March of Dimes, the national organization committed to improving the health of moms and babies, today honored Don Biernacki, Senior Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest, with the Leadership in the Private Sector Award for his work in encouraging inclusive hiring practices throughout the construction and real estate industry. The award, announced at March of Dimes’ 25th Annual Transportation and Construction Awards, celebrates those who demonstrate an unparalleled dedication to uplifting women and women-owned businesses in the transportation and construction trades.
"I am so grateful to be honored by such an impactful organization that fights daily for the health and wellbeing of moms and babies across the country," said Vice President of Construction Don Biernacki. "Moms and babies often bear the brunt of costly treatment, medical bills, and discriminatory policies in the workplace; At Related Midwest, we work hard to ensure that women from all communities are afforded the opportunities they deserve to have a good job, a respectable wage, and an opportunity to support the health and wellness of their families.”
Related Midwest is committed to collaborating with local, small, minority and women-owned businesses to create job opportunities and foster growth in the communities that house its developments. Related Midwest organized a Community Inclusion Council of trusted business and community partners to help implement programs, monitor progress and most importantly hold Related accountable to their community hiring goals.
Over that past ten years, Related Midwest awarded more than $250 million dollars of work to minority-and women-owned businesses ranging from landscaping to fencing to general construction. Related has hired more than 450 community residents and has awarded seven local companies with their first ever contract. In addition to contracting with new and local minority and women owned businesses, Related Midwest also provides mentorship, business support and training to community entrepreneurs.
Don has been honored for his commitment to community inclusion and hiring by a number of organizations. Don was named as the 2017 recipient of the Award of Honor by the CBC, an award given to individuals who have distinguished themselves in both the community, and the construction industry as a whole. He has also been recognized by Reverend Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition as a Distinguished Labor Leader.
Don serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Saturday Place and also serves as board member of the Construction Engineering Advisory Council at Marquette University. Don also serves on the Board of Directors of SOS Children's Villages Illinois, a quality and innovative and foster care provider.
