LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Four industry organizations have recognized Balfour Beatty for outstanding leadership and contributions that promote diversity and the advancement of women in the industry. Balfour Beatty is committed to investing the time, talent and resources to make lasting and sustained differences in local industry and community organizations. These awards recognize the company’s commitment and were presented to Sophia Cavalli, senior inclusion and diversity director, on behalf of Balfour Beatty. Cavalli leads the company’s inclusion and diversity efforts in Southern California.

“Investing in the local community is a vital business imperative for us at Balfour Beatty. This includes lasting economic and community benefits that extend to diverse businesses and workers, and advance women in the industry. We are very proud of the recognition both the company and Sophia have received from these important organizations,” said Brian Cahill, division president for Balfour Beatty in California. “Our work in inclusion, diversity and advancing women in the industry is not only key to enriching our business, but also the communities in which we live and work.”

The National Association of Minority Contractors-Southern California Chapter (NAMC) awarded Balfour Beatty “Contractor of the Year Award” during the organization’s 18th Annual Leadership Award Dinner in Los Angeles. NAMC strives to be the premier catalyst for the growth and advocacy of women and minority-owned businesses through a variety of methods, including access to construction opportunities, business development, training, political influence, and strategic partnerships. The honor recognizes the company’s efforts to advance minority-owned businesses through contract awards and customized training initiatives.

The Women-In-Non-Traditional-Employment-Roles (W.I.N.T.E.R.) presented Balfour Beatty with the “Company of the Year Award” during the organization’s 15th Annual W.I.N.T.E.R. Awards Gala held in Los Angeles. The organization’s mission is "to train, educate and prepare women and youth for transformative careers in the construction industry." The award recognizes Balfour Beatty’s efforts to expose women to careers in construction, pathways to industry careers and to close the skilled labor gap.

The Women Construction Owners and Executives USA (WCOE) presented Balfour Beatty’s Cavalli with the “National Advocate of the Year” during the organization’s Women Build America Annual Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. WCOE is committed to making a positive difference for women in the construction industry so there will come a time when gender will cease to be a business issue. The award recognizes Cavalli’s commitment to increasing opportunities for women-owned businesses and the advancement of women in the industry.

The Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented Cavalli with a “Mujeres del Año” or Women of the Year Diversity Award during its annual Awards Gala held in Long Beach, Calif. The celebration honors women for their outstanding contributions in community leadership, education, business, government, cultural and economic development, and recognizes their impact, influence and inspiration in the areas of character, commitment, excellence and civility. The award recognizes Cavalli’s efforts in inclusion, diversity and youth engagement inspiring the next generation.

“I am proud to provide the leadership and direction for the company’s inclusion and diversity initiatives throughout Southern California,” said Cavalli. “We are passionate about supporting local and diverse businesses, under-represented workers, youth, and the community-at-large—and are so appreciative of this recognition. With the support and leadership of our division president, Brian Cahill – it’s all been possible. I look forward to building upon the progress we’ve made and making an even greater impact in the future.”

About Balfour Beatty

Balfour Beatty is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the United States. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, the company is part of Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY), a leading international infrastructure group that provides innovative and efficient infrastructure that underpins our daily lives, supports communities and enables economic growth. Consistently ranked among the nation’s largest building contractors, Balfour Beatty is the No. 6 Domestic Building Contractor in the United States as ranked by Engineering News-Record. To learn more, visit www.balfourbeattyus.com.

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