Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Planning, Real Estate & Facilities

Our approach

We are deeply committed to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive environment within our global institution. We believe in fostering an atmosphere where individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences not only thrive but also have a strong sense of belonging. Our dedication extends to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve both academic and professional success.

As an integral part of the university-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities (PREF) DEI team actively works to create a workplace that is not only equitable and inclusive but also extends these principles throughout the university and into the broader community

DEI leadership

of Planning, Real Estate and Facilities

Beyazmin Jiménez

Director of DEI at PREF

our DEI pillars

Hiring and Advancement

Expands the diversity and representation of our staff at all levels through equitable and inclusive hiring and advancement.

Work Environment

Creates an inclusive daily work environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging and engagement.

Economic Inclusion

Includes diverse members of the community in Northeastern’s economic prosperity.

Education

Creates a workforce that is culturally competent and increasingly attentive to DEI in the workplace. 

2023 community benefits annual report

Northeastern’s City and Community Engagement compiles information yearly about Northeastern’s commitments in local neighborhoods, progress reports on construction projects, and data on hiring practices. 

Our DEI Journey

Planning, Real Estate, & Facilities

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2020

Initiation

  • PREF DEI Task Force formed
  • DEI focus areas established
  • Task Force recruitment initiative begins
  • Task Force recommendations reviewed by PREF  leadership
^

2021

Planning

  • DEI Advisory Monthly Meetings begins
  • DEI Action Work Planning begins
  • Northeastern hires Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Karl Reid and forms the central DEI office for Northeastern
  • Madison Park Technical High School Mentorship Apprenticeship Program launches
^

2022

Team Building

  • Climate Justice & Sustainability Hub was formed with a directive to center equity and inclusion
  • The Council advocates for the hiring of a new DEI Director for PREF
  • Engagement and Belonging Survey launched as an effort by the Workplace Environment Committee
^

2023

Implementation

  • PREF & BECMA Partnership launched as part of the effort of the Economic Inclusion Committee
  • The Climate Hub kicks off the process for the Climate Justice Action Plan
  • Inclusive Hiring Management training begins for all PREF managers
  • DEI Learning Series launches as part of an effort from the Education Committee

 

Stories that illustrate our deep commitment to DEI

Mentorship Turned Mutual

Mentorship Turned Mutual

Mentorship Turned MutualBy Michael Earls with the Climate Justice and Sustainability Hub When envisioning a mentoring relationship, you may picture a wise teacher imparting knowledge to an eager student—a one-way dynamic of education and growth. But at Northeastern’s...

Cultivating Connections Through Mentorship

Cultivating Connections Through Mentorship

Cultivating Connections Through Mentorship In the heart of Northeastern University’s Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities (PREF) division, amidst the hum of productivity and the shuffle of paperwork, two colleagues find a quiet corner for a moment of reflection....

Prioritizing supplier diversity

We are committed to ensuring all qualified diverse suppliers can compete and participate in the sourcing and procurement process.  To help achieve this mission, we have developed a comprehensive set of guidelines to assist businesses seeking to partner with the department.

DEI partners & resources

The Lab for Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Diverse businesses have the opportunity to tap into Northeastern’s entrepreneurial ecosystems of centers, institutes, and start-up labs.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Northeastern’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) is the central coordinating hub to provide DEI leadership across the university

Northeastern's Finance Forms

Northeastern University Finance Division library of forms that may be required during the financial aid and billing process.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Supporting small business through public policy initiatives, and events designed to connect small businesses in Greater Boston 

Empower DEI

An advanced and accelerated training program for experienced, licensed existing MBE and/or WBE NECA Contractors and IBEW 103 electricians seeking to open a businesses.

Builders of Color Coalition

Increasing access and diversity in Boston’s commercial real estate sector, to create a generational impact in economic opportunity.

Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA)

Working to advance the economic well-being of Black businesses, organizations, and residents in Massachusetts.

Planners of Color Network

A network of planners, designers, creatives, architects and community development professionals in Massachusetts.

Owners Diversity Group

Comming soon!

Diverse business certification resources

Supplier Diversity Office

The SDO’s mission is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in state contracting for businesses owned by minorities, women, Portuguese, veterans, service-disabled veterans, those with a disability, and LGBT individuals, as well as small Massachusetts businesses. 

Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council

The Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) advances business opportunities for certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises and connects them to corporate members.                                                                                         

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

A leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping women-owned businesses thrive. WBENC believes that diversity promotes innovation, opens doors, and creates partnerships that fuel the economy.

City of Boston Supplier Diversity Office

 Boston SDO aims to create equal opportunities for businesses of all kinds within the City. After a business is certified with Boston SDO, it will be included in Boston SDO outreach efforts for the City projects. Boston SDO can also connect businesses to resources offered outside of the City.

Consortiums

Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC)

The Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) is the premier source for regionalized New England group purchasing in the United States

The Boston Consortium for Higher Education

The Boston Consortium for Higher Education manages shared service programs designed to help members realize additional value, collaborate, and achieve administrative excellence.

E&I Cooperative Services

E&I Cooperative Services is member-owned, non-profit sourcing cooperative exclusively focused on serving the education community. And because it’s our sole focus, we are uniquely equipped with the knowledge, experience, and passion to meet the specialized needs of educational procurement.

Boston Consortium

The Boston Consortium for Higher Education empowers its member institutions to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Other consortiums located on Northeastern Finance page:

Northeastern University does business with hundreds of vendors in a variety of industries. If you own a business and want to provide your goods or services to Northeastern please visit this page for more information.