Donaldson Consulting LLC

Diversity Consulting

Suzanne 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 11 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.

Related Projects

MGT of America State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Disparity Study

Disparity Study Leader, 2020-present

Conducting a disparity study by analyzing businesses in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry and their experiences dealing with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and other public and private sectors. Evaluating Alaska’s M/W/DBE program and recommending modifications. Conducting interviews; managing and facilitating public hearings and focus groups; managing surveys; and providing a highly detailed summary of findings for the disparity study. 

HP Civil | City of Portland Sullivan Crossing Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge

Outreach Coordinator and Diversity Manager, 2019-present

Reviewing and editing the City of Portland’s Diversity Plan. Providing strategic consulting and recommendations for diversity and inclusion on public projects. Conducting outreach consulting.

Keen Independent Research | City of Tacoma Disparity Study

Facilitator and Interviewer, 2019-present

Conducting interviews and facilitation for a workforce equity study that will assess whether the makeup of the City’s workforce looks like the residents of Tacoma and surrounding communities.

Keen Independent Research | Oregon Department of Transportation Aviation Disparity Study

Community Engagement Consultant, 2019-present

Participating in internal and external stakeholder meetings, conducting in-depth interviews with business owners throughout Oregon, and preparing monthly progress reports to analyze whether there is a level playing field for MBE and WBE firms in the Oregon transportation contracting industry and in its own contracts.

Urban Development Partners | City of Portland NE Killingsworth Multiple-Unit Limited Tax Exemption (MULTE) 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. 

JH Kelly | PDX PA and ConRac Facility Mechanical Plumbing

MWESB Implementation Oversight Consultant, 1/2019-present

Providing assistance in implementing the project’s M/W/DBE program, conducting project outreach events, and organizing an open house.

Metro | Program Development

Small Business Consultant, 2018-present

Working with Metro staff in continuing to develop Metro’s small business development program to align with their strategic DEI goals. Serving as an advisor to make recommendations for additional improvements.

Southwest Transit Partners — Parametrix-David Evans and Associates — AECOM Joint Venture | TriMet Southwest Corridor Project

DBE Coordinator, Onboarding Manager, and Project Management Plan Manager, 2017-2021

Coordinating and training DBE subcontractors and managing the Project Management Plan for this comprehensive planning and design effort to help address the impacts of future growth while preserving neighborhoods and creating more great places.

SK Hoff Construction | City of Portland 16th & Nehalem Development MULTE Program

Third-Party Oversight and Diversity Manager, 2018-2019

Served as third-party diversity manager and provided oversight and guidance to the general contractor. Tasks included reports, due diligence review, and monthly compliance meetings. 

Prosper Portland | Equity Training and Consultation

On-Call Racial Equity Facility Consultant, 2017-2019

Provided equity training and consultation on an on-call basis.

JH Kelly | Oregon Convention Center Hotel (Hyatt Hotels)

Diversity Outreach and Oversight Consultant, 2016-2019

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.

WM Lyles | City of Portland Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plan

Proposal and Pursuit Assistance Consultant, 2019-2019

Wrote the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan for WM Lyles’ pursuit of this project.

Molasky Group of Companies, Goose Hollow LLC | City of Portland MULTE Program

Diversity Manager, 2015-2017

Served as third-party diversity manager and provided oversight and guidance to Skanska, the general contractor. Tasks included reports, due diligence review, and monthly compliance meetings.

Temp Control Mechanical | AC Hotels and Marriott Hotels

Diversity, Mentoring, and MWESB Participation Consultant, 2015-2016

Conducted diversity and compliance consulting for the AC Hotel Portland project. Held monthly compliance meetings with Mortensen and their subconsultants.

Mortenson Construction | AC Hotels and Marriott Hotels

Diversity, Mentoring, and MWESB Participation Consultant, 2015-2016

Conducted diversity and compliance consulting for the Marriott-AC Hotels joint venture. The AC Hotel Portland is one of the first AC Hotels in the United States and will contain key pieces of local art. Held monthly compliance meetings with Mortensen and their subconsultants.

Cochran Inc. | AC Hotels and Marriott Hotels

Diversity, Mentoring, and MWESB Participation Consultant, 2015-2016

Conducted diversity and compliance consulting for the AC Hotel Portland project. Held monthly compliance meetings with Mortensen and their subconsultants.

Rosendin Electric, Inc. | M/WBE Business Consulting

Diversity Consultant, 2014

Interviewed potential teaming partners and assisted with certification for Rosendin Electric in Tempe, Arizona. Made recommendations on subcontracting with M/WBEs and with Native-American-owned businesses on or around Indian reservations. 

Kennedy Jenks Consultants | City of Portland

On-Call Diversity Consultant, 2014

Assisted Kennedy Jenks Consultants with authoring the diversity section of the proposal, met with team members, and recommended certified sub-consultants for the contract.

Mill Plain Electric | Diversity Training and MWESB Consulting

Diversity Consultant, 2014

Wrote MWESB and DBE Inclusion Plan for a Washington State Department of Transportation Project and for a confidential project in the Portland, Oregon metro area.

Cochran Incorporated, Oregon Convention Center Hotel

DMWESB Consultant, 2014

Reviewed and edited Cochran’s Diversity Plan and prepared team for interview. Provided strategic consulting and recommendations for diversity and inclusion on public projects. Facilitated and coordinated monthly mentor-protégé meetings with Cochran Incorporated and Affordable Electric, a DBE/MBE firm. 

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