Description:
Join Tonya Byrd and Jolsna Thomas as they share insight on why it is valuable for a contractor to get engaged with the communities where you build and how to create an inclusive working environment for your teams while winning work. More owners are wanting to see how to engage with the local community; Tonya and Jolsna will walk you through examples of how to go beyond throwing dollars at sponsorships to creating positive impact.
Speakers:
Tonya Byrd
Business Development Manager
Gilbane Building Company
Tonya serves as a Business Development Manager for Gilbane Building Company, a construction management firm and has years of sales and construction industry experience developing influential relationships and delivering strategic value.
She is an active participant in several civic and industry organizations including, University of West Georgia Foundation (Board of Trustees), Douglas County Education Foundation (Board of Directors), Wellstar Hospital Authority Board (Board Member), Association of General Contractors (National Business Development Forum Steering Committee), SMPS, CREW, and more importantly NAWIC (Board of Directors).
As a self-proclaimed foodie, she is passionate about traveling and experiencing different cultures. In her spare time, she has a passion for operating in the DEI space to help us all grow collectively and professionally as we move the needle in the construction industry for enhanced opportunities, collaborative, and inclusive participation for all, and ensure a welcomed seat at all tables.
Jolsna Thomas
President
The Rosendin Foundation
Jolsna John Thomas is President of The Rosendin Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Rosendin Holdings, parent company to Rosendin Electric (Rosendin) and Modular Power Solutions (MPS). Prior to her elevation to the President role at the Foundation, Jolsna served as Rosendin’s Business Development Manager for Texas. She oversees all volunteerism and community giving for Rosendin Holdings and its subsidiary organizations. Since her tenure commenced, The Rosendin Foundation has awarded $1,240,350 to one hundred and seventy-four (174) nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. Jolsna also sits on Rosendin’s Diversity and Inclusion Council which advises the Executive Committee. In that capacity she encourages diversity and inclusion within Rosendin Holdings and with its subcontractor and vendor community ensuring that women-owned and minority-owned businesses develop strong relationships with the parent company.
The City of Austin appointed Jolsna to three commissions: the Chair of the Firefighters, Police, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel Civil Service Commission, Vice Chair and Mayor’s Appointee to the Construction Advisory Committee, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Austin Convention Enterprises Board, a quasigovernmental board. She serves as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Austin Chapter Director and chairs the Scholarship and Camp NAWIC committees. Camp NAWIC, a free week-long summer camp for middle school girls to learn about the construction industry through hands-on activities. Jolsna is a director for the South Asian Bar Association of Austin and continues to guide the national organization by serving on its Advisory Council and as a Champion of its charitable arm. She is a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Austin where she mentors their DEI Committee.
Jolsna obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and her Juris Doctorate from American University Washington College of Law.
WebEd Recording:
Everyone who registers for an AGC WebEd will receive a link with access to the audio recording and the presentation.
Technology Requirements:
AGC of America uses GoToWebinar to conduct its WebEd. You will not incur any cost for using the platform. However, if you have not used this platform previously, please test your computer prior to the WebEd. Prior to joining, be sure to check system requirements to avoid any connection issues. If you’re having trouble connecting to your webinar please check the GoToWebinar Support Page for help.