SHANAE
phillips
[COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT MANAGER]
We're investing in businesses owned by women and by people of color so that everyone in our community has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and succeed.
Creating more than a physical legacy
At Mortenson, we listen to our customers. We recognize their unique needs and the needs that are specific to their communities. To help ensure advancement, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach, we do our homework to develop intentional strategies to follow through on the commitments we make. Success is attributed to maintaining relationships with community leaders, contracting organizations, community-based organizations, neighborhood groups, minority- and woman-owned businesses, local businesses, governmental agencies, unions, advocacy groups, and public officials. We help our customers achieve, not only a physical legacy, but also drive outcomes that strengthen the economic health of their community.
Putting principles of equity and inclusion at the center of our work
Community matters. We make lasting change by putting principles of equity and inclusion at the center of our work. We strive for meaningful, long-lasting benefits because strong communities underpin the successful growth and development of every industry across the board. A successful project isn’t just about delivering a quality project on-time and on-budget. Ultimately, it is also about helping those who have historically been locked out of opportunities and, it’s leaving communities better than when we arrived. We're investing in businesses owned by women and by people of color so that everyone in our community can have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and succeed.
Quietly leading change in our communities
Leading by example is a belief and work ethic shared among leaders at Mortenson. In our day-to-day, there is nothing that we ask of our trade partners, peers, or colleagues that we don’t also expect of ourselves. We go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience for our customers, which starts with our leadership. Our team is full of quiet leaders; not motivated by accolades or receiving recognition, but instead by doing the right thing. When there is a need, we step up and lean in. Change doesn’t happen overnight, we must dig in, pull every lever, and tap every resource at our disposal to create lasting communities.
PERSONAL PASSIONS
A cause that’s important to me is increasing access and opportunity in education. I had a strong support system growing up, I enjoyed school and was fortunate to have the resources to continue my education. Helping the youth as they navigate their own way forward is something I strongly believe in and is an area where I want to make a difference. Each of us can make a difference in the world if we dedicate a reasonable amount of time and resources to the issues we care about. Don't get overwhelmed by trying to do everything all at once. Remember, lasting change relies on the sustained commitment of individuals. Many small contributions of time, talent and treasure can quickly add up and make a powerful impact.
HOME STATE
Cameron, Wisconsin
INDUSTRY TENURE
4 years
MORTENSON MOMENT
Providing guidance and assistance to develop progressive community participation plans for the employment of women and people of color