Yolanda McIntosh

Tell us about your background.

I was born in St. Paul and spent my early childhood residing in the Rondo neighborhood. As a graduate of Bethel University, I obtained my master’s in Strategic Leadership and bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership. I worked in state civil service for 24 years before transitioning to the private sector. In the area of civil service, I had an extensive background in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) workforce contract compliance. In the private sector I served as the Corporate EEO Officer for a large highway heavy contractor.

Share about the work of Associated General Contractors of MN.

I am the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the Associated General Contractors of MN (AGC MN), a non-profit professional trade association where I serve as a catalyst and a conduit in partnering members with resources, opportunities, and advocacy to further support diverse businesses and communities of color in their concerted efforts to compete for projects and provide employment in all aspects of today’s vast and expansive industry. Under my leadership, AGC MN has created a member-led DEI Council. The DEI Council serves as a resource for the association to create best practices that foster minority and women owned businesses, employment opportunities, and business and employment requirements and standards.

In the DEI space, AGC MN is working to ensure members are equipped with the resources they need to combat harassment, hazing and bullying. Initiated as a partnership between AGC of America and AGC of Washington, Culture of CARE is an initiative created to advance the construction industry as the industry of choice for diverse and talented worker by building inclusive work environments in construction firms nationwide. For more information: www.buildculture.org

What do you think are some of the challenges of attracting more people to the skilled trades in Ramsey County?

In speaking on behalf of people of color, people of color want to see a reflection of themselves, regardless of gender. Many companies that recruit from the community send representatives who do not reflect the community (their target audience). A great way to attract more people of color would be to send skilled tradespersons who reflect the community versus staff professionals who often do not reflect the target audience nor the skilled trades.

Where do you see the most opportunities for residents who may have interest in a career in construction?

The trades are a great entry to a career in construction. However, I believe the greatest opportunities for residents are with companies who do not limit people of color to only trade positions. Companies who employ people of color, in all aspects of the construction industry; trades, professional, managerial, and corporate leadership roles are where the greatest opportunities are made manifest.