February 5, 2021

Inclusion Award — Midsize firm

KBA

KBA is guided by four core values: value people, relationships and community; provide creative solutions; professionalism and integrity; and delivering quality results.

Each of these core values supports fostering an inclusive work environment and a diverse workforce. From the beginning over 26 years ago, KBA’s founder, Kristin Betty, strove to build a purpose-built firm, doing one thing, and doing it better than everyone else. These guiding principles included delivering services to clients, in addition to building teams of best-in-class talent and incorporating best business practices.

Having a diverse workforce that is not constrained by “group think” is one of those best practices used to build teams, both internally and when choosing consultants. KBA’s workforce comprises 35.4% of women, 27.3% minorities and includes veterans and people with disabilities. Both women and minorities are represented in firm leadership positions, including but not limited to; president, engineer of record and board chair. This diversity extends throughout the company, including internships to students that help fill the pipeline of future talent to the engineering community.

As a firm that has recently grown from a single founder to a midsize firm of over 100, KBA frequently shares recent experiences to assist emerging firms. This help has included advice on business practices, ownership transition, leadership transition, business management, marketing and introductions to leaders at firms with business teaming opportunities. KBA believes that good competition and a diverse and inclusive workforce makes everyone better in business.

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