We know the civil construction and infrastructure sector has an equity gap at the leadership level, and we believe opening opportunities for minorities, women, and veterans can benefit families and communities that often get left behind. Join us in supporting business owners, employers, and job seekers by creating a pipeline from entry-level roles to management opportunities and beyond.
While 20% of all construction workers hold manager titles, Black and Hispanic laborers fall well below that line at 12.3% and 9%, respectively. This is less than half the rate of their white (24%) and Asian (26%) counterparts. And although 25% of construction workers in the US are self-employed, only 9% of general contractors are women, and only 16% of businesses are Black- or minority-owned.
America’s infrastructure desperately needs an upgrade, but more jobs are available than people to fill them.
We know the issue is not capability, but access.
Community Pipeline Inc. facilitates culturally equitable professional and business development to grow the heavy civil construction and utilities infrastructure sector. We do this by:
– Leveraging industry expertise and data to identify market trends and needs
– Establishing career pathways to equip job-seekers with high-demand skills
– Building networks between business owners, community partners, and underserved talent pipelines
A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA, Mr. Thompson earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. He has managed federal and local government grant funding for workforce development, contracts and commercial insurance policies in the facilities maintenance industry before joining Community Pipeline in August 2022. Michael currently sits on the board for 773 Dance Project, an organization offering dance programming to youth on the South Side of Chicago.
The President & CEO of SYTE Corporation, Mr. Short is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a construction industry professional with more than 25 years of experience. In his role as CEO, he ensures SYTE’s adherence to all industry safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements. Under his leadership, SYTE Corporation has established itself as a preferred partner to many government agencies and private sector entities. Mr. Short studied electrical engineering at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, and received his executive education at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University in Hanover, NH. His public service commitments include serving and supporting veteran-based organizations such as the Dive Heart Military Wounded Program and Leave No Veterans Behind.
Jim Blissitt, III
Formerly of Chicago Public Schools & Chicago Urban League
Michael Meier
BlueGrace Logistics
Kahmal Patterson
SYTE Corporation
Mario Short
SYTE Corporation
