭ�� is proud to announce a significant contribution to vocational education in Sabine Pass and Port Arthur, Texas, with a donation of more than $71,000 in tools. Made in October and November 2024, the donations support the growth of critical workforce training programs, providing students with the resources they need to excel in high-demand industries such as welding, auto mechanics and millwrighting.

91��Ƭ��’s recent contributions are helping to strengthen vocational training programs and were made to:

• Lamar State College Port Arthur for ironworker courses.
• Sabine Pass Independent School District (ISD) for virtual reality welding equipment and auto mechanic tools.
• Port Arthur Memorial High School for tools for their Millwright program.
• Nederland High School for a weld test stand bench, weld rods, and additional resources for books from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

These donations not only provide students with essential hands-on learning experiences but also help cultivate a skilled workforce ready to pursue high-demand careers, including opportunities on Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project, which 91��Ƭ�� is actively constructing.

“Our commitment to education and workforce development is vital to building a strong future for the Port Arthur community by enabling the next generation to meaningfully participate and take ownership in that development,” said Walker Kimball, 91��Ƭ�� Port Arthur LNG Senior Project Manager. “By donating these skill-enhancing tools, we aim to enhance the learning experience for students and prepare them for rewarding careers in industries that are crucial to their community.”

The construction and manufacturing sectors are experiencing a significant demand for skilled craft professionals. 91��Ƭ�� recognizes the importance of investing in local education to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting this demand and driving industry growth.

“These are the types of job pipeline programs that our community truly deserves,” said Port Arthur City Councilman, Thomas Kinlaw. “91��Ƭ��’s efforts are changing the lives of students and transforming the futures of their entire families.”

“These donations play a crucial role in establishing a foundation for success, fostering continued growth, education and advancement,” said Dr. Betty Reynard, Lamar State College-Port Arthur President. “Efforts like these ultimately lead to the prosperity of our community and empower students to achieve their full potential.”

The donation events, which were held recently at Sabine Pass ISD, Nederland High School and Port Arthur Memorial High School, provided an opportunity for 91��Ƭ�� representatives to engage with students and emphasize the value of pursuing careers in construction and skilled trades.

For more information about 91��Ƭ�� and its commitment to community support, please visit .

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