As part of our series of chats with diversity specialists, today we’re speaking with Mercedes Gamor. Mercedes is the first-ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist at Prime Electric, one of the most prolific electrical construction contractors on the West Coast of the US. Today, she joins us to talk about how Prime Electric is going above and beyond just ‘checking the diversity box’. Tuning in, you’ll hear about how she got involved in the construction industry, how she discovered her passion for DEI, and some of the DEI initiatives she is involved with at Prime Electric, including their Subcontractor Assist Supplier Diversity Program. Her passion overlaps with her role in the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) where she forms part of the National DEI Committee. You’ll also hear about her passion for affordable housing, the lack of this in Seattle, and her work to address this through the Habitat for Humanity Seattle King County Young Professionals Group. To learn more about DEI in the construction industry and some examples of programs that are making a difference, as well as Mercedes’ advice to anyone in a position of power, tune in today!
Sn. 4, #6 Mercedes Gamor: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Construction Industry
Emily Soloby
Emily received her BA in Women’s Studies and JD from Temple University. Early on, she worked as a legal advocate for women in domestic violence cases. After practicing law, Emily began working on the business side of things. She is the co-owner of AAA School of Trucking, a truck and heavy equipment safety training firm, which she has spent the last 10 years growing into a thriving national business through government and military contracting and corporate partnerships.
As an executive in the transportation industry, darting from client meeting to trucking range required safety boots that met her style standards, and when she couldn’t find them anywhere, she created Juno Jones Shoes. Emily trained in shoemaking in Cuernavaca, Mexico and at the Brooklyn Shoe Space, and assembled a powerhouse team of designers, consultants, and industry experts to bring Juno Jones to life. Through Juno Jones Shoes, Emily is fulfilling her dream of not only providing women with safe, stylish footwear options for their jobs but of helping to normalize and empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
For more information go to junojonesshoes.com.
Mercedes Gamor
Mercedes Gamor is the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist at Prime Electric and is involved with the National Association of Women in Construction at a local and national level. She is on the Puget Sound Chapter #60 Board as a Director and Membership Chair and she also co-leads the Communication Pillar of the national DE&I Committee, handling all their social media. She loves to be involved in the community and is also on the Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County Young Professionals Board as Recruiting and Membership Chair.
Mercedes grew up in the Puget Sound area where her dad was a general contractor, but she has her own unique journey to a career in construction. She is currently planning her COVID-postponed wedding and lives with her husband and three cats in Kirkland, WA.
