Barbara Raye worked with department leaders and the Office of Civil Rights to bring together over 50 stakeholders representing large and small contractors, business associations, unions, community advocates and organizers to form a Collaborative that could work with MnDOT to address issues of unmet goals related to lack of participation by minority and female workers and minority and female owned small businesses.

Barbara facilitated the group through the hard and rough stages of forming, storming, and norming. The group had very difficult conversations about race and systemic bias, programs and outreach, and transparency.

The Department has made some changes, the community better understands the issues and laws related to highway/transportation construction, large contractors see the benefits of a diverse workplace, and respectful relationships allow for healthy conversations and continuing suggestions for change.

https://www.dot.state.mn.us/civilrights/collaborative.html