Speakers
Ms. Rita Phillip is the Corporate Business Diversity and Development Officer for Zachry Construction Corporation (Zachry), a privately owned, construction and materials company. Ms. Phillip is responsible for developing, implementing and managing Zachry’s corporate and national business diversity programs, including overseeing the small business enterprise educational/training programs and community involvement. As an advocate for the inclusion of small, minority and women-owned businesses in construction, architecture, and engineering, Ms. Phillip is responsible for leading and championing the company’s efforts to increase opportunities and utilization with diverse businesses to participate in the competitive contracting and procurement processes.
Ms. Phillip joined Zachry Construction Corporation in 2001. Her program was recognized by the Governor of Texas in 2010 with a proclamation. In particular, this recognition extended to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the development of an educational and training program in the construction industry for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to participate. Ms. Phillip was recognized by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), San Antonio chapter as one of San Antonio’s “Most Influential Female Leaders” and was most recently recognized with a “Diversity First” award from the Texas Diversity Council. Ms. Phillip was featured in the 2014 inaugural edition of “Who’s Who San Antonio - Women of Distinction.”
In addition to her role with Zachry Construction Corporation, Ms. Phillip is an active civic leader who enthusiastically serves on several committees and task forces, including the AGC of Texas where she serves on the DBE/HUB/SBE, OJT and Prompt Payment Committees. She is also serves on several local boards and other committees that support diversity, including the Black Contractors Association.
Ms. Phillip is a skilled public speaker who speaks extensively and makes presentations to a variety of local, regional and national organizations, community leaders and minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises.