Equitable, Inclusive, and Environmentally Responsible Practices at HDR

At HDR, we do things right to make great things possible.

As a 100% employee-owned company, HDR prioritizes equitable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible subcontracting and business practices. As part of our commitment to our local COBID certified community, our Portland-based Small Business Coordinator, Amey River Ledoux, leads outreach efforts to diverse firms throughout the region. We actively engage with local groups such as Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME), Business Development Institute (BDI), and Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS). Through sponsorships, board participation, event involvement, and staff volunteerism, we connect with diverse firms and promote economic equity. 

To support our small business outreach efforts and promote deeper connections within our communities, we have developed meaningful events designed to deepen minority- and women‑owned business connection and growth, such as Small Business Meet & Greets, and our Connect Series (Coffee + Connect and Cocktail + Connect).

Small Business Meet & Greets 

Through our small business meet & greets initiative, we have held more than 20 events over the past five years, connecting new minority- and women-owned businesses directly with our project managers. These one-on-one conversations allow firms to share their capabilities, explore partnership opportunities, and identify roles on upcoming projects.  

Developing Community

As my extroverted self expected, the best part of Amplify was the people. Monday night, eleven of us from SMPS Oregon squeezed around a table at the Gordon Ramsey Pub & Grill, and enjoyed conversation about session takeaways, current projects, career moves, and some inside jokes - all over truffle fries, of course. Times like this remind me of why our chapter is so worth showing up for. 

Tuesday night was the “There’s No Place Like SMPS” event. I couldn’t help myself and put together a last-minute Dorothy outfit. There were many of us that had the same idea and I am not holding my breath for the coverage on who wore it best. There is something special about dressing a little silly in a room full of industry peers that breaks down some professional barriers and allows for some authentic connections. I met so many new people that night, and got to spend time with some familiar faces as well. 

Connect Series

Since 2018, in partnership with Emerio Design, a minority-owned small business, we have held our recurring Coffee + Connect forum focused on expanding connections within our local minority- and women-owned business community for the past seven years through our connect series. We regularly host forums with subject matter specialists, including consultants and agency staff, who provide presentations and participate in Q&A panels to address common small business issues. In 2021, we added Cocktail + Connect, an event that invites small businesses, other prime firms, and agency staff to connect in a casual networking environment.

We take pride in partnering with local small, minority-, and women-owned businesses and creating opportunities where every firm has a seat at the table. Through HDR’s local outreach efforts, we help businesses showcase their expertise, connect with mentors, build partnerships, exchange knowledge, and gain visibility into upcoming projects and opportunities.