As the Community Engagement Manager for the Mortenson Denver operating group, Alejandra (Ale) Spray develops and maintains client relationships, driving new project opportunities with a special focus on community participation plans that maximize opportunities for small, women-owned and minority-owned groups on Mortenson’s projects.
As a Mexican immigrant herself, Ale is intimately aware of the hurdles that women and people of color face and works tirelessly to improve representation on our projects. With a focus on actionable strategies, Ale is a key driver of Mortenson’s efforts to improve diversity not only within its own ranks, but across the industry as a whole. Additionally, Ale co-chairs the local Community Impact Team, leading coordination of Mortenson’s volunteer and community service efforts.
Leading by connecting
I believe the best leaders are those who build a true connection with those around them. They have open-door policies and honest dialogue with their team members and are supportive advocates for them. These leaders are willing to guide and mentor and help younger team members build a career path. In my role here at Mortenson, I believe in creating an environment where success is shared between everyone involved in a project, whether it’s a Mortenson team member, a client or a project partner.
Lifting everyone together
Mortenson’s Trade Partner program offers a unique opportunity to create a diverse supplier network that includes companies that are growing in our community. As the point-person for those in the Trade Partner program, I help solve problems and connect the right people, helping minority- and women-owned businesses partner with Mortenson in meaningful ways. Our company has always been dedicated to building a more diverse workforce in construction, but initiatives like these are big, concrete actions that can quickly scale diversity, equality and inclusion efforts. They truly set Mortenson apart in the industry.
Adapting to a shifting landscape
The construction industry is changing rapidly, but Mortenson is more nimble than its size would suggest. We continue to adapt to challenges by developing and using new technologies, cultivating a stronger workforce pipeline and collaborating closely with clients to deliver solutions that work for them. One of the ways we prepare for every new challenge is by empowering every team member – no matter their role – to voice his or her insights and make valuable contributions. By making sure that everyone is heard, we keep new ideas and perspectives flowing, which allows us to implement innovative solutions as new challenges arise.
