FRI-D11: To DBE or not to DBE: Leveraging Diversity as a Strategic Advantage

Friday, October 10, 2025

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM CT

1.25 PDH, LA CES/non-HSW

Speaker(s)

Patricia Algara, FASLA, PLA

Principal
BASE Landscape Architecture
San Francisco, California
Elsa Mark-Ng (she/her/hers)

Associate Studio Manager
Agency Landscape + Planning
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Hana Ishikawa, Affil. ASLA, AIA

Partner/Design Principal
site design group
Chicago, Illinois

Diversity is a common buzzword, but why does it really matter? Three professionals from minority and/or women-led firms discuss the benefits and pitfalls of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, what it means to practice as a DBE, and how each is navigating threats to DEI programs.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the context and importance of DBE programs nationally, and the threats to it today.
Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of being DBE certified, and understand how being a DBE firm impacts the design work.
Explore specific examples of when leaning into diversity in the project team has led to better project outcomes.
Learn how diversity, equity, and inclusion can be integrated into all aspects of practice.