Category: Diversity Consulting

Suzanne Donaldson, CEO of Donaldson Consulting, LLC, has nearly 20 years of experience in diversity consulting and certified small business organization, outreach, training, and mentorship. She is recognized in the construction and design community for her efforts in creating a level playing field for underserved businesses; collaborating effectively with multiple stakeholders; helping clients increase their diversity in contracting and meet or exceed their participation goals; organizing and mentoring certified sub-consultants; and conducting workforce equity and disparity studies and outreach to underrepresented populations.

She conducts diversity and minority-, women-, and disadvantaged- business enterprise (M/W/DBE) certification training and educates traditionally underserved businesses about how to do business with public agencies. Her clients appreciate her collaborative style and drive for constant improvement.

As a Native American woman, Suzanne’s firm is certified as a M/W/DBE in seven states and with the federal government. She uses the knowledge and expertise she’s gained to help other firms expand their capacity and improve their service levels.

  • Northwest Environmental Business Council Oregon Brownfields Conference 

    Tribal Relations & Government-to-Government Consultation Training 

    May 2026

    Presented at the Oregon Brownfields Conference on the topic “From Outreach to Partnership: Elevating Community Engagement and Government-to-Government Consultation.” Spoke about how effective engagement requires more than outreach—it requires intention, respect, and a willingness to listen across different types of relationships. Explored how community engagement with the public and government-to-government consultation with Tribes can be approached with equal authenticity, while honoring the distinct responsibilities each requires. Sharing practical strategies and real-world examples, highlighted how storytelling—grounded in community values, culture, and lived experience—can build trust, inform decisions, and strengthen partnerships, ultimately leading to more resilient and inclusive outcomes.

  • Kennedy-Wong Consulting | Port of Camas-Washougal

    Tribal Relations & Government-to-Government Consultation Training 

    Tribal Cultural Facilitation and Training, 2026-present

    Developed and delivered a comprehensive Tribal relations training program for Port leadership and staff focused on government-to-government consultation with federally recognized Tribes. Designed the customized curriculum to address when, how, and why consultation is required under federal and Washington State law. Presented a historical timeline of federal Indian law and policy, including treaty-making, allotment, termination, and self-determination eras, to provide context for contemporary Tribal relations. Defined and explained key concepts including Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, federal trust responsibility, and consultation triggers. Provided practical guidance on initiating consultation, documenting engagement, and integrating consultation into infrastructure and environmental project workflows. Facilitated discussion on cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation, including appropriate institutional representation and engagement practices. Strengthened organizational capacity, reduced regulatory risk, and improved staff competency in intergovernmental Tribal engagement.

  • Metro | Program Development

    Small Business Consultant, 2018-2024

    Worked with Metro to develop a small business development program to align with their strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Served as an advisor to make recommendations for additional improvements.

  • Skanska | Oregon Department of Transportation I-205 Improvements Abernethy Bridge, Phase 1A Pursuit

    DBE Outreach & Networking Consultant, 2021-2022

    Provided DBE consulting and project management services on the $370 million I-205 Abernethy Bridge improvements pursuit. Helped develop a strategy to assist ODOT in reaching its DBE goals of 14% and diversity goals of 20% MBE and 14% WBE. The project aimed to provide firms a commercially useful function, in which they were responsible for at least 30% of the contract. Worked with the project manager and teaming partners. The pursuit was part of a larger effort to manage congestion, increase predictable travel times, and reduce crashes.

  • Metro | 2030 Regional Waste Plan Community Engagement

    Cultural Ambassador and Facilitator, 2/2017-2/2018

    Served as cultural ambassador and facilitation consultant for community engagement on Metro’s 2030 regional waste plan. Included facilitation of sessions with community-based organizations (sometimes with interpreters), asking people what they know about Metro’s waste plan, and discussing garbage and recycling. Later accompanied the groups on a tour of area recycling plants so they could see how their waste is being processed.

  • ZGF-VIA-Mayer/Reed Joint Venture | TriMet Southwest Corridor Project SWTPE Urban Design

    DBE Coordinator, Onboarding Manager, and Project Management Plan Manager, 2018-2021

    Managed the project handbook and monthly progress reports and coordinated and trained DBE subcontractors for this comprehensive planning and design effort to help address the impacts of future growth while preserving neighborhoods and creating more great places. 

  • JH Kelly | Multiple Construction Projects

    MWESB Implementation Oversight and Diversity Outreach Consultant, 1/2016-present

    PDX PA and ConRac Facility Mechanical Plumbing: Providing assistance in implementing the project’s minority, women, and emerging small business (MWESB) program, conducting project outreach events, and organizing an open house.

    Oregon Convention Center Hotel (Hyatt Hotels): Conducted diversity outreach for this new hotel located north of the Oregon Convention Center, to attract larger conventions to Portland and spur additional economic development in the neighborhoods surrounding the convention center. 

  • Urban Development Partners | City of Portland NE Killingsworth Multiple-Unit Limited Tax Exemption Program

    Third-Party Oversight and Diversity Manager, 2/2019-present

    Serving as third-party diversity manager and providing oversight and guidance to the general contractor. Tasks include reports, due diligence review, and monthly compliance meetings. 

  • Keen Independent Research —  Disparity Studies

    Community Engagement Consultant, 2014-present

    Conducting disparity studies on behalf of Keen Independent Research for the City of Vancouver, City of Tacoma, City of Providence, RI and State of Rhode Island, Port of Portland, Santa Clara County, State of Oregon Mental Health Regulatory Agency, Salem Area Mass Transit Department, and Oregon Department of Transportation.

    Participating in internal and external stakeholder meetings, conducting in-depth interviews throughout Oregon, and preparing monthly progress reports analyzing whether there is a level playing field for MBE and WBE firms in the Oregon transportation contracting industry and in its own contracts. Conducting reviews of agency procurement and contracting materials.

    Also conducted a workforce equity study for the City of Tacoma, assessing whether the makeup of the City’s workforce looks like the residents of Tacoma and surrounding communities.

  • City of Portland Bureau of Transportation | On-Call Community Engagement Services

    Consultant, 2019-2024

    Providing project management, outreach services for certified firms, subcontracting planning and reporting, subconsultant onboarding and management, program development and oversight, mentorship and capacity building, project progress report management, Commercial Useful Function reviews and training, development project consulting and oversight, diversity program compliance, conflict resolution, project support, focus group facilitation, disparity study support, request for qualifications coordination, community participation planning, and technical and support services.