Facilitating Diverse Collaborations.

A champion for establishing diverse partnerships throughout infrastructure projects in the Puget Sound region, Angela Battle is director of small business partnerships for HNTB’s Seattle office. With a track record of success, Battle shares her perspectives on how creating diverse and inclusive opportunities in the delivery of infrastructure ensures that projects better reflect the varied needs of the communities they serve.

Describe your background. How did it lead you to a career creating equitable opportunities in the transportation industry?

Growing up with parents who owned a small manufacturing business for nearly 30 years in Seattle, I saw firsthand how hard they worked and how many years it took to get the business to where they wanted it to be. This experience ignited my passion for fostering equitable opportunities for others.

I have always gravitated toward the strategies employed by small businesses, actively supporting independent retailers whenever I could. Now, armed with both professional connections and a deep affinity for the field, I am committed to assisting small and diverse businesses in surmounting the hurdles they face in the marketplace.

Why are diverse collaborations important to the success of a project and its impact on the community?

By leveraging various businesses' and stakeholders' strengths and perspectives, we create a more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous community for all.

HNTB believes diverse collaborations are pivotal for ensuring a project's success and maximizing its impact on the community. By engaging with various businesses, we open doors to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This infusion of diverse thought enriches the project and broadens its reach. Consequently, the project gains greater resonance and influence within the community.

These collaborations promote economic empowerment and provide opportunities for a diverse range of businesses to participate and thrive. By doing so, we contribute to the socioeconomic growth and stability of the communities where we live and work.

By leveraging various businesses' and stakeholders' strengths and perspectives, we create a more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous community for all. 

– Angela Battle
Director, Small Business Partnerships

What strategies have you found effective in collaborating with diverse businesses?

Communication is key. Open, transparent communication ensures that all parties involved are on the same page regarding project goals, timelines and expectations.

It is crucial to establish direct communication with other business leaders and decision-makers on the project. Direct engagement allows for swift decision-making, problem-solving and alignment of objectives. By fostering direct relationships, we can streamline communication channels and navigate a project’s opportunities and challenges more effectively.

Additionally, setting expectations early lays the foundation for a successful partnership. Clearly outlining roles, responsibilities and deliverables from the outset, helps ensure that everyone understands their role in contributing to the project’s success.

These strategies facilitate successful project outcomes and foster stronger, more inclusive partnerships that benefit all involved parties.

What advice would you give to agencies striving to collaborate more with diverse businesses?

It is important to ensure that fair opportunities are visible and accessible to diverse businesses. Keeping available opportunities transparent and accessible can help level the playing field by offering prospective business to diverse partners.

Establishing genuine connections with diverse businesses lays the groundwork for partnerships built on trust and mutual respect. It’s also about prioritizing relationship-building. This is key to HNTB’s Partners Program, which is a structured 1:1 program that connects office leadership with small-to-mid-sized partner firms to facilitate individual sessions on a variety of business strategy and management topics. By providing tangible support tailored to the unique needs of diverse businesses, we ensure their success and foster a community of mutual growth and ongoing support among our clients, teams and communities.

By implementing these strategies, agencies can continue economic growth and favorably contribute to communities they serve.

 

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