The Language of Belonging: Authentic DEI in Messaging, Proposals, and Practice

Last week, A/E/C marketing and business development professionals gathered for a candid and insightful panel discussion on what authentic DEI communication looks like today. The Language of Belonging: Authentic DEI in Messaging, Proposals, and Practice brought together four leaders working at the intersection of construction, community engagement, and equity: Afton Walsh (Community Outreach Director, Walsh Construction), Nate McCoy (President/CEO, National Association of Minority Contractors), Amy James Neel (Workforce & Contracting Equity Manager, Portland Community College), and Nikoyia Phillips (Director of Community Impact, Port of Portland).

Across the conversation, one theme emerged clearly: DEI is no longer defined by buzzwords or boilerplate language—authenticity and impact matter most. Panelists emphasized that clients and community partners are looking beyond check-the-box statements. They want to understand how your organization’s practices show up in the real world: in project decisions, in partnerships, and in the lived experience of your workforce. As Nate McCoy noted, what’s important isn’t perfection, it’s that companies are genuinely trying, learning, and evolving.

A key takeaway for proposal teams: DEI should not live in a single section of an RFP response. Instead, it must be woven throughout your messaging, demonstrating that equity is embedded in your culture, your processes, and your project delivery. Marketing teams were encouraged to tell better stories—to pair data with human impact and connect metrics to outcomes. What does “community impact” truly mean for your company? How are you reflecting equitable access and results in measurable, meaningful ways? 

For many in the room, the discussion served as both validation and challenge: Authentic DEI communication starts with clarity about your values, transparency about your progress, and a commitment to continuous improvement. When organizations focus on real impact—not optics—their message resonates more deeply with clients, partners, and communities alike.